Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are a problem of fissuring and thickening of the foot’s skin.

Cracked heels are the main problem of foot.

The skin of the foot may bleed and cause severe pain in case of deep fissures.

The alternative name of cracked heels is fissures.The colors of skin of the foot are also change in dark brown or yellow with cracked heels.

In some cases, cracked heels are developed by the deficiency of moisturizer and over exposure.

Causes of Cracked Heels:

  • Dry skin
  • Obesity
  • Surgery to the lower extremities
  • Mal-aligment of the metatarsal bones
  • High arched feet
  • Athlete’s feet
  • Sweat glands
  • Prolonged standing
  • Wearing tight shoes
  • Heel spurs
  • Flat feet
  • Shoes do not wear properly
  • Thyroid disease
  • Psoriasis
  • Diabetes

Signs and symptoms of cracked heels:

  • Dark or yellow skin of the foot
  • Severe pain in open back shoes or thin soles
  • Cracked and peeling skin
  • Hard skin on the heel of foot
  • Experience pain during walking barefoot
  • Itchy skin
  • Flaky or red patches on the foot’s skin

Internal and external factors for cracked heels

Internal factors

Cracked heels
  • Dry scaly skin because of other health problems or climate
  • Due to ageing, thick and dry skin of foot with loss of elasticity
  • Calcaneal spurs, flat foot and others injuries or congenital problems
  • Deficiency of minerals, zinc and vitamins

External factors

  • Standing for long term period
  • Heat during summer
  • Changes in the posture of walking
  • Unhygienic conditions or circumstances

Treatment for cracked heels

  • Use a pumice stone for reducing the hard and dry skin from the heels
  • Apply a moisturizing cream on the affected area
  • Do not wear thin soled shoes or open backed shoes
  • One should wear shoes with a good shock absorbing sole
  • Before going to the bed at night, apple foot care cream to reduce the dry skin and cracked heels.
  • As the excess moisture can cause bacterial infections like athlete’s foot, so make sure about the avoiding foot balm, foot cream and foot lotion.

Prevention

  • Wear comfortable, soft and cushioned slippers or shoes
  • Apply essential oils on the dry skin of foot
  • Always keep soles of foot clean
  • For preventing friction, wear cotton socks
  • Take vitamins, minerals and zinc in diet such as fresh leafy green vegetables, fruits, dates etc.

People who are suffered from cracked heels, should avoid the following:

  • Tight shoes
  • Direct contact of chemical such as bleaching powder
  • Walking bare foot
  • In water, standing for long term period
  • Using soaps that contain harmful chemicals