Cracked or Split Heels

Daily life is hard on feet.  

This  rarely occurs to us, but each step that we take, requires the sole of the feet to carry the pressure of our full body weight. If there is a structural imbalance, then this pressure may be disbursed unevenly over the feet. This eventually leads to  corns, callus, blisters and sometimes cracked/split heels (heel fissures). 


Cracked heels are splits in the skin around the heel generally in areas that carry a lot of weight. Heel cracks can become painful over time, depending on severity. They may bleed and become infected. The condition usually follows hand-in-hand with Corns, Callus and/or Blisters.

How Do Cracked Heels Form?

  • Undue pressure on the heels from bodyweight whilst walking and standing, means the skin needs to stretch and spread out a little. But if the heel cannot stretch, because skin is dry and hard then under continuous bodyweight, the skin will split and crack because it has no ‘give’ in it. 

  • Cracked heels may result from wearing particular footwear (thongs, sling-back and open-back sandals). 

  • Excessive bare footedness exposes heels to dryness and promotes calluses. 

  • The type and shape of the sole of the shoe can also contribute to cracked heel.

Treatment

  1. Regular foot care  from a qualified podiatrist is generally the best person to assist when it comes to cracked heels. With removal and regular treatment to identify and prevent potential problems, there is every chance you will soon have significantly better heels and feet generally and no ugly cracks.  

  2. Continue with the daily application of the recommended moisturizer on your feet. This is usually a ‘urea based’ cream.  Your podiatrist will advise on the strength and effective brands.  An antiseptic liquid may have also been recommended if the cracks were deep or infected

  3. Avoid the prolonged use of thongs or bare feet - opt to wear sandals with enclosed heels instead as these retain the moisture in your feet, especially over  the summer months

  4. Wear stockings or cushioning socks whenever possible. The more appropriate your footwear the less likely that you will maintain the cracked heel affliction. Gel socks worn after showering have merit for people prone to heel cracking, but they are popular with non-sufferers too.

  5. Drink an adequate amount of water. Ensure you have the essential fatty acids needed in your diet (e.g. EPA DHA Meta Pure or Omega 3 fatty acids). Both water and fatty acids provide the internal means for keeping the skin hydrated and supple. In cases where the condition is nutrition-based or medical in nature, your podiatrist may refer you to a nutritionist or integrative doctor that we find helpful.

Take the first step!