Cracked Heels - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment to Get Rid of Cracked Heels

Definition

Cracked heels are often called heel fissures. Cracked heels are very common. They can be painful, unattractive, and very upsetting especially to those of us who love sandals. These are commonly caused by dry skin i.e. xerosis and made more complicated if skin around the rim of heel is thick. These are linear cut wounds. These affect the surface level usually which comprises of the epidermis. Usually it is not painful and deep and it is just a cosmetic problem. But sometimes it becomes deeper and also painful. Then it needs special attention to be given. Appearances of cracked heels also indicate zinc and omega-3 fatty acid deficiency. Bleeding may also occur if the cracks are deep.

Causes

1. The main cause of cracked heels is that people tend to have a naturally dry skin in feet. This dry skin predisposes to have cracks. If the skin around the heel is thick then the chances to have cracks are more.
2. The other cause if pressure on the heel. Due to high pressure on the heels, the heels tend to have a sideway motion and as a result of that cracks make their way. This pressure may be due to standing for a long time during work etc. It can also be exerted if you are overweight.
3. Sometimes persons have Mal-alignment of the metatarsal bones i.e. the structure of the sole of foot is little abnormal. These people tend to have a high degree of cracked heel as compared to others.
4. Sometimes some diseases also help in causing this problem. Disease and Disorders like Athlete’s foot, Psoriasis, Eczema, Thyroid disease, Diabetes and some other skin conditions may also cause cracked heels.

Symptoms

1. The first sign of getting cracked heels is the development of dry, hard, thickened skin around the rim of the heel. This is called a callus.
2. The color may be yellow or dark brown.
3. In the starting the cuts are small but if these are left untreated for a long time they may convert to deep and painful cuts. They may feel you painful while standing or on small pressure on heel.
4. If the cracks are deep and painful the chances of bleeding are lot more.
5. Sometimes there are red and flaky patches on the heel of the foot. An immediate attention is needed if this symptom is seen.

Treatment

1. If the cracks are simple and on the surface of heel then treatment is easy but if cracks are deeper then special attention is needed.
2. The simplest way is to use some moisturizing cream.
3. If you are facing this problem then open backed shoes should be avoided.
4. Never try to pare down the skin yourself by using cutter or razor blade. It is very dangerous as it can be infectious.
5. Use good quality shoes which have ability to absorb shocks.
6. Use pumice stone to reduce the thickness of the hard skin. It is very useful.
7. Apply any shortening or hydrogenated vegetable oil after washing the feet clean on dry and cracked areas of the feet. After applying a thick coat of shortening on the feet, wear a pair of thick socks. Leaving this application overnight can surely provide positive results in few days.