Cracked Heel Fissures

Cracked Heels (Heel Fissures)

What Are Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are splits or breaks in the skin around the heel area. They occur when the skin becomes dry, thickened, and less elastic, leading to cracks that can range from superficial to deep and painful.

In some cases, these fissures may bleed or become infected if not treated properly.

What Causes Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels are usually caused by a combination of dry skin and mechanical pressure. Contributing factors include:

Common Causes:

  • Dry skin (xerosis), especially during cold or dry weather
  • Prolonged standing or walking barefoot, especially on hard floors
  • Open-backed footwear (e.g., flip-flops or sandals) that don’t support the heel pad
  • Obesity, which increases heel pressure and skin expansion
  • Callus build-up (thickened skin) that becomes brittle and prone to splitting
  • Foot deformities or gait issues
  • Medical conditions such as diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, or thyroid disease

Symptoms of Heel Fissures

  • Dry, flaky skin around the heel
  • Yellow or brown callus build-up
  • Visible cracks or splits in the skin
  • Pain on walking or standing, especially if the cracks are deep
  • Bleeding or signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge) in severe cases

Preventing Cracked Heels

✅ Daily Foot Care

  • Moisturise your feet twice daily with a urea-based foot cream
  • Avoid soaking feet for long periods—it can worsen dryness
  • Gently file thick or hard skin using a pumice stone (when skin is dry, not wet)

✅ Footwear Advice

  • Avoid open-back shoes or sandals that let the fat pad expand sideways
  • Choose shoes with firm heel counters and cushioning
  • Wear socks to reduce friction and moisture loss

✅ Lifestyle Adjustments

  • Stay hydrated to improve skin quality
  • Reduce prolonged standing on hard surfaces
  • Address foot posture or gait abnormalities that increase heel pressure

When to Seek Professional Help

You should see a podiatrist if:

  • The cracks are painful, deep, or bleeding
  • There are signs of infection (e.g., redness, warmth, pus)
  • Your cracked heels aren’t improving with regular home care
  • You have a condition like diabetes that affects skin healing

How Rowlands Podiatry Can Help

We offer expert treatment for cracked heels, including:

  • Removal of thickened skin using sterile instruments
  • Debridement of fissures to allow skin to heal properly
  • Emollient application and dressing for deep or bleeding fissures
  • Footwear and moisturiser recommendations
  • Custom orthotics or padding to offload heel pressure if needed

For high-risk patients (e.g., those with diabetes or vascular disease), we offer tailored wound care plans to prevent complications.

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🌐 Visit: www.rowlandsfootcare.com