Cracked heels are a condtion that can be annoying and painful if left untreated. If you have a cracked heel condition we recommend seeing a podiatrist for all foot problems. This article should not be relied on for a medical diagnosis or treatment for feet problems. Cracked heels or heel fissures are mostly caused by dry skin and if the skin is thick around the rim of the heel of your foot. Cracked heels are a common foot problem but when the cracks or fissures are deep they can cause pain and the skin can bleed. It can become painful when standing on your feet for long periods of time especially if you stand on hard floors. In severe cases it can cause an infection in your heels. The skin on your heels may develop a thick callous and appear as a yellow or brown discoloration along the side of your heel. Some causes of cracked heels include:
- Standing on your feet for long periods of time.
- If you are overweight it will increase the pressure on the heels causing the pad under the heel to expand sideways.
-Wearing open backed shoes allows the heel to expand out and increase the pressure on your heel.
- Dry skin caused by some medical conditions.
- Psoriasis and eczema can be causes.
There are some things you can do to help cracked heel conditions. Twice a day apply an oil based moisturizing cream to you heels. Use a pumice stone to reduce the thickness of the hard skin and do not wear open backed shoes or thin soled shoes. Our website www.lionfootweardirect.com offers a foot cream and heel cups that will help with cracked heels.
Dave Clark
