Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are heavily callused areas around the heels where vertical lines of cracks (fissures) develop. The condition is primarily caused by the angle of heel strike in those with a tendency toward dry skin or hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). The condition is chronic and in need of ongoing management.
Heel fissures create openings into the sub dermis of the foot. Germs and bacteria easily enter into the body in these areas and are especially difficult to treat in a diabetic should an infection develop. Diabetics need to be especially focused on managing heel fissures.
A Vitamin A regime may help with reducing the callusing but those with heel fissures must maintain a daily program of moisturizing and weekly exfoliating. Heels that are adequately moisturized will crack less. Podiatric cutting the callusing down periodically may be needed.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Callusing
- Dry heels
- Keratodermia plantaris
Symptoms:
- Heavy callusing around the heels where vertical fissures develop
- Fissures (vertical cracks) split open, directly exposing the dermis
Signs to look for:
- Heavy callusing around the heels
- Evidence on the shoes of the foot slipping around
- Opening of the fissures
Possible Causes:
- Hereditary
- Chronic dry skin
- Wearing shoes that are too long and/or too wide so the foot slips around too much
- Effects of poor circulation as in diabetes
- Vitamin A deficiency
Goals:
- Reduce and eliminate callusing
- Regular moisturing skin care
- Correct shoe wear
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotic exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotic exercising support
- If diabetic or arthritic, use plastazote cushion
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Attention to correct length and width of shoe
- Wear sandals sparingly as this increases dry skin
Other:
- Regular callus filing with pumice device (leave the cutting of calluses to a physician only)
- Regular moisturing program, such as Heel-so-Smooth or Crack Heel Repair.
- If diabetic, do not put moisturizer between the toes
- Avoid too much sandal wear as it creates and maintains excessively dry conditions on the foot
- Vitamin A therapy
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2011 Carole Romig
Sources Image: Parkgatechiropody.co.uk Text: Foot.com, J. Vonhof, Fixing Your Feet, R. Cailliet, MD, Foot and Ankle Pain, J. Wright, MD, healthertalk.com