Tag Archives: cracked heels

Cracked Hills

Cracked Heels. Common Causes

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When your heels have developed cracked skin, they can feel unattractive, to say the least. The texture of your heels becomes rough, the skin is dry and thick, and occasionally, you will have a yellow or brown callus along the heel. People who have cracked heels may notice they become worse in the colder months. This condition can cause your feet to look older and may be painful or uncomfortable.

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can be caused by various factors:

  1. Dry skin: Lack of moisture is a primary cause. This could be due to weather conditions, dehydration, or poor foot care.
  2. Standing for long periods: Prolonged standing or walking can put pressure on the heels, leading to cracks.
  3. Obesity: Excess weight can cause the fat pad under the heel to expand, leading to cracks under pressure.
  4. Ill-fitting footwear: Shoes that don’t properly support or cushion the feet can contribute to cracked heels.
  5. Skin conditions: Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or athlete’s foot can dry out the skin and cause cracking.
  6. Lack of foot care: Neglecting to regularly moisturize or exfoliate the heels can leave them vulnerable to cracking.
  7. Aging: As we age, skin loses elasticity and becomes drier, making cracked heels more common.

Treating cracked heels involves regularly moisturizing, using pumice stones or foot files to remove dead skin, wearing properly fitting shoes, and addressing any underlying conditions contributing to the issue.

Call housecall podiatrists at Chicago Home Foot Care at 312-998-0974. Our Chicago podiatrists can provide a proper diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history, and potentially recommend imaging studies or other diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

Cracked heels

Cracked Heels

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Cracked Heels Treatments

Dry, cracked heels are not only unsightly, but they can also be a source of pain and embarrassment.  Do you suffer from dry, cracked heels when you wear open heeled sandals? These cracks, known as heel fissures, are caused when excess pressure is placed on dry skin and calluses on the bottom of the foot. They generally aren’t painful at first, but they can be unsightly. If the cracks become deep enough, they can begin to cause pain or even bleed and lead to infection.

The skin on the heels may become dry for a variety of reasons, and this can precede a condition that is known as cracked heels. Standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, and frequently wearing shoes that have an open back are some ways this ailment may develop. There are also medical conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or a thyroid disorder that can cause cracked heels.

If you are suffering from heel fissures, here are some helpful home remedies:

  • Moisturize your feet daily
  • Increase your water intake to keep your body hydrated
  • Wear clean socks and closed shoes as much as possible
  • Limit time in the shower as hot water dries out the skin
  • Avoid barefoot walking, especially on hard surfaces
  • Use a pumice stone in the shower to help remove dead skin & soften calluses

It is important to seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 312-998-0974 to schedule podiatrist visit to your home. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.