What are the cracked heels?
Cracked heels (also known as heel fissures) are a common foot condition that can cause pain or discomfort in individuals. These conditions are caused by dry skin and often include thickened skin and yellow or brown calluses at the edge of the heel.
The cracks in the heel are often only noticeable. Infected cracks can lead to severe conditions.
Deep cracks in heels can cause pain when someone stands up and sometimes even cause bleeding.
If you experience severe pain, redness, swelling, or soreness in the feet for more than a few weeks, it is a good idea to see a foot specialist.
How do heels get cracked?
Dry, cracked heels can be caused by many factors. The feet are responsible for supporting us and can withstand tremendous pressure. The skin expands when pressure and weight are applied to our heels. Dry skin can cause it to become less elastic and rigid, making it more susceptible to cracking and fissures. This condition is most commonly caused by the following:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Hypothyroidism
- Sjogren's Syndrome
- Eczema
- Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis
- Infections like Athlete's Foot
- Flat Feet
- Heel Spurs
- And more...
How to avoid getting cracked heels?
This condition can be caused by many things. You can take a look at what you do every day and identify any issues. Then, you can change your habits. These are the top causes of heels cracking:
- Low moisture: Dry skin can cause cracked skin more easily. This is due to reduced elasticity.
- Deficiencies: Vitamin, mineral, and zinc deficiencies can negatively impact your heel health.
- Pressure: Standing for a long period of time at work or at home can cause stress to your skin.
- Aging skin: As you age, thick, dry, and scaly skin can lose its elasticity.
- Disorders: Can result from disorders such as athlete’s foot, eczema, and thyroid disease.
- Obesity: Being overweight can put pressure on the fat pad below the heel. It can cause the fat pad to grow in a sideways direction. If the skin is not flexible, apply pressure to the feet. Cracked heels can result.
- Exposed footwear: Shoes and sandals with open backs can cause fat under your heel to expand, causing cracks in your heels.
- Hygiene: Poor hygiene can also play a role in the heels getting cracked.
- Water: Water can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause it to become dry and rough. Dry and cracked heels can result from standing for long periods of time in damp areas like a bathroom.
- Poor fitting shoes: Shoes that are too tight can lead to cracked heels.
- Genetics: Cracked heels could be caused by naturally dry or thickened skin (callus).
Get in touch with our Foot Clinic today and book an appointment right away.