What Causes Cracked Heels?
Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, develop when the skin on your heels becomes dry, thick, and less flexible. This makes it prone to splitting under pressure. Here are some common reasons why cracked heels might occur:
- Dry Skin: The skin on your feet naturally tends to be dry, and when exposed to harsh conditions like hot weather, sun, and wind, or when wearing open-backed shoes like sandals, it can become even drier and more likely to crack.
- Fungal Infections: This is a common cause of dry skin and subsequent heel fissures. Resolving fungal infection first is essential in order that the heel fissures can be permanently resolved.
- Pressure: Standing for long periods, being overweight, or wearing shoes that don’t fit properly can increase the pressure on your heels, causing the skin to thicken and eventually crack.
- Poor Footwear Choices: Shoes that don’t provide adequate support or cushioning can exacerbate the problem, leading to further stress on your heels.
- Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, eczema, and hypothyroidism can lead to dry skin, making you more susceptible to developing cracked heels. If you have diabetes, you need to be extra cautious, as cracks can lead to infections that are more difficult to treat.
Treatment for Cracked Heels
At Health First Foot and Gait Clinic, we offer a range of treatments to manage and resolve cracked heels. It’s important to address the problem early to prevent it from worsening.
- Moisturising and Exfoliation: For mild cases, applying a high-strength urea-based moisturiser daily can help keep the skin hydrated and prevent further cracking. Regular use of a foot file to remove dead skin cells will keep your heels smooth and prevent the skin from becoming thick and hard. You can purchase these products directly from us, ensuring you have the best tools for home care.
- Professional Treatment: If your cracked heels have progressed beyond what can be managed at home, professional treatment is often necessary. Our podiatrists can safely remove the thickened skin using specialised tools like blades and drills. Although this might sound daunting, the procedure is painless and can bring significant relief.
- Advanced Care for Severe Cracks: For deeper cracks that have reached the dermis (the layer of skin where nerves and blood vessels are located), we may use medical-grade glues to close the fissures, special dressings to protect the area, and heel sleeves to keep the skin moisturised and promote healing. In some cases, if the cracks are infected, appropriate treatment will be provided to ensure proper healing.
Symptoms of Cracked Heels
Cracked heels can vary in severity, and the symptoms you experience will depend on how advanced the condition is:
1. Dry, Thickened Skin: Your heels may appear dry, thickened, and often yellow or brown. This is usually the first sign that cracks might develop.
2. Visible Cracks: Small or large cracks, known as fissures, may form in the thickened skin. These can start off as shallow and painless but can deepen over time.
3. Pain and Bleeding: When the cracks extend into the deeper layers of skin, they can cause pain, bleeding, and an increased risk of infection, particularly if you have an underlying health condition.
Preventing Cracked Heels
Preventing cracked heels is often easier than treating them, especially if you’re prone to dry skin or have conditions that increase your risk. Here’s how you can keep your heels in good condition:
- Moisturise Regularly: As long as there is no underlying fungal infection, use a high-quality, urea-based cream daily to keep your skin supple and hydrated. This will help maintain elasticity and prevent cracking.
- Wear Supportive Footwear: Choose shoes that provide good support and cushioning for your heels. Avoid wearing open-backed shoes for long periods, as they can contribute to dryness and increased pressure on the heels.
- Practice Good Foot Hygiene: Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap, making sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Regular exfoliation can also help prevent the build-up of hard, thick skin.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help maintain the moisture balance in your skin, reducing the likelihood of dryness and cracking.
Routine Check-Ups: If you have diabetes or other health conditions that affect your feet, regular check-ups with our podiatrists are essential. We can monitor your foot health and address any issues before they become more serious.
When to Seek Professional Help
While mild cases of cracked heels can often be managed at home with proper care, more severe or persistent cases require professional attention. If you notice deep cracks, bleeding, or signs of infection, it’s important to seek help from our experienced podiatrists. Early intervention can prevent complications and restore your feet to good health.
At Health First Foot and Gait Clinic, we are dedicated to fixing the feet that others can’t fix. Whether you’re dealing with cracked heels or any other foot-related issue, our team is here to provide you with the expert care you need. Contact us today to book an appointment and take the first step towards healthy, comfortable feet.
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Couldn't be more thankful for the quick and friendly service. I needed help fast (I couldn't wait 2-3 months for nail surgery on the NHS) and Jonathan sorted me out just three days after I phoned to enquire. I felt very confident and relaxed in Health First. Thank you all!
Amy Duffin
Excellent treatments fully recommend. Jonathon is very professional and knows what he is doing. Very experienced and takes into account your needs. I am currently relaxing with a hot wax treatment.
Valerie Jukes
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Jonathan is great - passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated to getting people’s foot problems sorted.
I had the pleasure of helping him recently with promotion material for a podshealheels and he delivered a superb lecture to a group of patients and professionals. Dave James
I was suffering with quite a complicated situation, both plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon insertion and they required different treatment. Johnathon expertly explained how he was going to deal with the problem and glad to say that after an intensive course of treatment things have improved. Di Griffin-Bloxham
- Jonathan is an inspirational Podiatrist.
Having attended several courses that have been run by Jonathan and having been lucky enough to have heard him speak at multiple professional events, my knowledge has increased dramatically, as has my love for Podiatry.
A true gentleman and a fabulous educator.
Sarah Byrne
I've been going to Health First for 10+ years. Both Jonathan and Judy are excellent Foot Doctors with specialisms to help with quirky problems. The reception staff have always been lovely. I have the wax treatment which is both relaxing and really helps my feet
Maria Lucas
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Thank you to Jonathan for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with me. Five stars! Thanks a bunch!
Hannah Krepski
I visited Jonathan with terrible foot pain, he diagnosed it as plantar fasciitis after a full check and I was given sets of exercises to heal my foot, I have just left after my third visit and the pain has all but gone, I found Jonathan and Kate very friendly, would and have recommend to others, Thank you.👣 Paul Fogg
- Had a fantastic day observing in clinic yesterday!
Jonathan AMAZED me with his extensive knowledge, he was very supportive & I learnt so much just in 1 day!
I admire Jonathans determination & drive to help his patients resolve any issues they may have & I hope to follow in his footsteps once I graduate from university.
Thanks again for the opportunity your useful and excellent advice will always remain with me.
Faye 🙂
Faye Green
I’ve known Jonathan for quite some time as we share the same passion for feet. Experienced, knowledgeable and motivated. I have no hesitation in recommending his services to anyone in his local area. Faye At
- As a foot heath practitioner who has recently attended one of Jonathan’s talks I would refer my patients on to him without reservation should they need specialist input. His lectures are interesting, informative and motivating. I have crossed his path at numerous events where I have listened to him. He instills confidence.
Liza Clarke
Excellent service. The clinic was efficient enough that Jonathan was able to undertake toe surgery on the same day of my first appointment (just minutes after the problem was diagnosed!). The staff were very friendly and informative, and kept me very much at ease during the entire process. I was very appreciative and will be returning if I have any similar problems in the future. Highly recommended!
Joe Miller
- Jonathan is very helpful and knowledgeable, he has looked after my feet over the years and I trust him completely. He is always polite, kind and considerate
Tracey Bianciardi
Jonathan Small has been treating me for a range of foot and gait problems for a number of
Years including plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuromas and joint hypermobility. As well as physical
Treatment he has supplied me with various orthotics which have really helped me keep
Mobile and reasonably fit. I am undergoing treatment at the moment and I fully expect that
Jonathan will be as successful as he has been in the past. All the staff at Health First are
Friendly and helpful. Pam Alexander
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I have been seeing Jonathan for over 20 years. He did a wonderful job to get me from hobbling around a golf course, barely able to finish a round, to fully engaging in a range of sports and activities I thought were beyond me for good. I continue to use his services when worn-out orthotics need replacing. He is a consummate professional and a very friendly, decent guy to boot. He is well supported by his excellent reception team. I thoroughly recommend Health First to anyone looking for a top quality foot care service and am happy to vouch in person if anyone cares to get in touch.
Andrew Hall
I was recommended to go and see Jonathan from an excellent local pilates instructor who I trust implicitly, so I knew that the recommendation didn't come lightly. I was not disappointed. Jonathan has been attentive, professional, knowledgeable and provided a very considered solution to my plantar fasciitis. His team are always friendly and helpful - even when I got stuck in traffic and missed my appointment! Highly recommend!
Clare Price
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Excellent service. I am so pleased with the help, advice and treatment recieved. Many thanks
Jackie Dewdney
hi everyone
I've been battling with planter fasciitis in my heel for 15 months, Jonathan small was highly recommended. I got no such luck from my doctor. I give these a ring and got me in straight away. Met Jonathan had a brief chat the knowledge and information given was very helpful put me on a 6 week course and my foot is the best its been in a long time.
From start to finish my experience was great. highly recommend Jonathan and his staff all very friendly. Cheryl Higgins
- Last night I attended a talk by Jonathan on diabetes. What an amazing resource of knowledge the local NHS has lost by no longer employing him. But thankfully we still have his private practice in Warwickshire and I will be referring all my diabetic patients to find out their level of risk. Thanks Jonathan for a very interesting evening you should do more talks to spread the word about diabetes to other FHPs.
Chris Nock
Excellent well informed professional service. Treatment options discussed, and every effort made to deliver appropriate care promptly.
Thank you to Jonathan and the team. Carol Brewer