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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I have received first class treatment and my foot is feeling less painful especially after the
laser treatment I had on it. 
Mary Richardson
I experienced a very accurate diagnosis. Treatment was good and the pain is easing very nicely. Greeted by a pleasant lady on reception and advised of the need to follow PPE. Met with Jonathan who is very friendly and professional just as you would expect. Highly recommend him to help solve your feet/foot problems. John Dewar
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Very professional and friendly service - solved my foot problems where many others had failed -highly recomended.
John Newbold
Knowing Jonathan as a fellow podiatrist. He has a special gift in delivering information and motivating people, which is amazing. I have attended a number of his courses and talks, where he shares his knowledge and skills. An inspirational podiatrist! Lynda Cowan
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Jonathon looked after my mum's feet for a number of years and despite her being a difficult patient at the best of times especially after her stroke he was never anything but cheerful and polite. I was always very grateful for the way he looked after mum and I would highly recommend his services.
David Buchholz
rapid appointment when I needed it and first class service. surgery went very well and recovery so far good with no pain. recommended without reservation.
Jenny Jenny Wootton
- I have had persistent pain with my toenails for years, but did not know the cause of the problem.
Previous visits to a different podiatrist left me with no answers! After researching local podiatrists I found that Health First came highly recommended.
Mr Small quickly found out the cause of my problem and recommended the best treatment options.
The staff were all very friendly and made me feel welcome. All very professional.
I cannot recommend them enough to anyone! Will be going back for my follow up treatment in the new year.
Millie Hefferan
Absolutely great, two big toes up! Gary Shaw
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if you have any worries about your feet then this is the place to go. First class service.i was given Jonathan's details after a foot opperation went wrong he has really helped me and made it now that I can get back to my normal life. thank you guys !!!
Carolyn Clayton
A great practice. Have been using for the past 5 years and always have excellent service. Very friendly and helpful staff. My feet are in great shape
Emily Harris
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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
Excellent experience at the Health First Foot Clinic. I went with a long term problem with my foot which I had self diagnosed incorrectly as a sprained ankle. My injury was assessed and diagnosed and I had a course of treatment . The treatment was further complicated by recent knee replacement but Jonathan continued to find ways to make the treatment work allowing for my recovering knee .I am pleased to say my injury is almost fully recovered which wouldn't have happened if I hadn't gone and they hadn't been so patient . Very happy with the diagnosis and treatment .
The Pet
- They have been caring for my feet for 13 years. I have been very happy with the care I received and looked forwards to the walking on air feeling when treatment was completed. The only reason I will not be visiting them again is because I am shortly moving north to Yorkshire to be nearer my family. Thanks Jonathon for the years of excellent care!
Doreen Johnson
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
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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
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
- My 15 year old son had an ingrown toenail which was very painful. We were able to see Jonathan very quickly who explained everything really clearly, he advised minor surgery to remove part of the nail and said he could do the procedure there and then. The procedure was carried out professionally and with every care for my son. I would highly recommend Jonathan and his clinic. Excellent aftercare also. Thanks so much.
Karen Grant
It was nice to be greeted by pleasant and friendly reception/admin staff.
Johnathan (the podiatrist) was very professional and he was very willing to share his knowledge.
The pain in my foot was laser treated and on the last treatment it was manipulated which was amazing.
I would highly recommend Johnathan.
Ann Ann Maria
- 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
Friendly efficient service. Jonathan is very professional and ensured treatments were booked conveniently and were conducted brilliantly. Solved my verucca after many years of unsuccessful home remedies. Sarah Wilson