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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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
Great service and an extremely friendly atmosphere. Lovely people work here. 
Liam Alexander
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Excellent!!! Very professional service, great treatment and aftercare. Definitely recommend. Thanks for fitting me in at short notice too!!
Clare Everest
Absolutely great, two big toes up! 
Gary Shaw
- 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
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
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I wouldn't trust anyone else with my foot-care. With severe circulation issues, my feet are comprised - Health First have treated me for 15 years and I highly recommend them.
Angela Navarro
Have been suffering from plantar fasciitis for some time. After treatment and advice from the Foot and Gait Clinic my condition is manageable. Thank you I am now pain free. 
Sue Ball
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I made an appointment with Jonathan at the Health First Clinic in Southam, as recommended by Vicki Cooper. It sounded like I had too many issues for Vicki to deal with. I turned up asking for help with removing verrucas that had been there for years and help with an ingrown toenail, that although had been removed and treated, had grown back. I was astounded at Jonathan’s knowledge, and it turns out I was given completely the wrong advice, and treatment, by two other Podiatrists🤬😞. He gave me all instructions and options I didn’t know about, on how to remove the Verrucas, and it turns out my ingrown toenail wasn’t ingrown at all and so was removed and treated for no reason🤦♀️. Note to self, DON’T trust just anyone, trust THE BEST. Thanks to Jonathan and his team at Health First, I now look very differently at my feet. 👍😊
Sonia Hargreaves
I have received first class treatment and my foot is feeling less painful especially after the
laser treatment I had on it. 
Mary Richardson
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Excellent service. I am so pleased with the help, advice and treatment recieved. Many thanks
Jackie Dewdney
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
- 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
Specialist podiatry advice from a highly skilled professional - bridging the gap between podiatry and physio. 
Jo Webb
- 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
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
- 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
Mr Small and team provided a really excellent service for my elderly mother and kept her on her feet, mobile and active for the two years she lived near Southam, thank you very much!
Charlotte Gath
- Everything you can think of is available here!
Jane Vaughan
Thank you Jonathan for inviting me along to your Dynamic & Disasters of The Diabetic Foot seminar and thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. For anyone who has been diagnosed as diabetic I would urge you to visit Jonathan for a comprehensive diabetic foot assessment. You only have one pair of feet so treat them with respect and they will last a lifetime. I look forward to working with you on our quest to treat and educate on foot health. Kind regards - Debbie Hewitt, Foot Health Practitioner (Rugby) 
Debbie Hewitt