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. I am so pleased with the help, advice and treatment recieved. Many thanks
Jackie Dewdney
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
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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
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
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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
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
- After running a long-distance ultra marathon, my feet were in poor shape! They got some much-needed TLC (and more sympathy than from my GP!!). Jonathan sorted out a blister that was hidden under another blister and got my feet on the way to healing 😀
Zoe Beale
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 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
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
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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
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
- Everything you can think of is available here!
Jane Vaughan
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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They have always been helpful, professional, courteous and caring
John Veasey
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 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
Highly recommend this practice. Jonathan and his team are extremely professional and friendly. As a cancer patient I was anxious to find a podiatrist whom I could trust completely. Jonathan took time to fully understand my medical situation and on-going difficulty with my toes. He was proactive in communicating with my Oncologist and the required nail surgery took place 2 days after my initial appointment. Everything was carefully explained and skilfully carried out. I am one very satisfied customer! Angela Terry
- 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
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