Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common yet often overlooked foot condition that can cause discomfort, pain, and even serious complications if untreated. While many see cracked heels as a simple cosmetic issue, they can signify underlying health concerns or improper foot care. Whether it’s due to dry skin, prolonged standing, or medical conditions, this condition affects millions of people and can significantly impact daily life. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for cracked heels, offering practical advice to help you maintain healthy and pain-free feet.

Symptoms of Cracked Heels

While the primary sign of cracked heels is visible fissures on the bottom of the feet, there are other symptoms that may accompany the condition, depending on its severity:

1. Dry, Flaky Skin: The skin around the heels may feel rough or scaly to the touch.
2. Thickened Skin: This condition, known as callus, typically forms where the cracks develop. The skin around the cracks becomes hard and thick, making the feet feel rough and uneven.
3. Redness or Inflammation: In more advanced cases, the skin may become red and inflamed, especially when the fissures are deep or infected.
4. Pain: Cracked heels can become painful, especially if the skin has split deeply. The pain is often worse when walking or standing for long periods.
5. Bleeding: In severe cases, the cracks may penetrate deep enough to cause bleeding, which could increase the risk of infection.
6. Itching: The dry, flaky skin on the heels can lead to itching, which may aggravate the cracks and worsen the condition.

Who Is Most At Risk?

Cracked heels can affect anyone, but certain groups of people are more susceptible to developing the condition:

1. People with Medical Conditions: Individuals with diabetes, hypothyroidism, or skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema are at higher risk due to underlying conditions that can dry out the skin or slow down the healing process.
2. Older Adults: As people age, the skin naturally becomes thinner and loses its elasticity. Older adults are more prone to cracked heels because of this gradual loss of moisture and skin flexibility.

3. 

   Athletes: Runners and those involved in high-impact sports put extra pressure on their feet, increasing the likelihood of thickened skin and heel fissures.

4. People Who Spend Long Hours on Their Feet: Those who work on their feet for prolonged periods, especially on hard surfaces, are more likely to develop cracked heels due to the constant pressure on their heels.
5. Obese Individuals: Excess body weight places additional strain on the feet, especially the heels, making it easier for the skin to crack.

Lifestyle Factors and Environmental Contributors

Beyond health conditions, certain lifestyle habits and environmental factors can also contribute to cracked heels:

1. Improper Foot Care: Neglecting to moisturize or exfoliate your feet regularly can cause the skin to become thick and dry, leading to cracking. Many people focus on facial skincare while overlooking foot care, which can exacerbate heel fissures.

2. 

   Excessive Exposure to Water: Soaking feet in water for prolonged periods, especially in hot water, can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. While occasional foot baths can be beneficial, overexposure can harm the skin’s moisture barrier.

3. Walking Barefoot: Walking without shoes on hard or rough surfaces can cause the skin to thicken and crack, especially in dry climates.
4. Seasonal Changes: Cold weather and low humidity in the winter can cause the skin to lose moisture, resulting in cracked heels. In contrast, warm climates can also pose a risk, as people tend to wear open-backed sandals or walk barefoot more often.

Psychosocial Impact

While cracked heels are primarily a physical issue, they can also have psychosocial consequences, particularly for individuals who experience severe cases. These may include:

1. Self-consciousness: People with noticeable heel fissures, especially in more visible cases where bleeding or inflammation occurs, may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable showing their feet in public.
2. Impact on Daily Activities: When cracks become painful, they can make walking or standing uncomfortable, limiting an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks or engage in physical activities.
3. Sleep Disruption: In some cases, the discomfort or itching from cracked heels can interfere with sleep, further affecting one’s quality of life.

Complications of Untreated Cracked Heels

If cracked heels are left untreated, several complications may arise, including:

1. Infections: When the skin cracks open, bacteria and fungi can enter, leading to infections. This is particularly concerning for people with diabetes, who are more prone to infections and complications like foot ulcers. Infected heel fissures can cause swelling, redness, and pus formation.
2. Foot Ulcers: Deep cracks can evolve into ulcers, which are open sores that can become infected. For diabetic patients, this can be especially dangerous and might require medical intervention.
3. Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of skin, cellulitis can result from untreated cracked heels, particularly if the cracks are deep and infected. This condition can spread quickly and, in severe cases, may require hospitalization.
4. Increased Pain and Discomfort: As the condition worsens, the cracks can deepen, causing intense pain that may hinder mobility and reduce overall quality of life.

Home Remedies and Alternative Treatments

While medical treatment is often necessary for severe cases of cracked heels, many people find relief from home remedies and alternative treatments:

1. 

   Coconut Oil: Known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil can be applied to cracked heels to help lock in moisture and reduce inflammation. Applying it before bed and wearing socks overnight can enhance its effects.

2. Honey: Honey has antimicrobial and humectant properties, making it a natural choice for healing dry skin. Applying honey as a foot mask and leaving it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing off can help soften cracked skin.
3. Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. Applying fresh aloe vera gel to cracked heels can help restore moisture and promote healing.
4. Oatmeal Scrubs: An oatmeal scrub can be used to exfoliate the feet and remove dead skin cells. Mixing oatmeal with water to form a paste and applying it to the heels can help reduce dryness and soften thick skin.
5. Lemon Juice Soak: Soaking your feet in diluted lemon juice may help soften calluses and dead skin. However, be cautious as lemon juice is acidic and may cause irritation if the skin is deeply cracked or sensitive.

When to See a Podiatrist

It’s important to know when at-home treatments are no longer sufficient. Seek professional care if you experience:

1. Persistent Pain or Discomfort: If the cracks do not heal despite home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, it’s time to consult a podiatrist.
2. Signs of Infection: Redness, swelling, pus, and warmth around the cracks could indicate an infection that requires medical intervention.
3. Cracks Due to Medical Conditions: If you have diabetes or another condition that impacts your feet, consulting a podiatrist at an early stage can prevent complications like ulcers or infections.
4. Recurrent Cracked Heels: If cracked heels keep coming back, a podiatrist can evaluate whether an underlying issue, such as biomechanics or skin conditions, is contributing to the problem.

By understanding all the aspects of cracked heels, from risk factors and symptoms to potential complications, individuals can take proactive steps to care for their feet. If you’re experiencing persistent issues with your heels, consulting your Houston Foot Doctor at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center ensures that you receive the best care and advice to maintain healthy feet.

Book An Appointment 832-415-1790

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A callus is an area of thickened skin that develops as a consequence of pressure or friction. Deep calluses, often referred to as plantar calluses, appear on the sole of the foot, most frequently on the heel or ball. It may be painful and uncomfortable to walk or stand for extended periods of time because of a painful callus on foot.

Why Deep Calluses Form

Genetics, foot structure, lifestyle, and other factors may all contribute to the development of painful callus on foot. Deep calluses are more prone to form on people with high arches or flat feet because of how their feet bear weight. Deep calluses may also be caused by wearing footwear that is uncomfortable or does not provide adequate support.

How To Get Rid of Deep Callus on Bottom of Foot

Changing one’s lifestyle is usually the first step in foot callus treatment. It’s crucial to wear shoes that fit comfortably and provide sufficient support. This entails selecting footwear with a roomy toe box, sturdy arch support, and a padded sole. Additionally, because flip-flops and walking barefoot both lack support, it’s crucial to avoid doing so.

Padding and Cushions

In order to relieve pressure on the afflicted region, over-the-counter remedies like pads and cushions might be useful. To provide more cushioning and support, these items may be applied directly to the skin or within the shoe.

Custom Orthotics

A podiatrist could suggest a custom orthotic in more severe cases. These tools support the arch and distribute weight in a way that helps lessen pain and discomfort.

Buffing Away Dead Skin

Exfoliating the dead skin cells on the callus might also assist to lessen its thickness. Before exfoliating, soaking the feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes may make the skin softer and easier to remove. Dead skin cells may be removed gently by rubbing them away with pumice stones or foot files.

Foot Callus Treatment by Houston Podiatrist

A procedure such as debridement may be suggested by a podiatrist in cases of painful callus on foot. This entails removing the thicker skin with a scalpel or other instrument. Following the procedure, the region will be bandaged, and the patient will be told to refrain from putting any weight on the foot for a few days in order to promote appropriate healing.

In rare instances, deep calluses may be an indication of a more severe underlying ailment, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease. These conditions may impair circulation and hinder the body’s ability to recover itself. It’s crucial to see a doctor to rule out any underlying diseases if a deep callus is accompanied by additional symptoms like numbness, tingling, or discoloration.

Ways to Avoid Deep Calluses

The key to minimizing pain and discomfort is avoiding deep calluses. A painful callus on foot may be avoided by maintaining a healthy weight, keeping feet dry and clean, and refraining from activities that impose too much pressure on the feet.

In conclusion, plantar calluses, often referred to as deep calluses, are patches of thicker skin that develop on the sole of the foot. They are brought on by a mix of genetics, foot structure, and lifestyle choices. Wearing proper shoes and using over-the-counter remedies, as well as more advanced options such as custom orthotics and debridement are some ways of how to get rid of deep callus on bottom of foot. Maintaining a healthy weight, keeping feet clean and dry, avoiding activities that exert too much pressure on the feet, and preventing the development of deep calluses are all important ways to avoid pain and discomfort.

We at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center carefully inspect deep calluses. Set up a consultation with our foot doctor right now to begin foot callus treatment.

Book An Appointment 832-415-1790

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Cracked bottom of feet are a particular issue throughout the winter. Our skin becomes dry even in Houston where the humidity is high. Additionally, open-toed footwear like sandals that attract dust and dirt onto our feet makes them even more dry. Pain, bleeding, and cracked feet may result from this. This poses a risk to diabetics since it raises the possibility of developing a foot infection.

What Causes Cracked Feet?

Cracked feet happen for a variety of reasons. And the chilly weather makes them all worse because we utilize central heating, which causes our skin to become dry. Or we increase the temperature of our shower, causing our skin to lose moisture. Additionally, if we have peripheral neuropathy, unexpected temperature drops exacerbate the condition. The condition impacts your circulation and the condition of your skin.

Aside from that, hormone shifts may also cause cracked bottom of feet. Your oil glands also begin to malfunction as you age. Your elastin protein levels decrease at the same time, which causes your skin to dry up. Then, if you have eczema or psoriasis, your feet become more susceptible to develop painful cracks on bottom of feet. Last but not least, changes to the surfaces of your skin, such as callous buildup, increase your risk for cracked feet.

If the skin in that region starts to grow thick and rough, your heels may begin to crack. Because of the extreme dryness, your feet could also start to itch. The skin may then begin to flake after that. And if things get out of hand, cracked heels could go so deep that they begin bleeding. If you have diabetes, that may be more problematic because any kind of wound might endanger the health of your feet.

5 Ways to Treat Cracked Bottom of Feet

Now you are aware that your feet may get dry throughout the winter. So, you see why it’s important to take precautions:

1. 1. Try to moisturize your feet once or twice daily using a thick moisturizer like Vaseline. Lather up your heels before going to bed. Put on some loose, cotton socks after that. While you sleep, it will keep the moisture in while maintaining circulation.
   2. Consider doing a DIY pedicure by soaking your feet in warm, soapy water. To make the bath even more relaxing and as a form of self-care, add Epsom salts. Then, using a clean foot file, buff away the dead skin cells. Give your feet a quick foot massage after getting your nails done. Pay special attention to the balls and heels of your feet to promote healthier blood circulation. Note: Now is an excellent time to moisturize your skin; however, more on that in a moment.
   3. Pay attention to your water intake each day. Cracked heels might develop due to dehydration or get worse. It works similar to dry skin. So, try to drink 8 glasses of water each day and more if you exercise.
   4. Think about the shoes you wear. Did you know that shoes that are overly tight might irritate the heels? And this makes them more prone to painful cracks on bottom of feet? The same may be said about stiff footwear, such as leather boots. So, if you often get cracked heels, you may want to consider switching to softer-fabric shoes.
   5. Invest in a humidifier for your house to increase the amount of moisture in the air. And keep it where you need it, on your feet!

Do you need more help? Let us now discuss moisturizers. Many individuals moisturize their skin every day with creams and lotions. However, other people only do so when they experience painful cracks on bottom of feet. And others? They make impulse purchases without researching if the item is the best choice for them.

How Do Foot Creams and Lotions Differ?

For mild dryness on the top of your foot, in the area around your ankles, and on your legs, lotion is an excellent option. The thicker skin on the bottom of your foot, though, won’t respond to it. Especially not on your heels. Why is this the case? Lotions don’t thoroughly enter the skin; they are a thinner vehicle for moisture.

With a foot cream, your feet will stay hydrated, nourished, and moisturized. It creates a barrier over your foot to stop it from becoming dry or cracked and seals moisture into the layers of your skin. Additionally, it replenishes moisture lost and softens your feet. I suggest Cetaphil and Eucerin. Both are available at pharmacies and supermarkets. However, there are occasions when feet are so dry and rough that a product from the store won’t work. You’ll then need a more potent moisturizer. I recommend Straight Arrow’s Foot Miracle, a cream that effectively treats dry and cracked feet. It conditions the skin and prevents it from drying out and breaking when used twice daily.

Still, some feet need more hydration. To remedy this, use Gordon Labs’ Gormel Crème. It has 20% urea, which gives the skin more suppleness so that it can absorb moisture from the body. It also aids in the treatment and prevention of painful cracks on bottom of feet.

Of course, no care regimen, no matter how complex, is perfect. So, if you have cracked bottom of feet, don’t wait for things to improve. You can end up with serious infections and bleeding feet as a result. Instead, book a time to see Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale of DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center right away. We’ll provide immediate pain relief, allowing your feet to look and feel their best.

Book An Appointment 832-415-1790

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Cracked heels are common, with 20 percent of adults having experienced cracked heels at one time. It can happen in children also, though it seems to affect women more. In severe cases, dry cracked feet with cuts cause discomfort and pain when walking.

The best-cracked heels remedy is to prevent them. Look at your daily routine and identify any habits that leave the heels vulnerable to cracks and alter them to prevent cracked heels.

Some factors that pose a risk to the development of cracked heels include

1. Lack of moisture

This causes most cracked heels because the skin under the feet is rough, chapped, and dry. It has a small number of sweat glands and hence less skin elasticity. Exposing your feet to water for long strips off the natural oils from the skin, leaving it dry.

Apply thick moisturizers to soften and moisturize the heels. Find moisturizers with the following ingredients urea, salicylic acid, saccharide isomerate, and alpha-hydroxy acids. These also are the best cream for cracked heels and help in treating cracked heels.

2. Deficiencies

Inadequate intake of zinc, vitamins, and minerals affects the health of your heels and they may crack. Increase the intake of these in your diet for a supple heel skin.

3. Applied Pressure

If you spend a long time standing during the day, the excess stress is applied to the skin of the heel may cause a crack. The pressure put and the lack of a flexible heel skin leads to cracked heels. Being overweight also increases the pressure on the fat pad under the heel as it expands sideways. The wearing of exposing footwear, such as open back sandals and shoes, forces the fat under the heel to expand sideways and increase the possibility of cracked heels.

Regular foot care through soaking and moisturizing is crucial, especially where pressure is applied. Keep your feet for up to 20 minutes in lukewarm soapy water. Then use a foot scrubber or pumice stone to get rid of thick hard skin. Wipe your feet off and apply a thick moisturizer. Apply petroleum jelly to lock in moisture and put on socks. One can also use moisturizing heel sleeves that contain vitamins and therapeutic oils to treat the dry skin.

4. Disorders

Some skin conditions leave the heel susceptible to cracking. These conditions include athletes’ foot, eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, thyroid disease, among other skin conditions. Aging skin also loses its elasticity with age and chances of dry cracked heels are high. In case you experience cracked heels due to medical conditions or aging you need to cracked heels treatment from a podiatrist before applying any foot crack cream. Also, if you experience severely cracked heels, seek evaluation by a foot doctor regardless of your medical history.

However, the best form of treatment for a cracked heel is to prevent cracks from occurring in the first place. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist if you have been unsuccessful in getting rid of your cracked heels. Our foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide you with the care needed to get you up and running in no time.

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Cracked Heels – What You Need To Know

Is it hard for you to wear strappy heels or simple sandals to show off your good looking feet without getting worried because of dry cracked heels? A crack in heel and dry feet are more common during summer because the feet are exposed most of the time. Foot care should be easily incorporated into one’s daily routine for the prevention of cracked heels. Care for your feet the same way you care for your face and your body and enjoy healthier, happier feet always.

Causes of cracked heels

There is more than one cause of heel cracks, but it is possible to have more than one cause to affect you.  If you are looking for some expert advice on cracked heels, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet

1. Lack of moisture; the skin underneath the feet is usually dry, chapped and rough since fat cells are not present underneath the feet skin and have less elasticity.
2. Deficiency or lack of zinc, minerals, and vitamins affects the health of the heel.

• III. Your feet are under pressure to carry the weight of your body in shoes, walking and standing for long hours.

1. Aging causes the skin to lose its thickness and elasticity, leaving it more susceptible to cracking.
2. Being overweight can potentially cause cracked heels because of the pressure on the fat pad under the heel causes it to expand sideways.
3. Exposing footwear with an open back allows the fat to expand and increase the possibility of cracking. If you have to wear the exposing footwear take extra care of your feet.

• VII. Maintain hygiene to avoid fungal infections.
• VIII. Spending long periods in the water or damp areas easily cause cracking because water drains the skin of natural oils leaving it dry and rough.

1. Wearing poorly-fitting shoes will likely cause a change in walking posture and cause poor standing postures.
2. It is believed that callus skin is sometimes genetically passed on.
3. Medical causes such as diabetes and high blood sugar which results in poor circulation leading to dry skin.

• XII. Pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

Simple cracked heel treatments

Cracked heels happen because of the formation of callus, lack of proper exfoliation and hydration.

Cracked heel treatments include:

Exfoliation

Calloused heels happen due to daily wear and tear and exfoliation is the safest way to remove them.   Use a foot scrub; pumice stone and foot file to exfoliate every two weeks, but if the calluses are moderate increase exfoliation to once or twice a week. Do not completely get rid of them because they have a function to protect the feet, do not expose your feet to harm.

Moisturize

The feet do not have sebaceous glands, so they are less moisturized unlike other parts of the body. Look for moisturizer products with macadamia, urea, and Shea butter oils because they penetrate the skin. For already cracked feet products with Aloe Vera are suitable because it speeds up the healing process.

Inserts and socks

Wear custom shoe inserts because they distribute your weight evenly. Also, consider silicon heel cups which keep the heel moisturized and prevents it from expanding. Use clinically-tested padded socks.

Cracked heels take time to heal even after showing signs of improvement following initial treatment. Seek medical attention to prevent serious complications from underlying medical conditions. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Cypress, TX. Our Cypress office can handle all of your cracked heel issues. We will provide you with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for all foot-related issues.

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