When you look down on your feet, everything seems fine. But the very next minute you discover some dry patches or deep cracks around the edges of your heels.
Even though they are rarely dangerous, seeing these cracked heels might make you feel uncomfortable. Also, there will be a problem with this condition, which can affect your daily activities.
To keep cracked heels away forever, here’s everything you need to know about why they happen, and how to prevent them.
What Are Cracked Heels Exactly?
When we talk about our bodies, there’s always a “why” behind things. Why do we get cracked heels? What makes our feet develop dry patches? Let’s discuss.
The skin on the bottoms of our feet — particularly around our heels — is thick because it has to hold up your entire body weight when you walk. If it gets too dry and rigid over time, it can crack under pressure, resulting in small splits called heel fissures. These aren’t usually dangerous if they’re only on the surface level, but in some cases, they can go pretty deep down where bleeding occurs due to constant rubbing against surfaces such as concrete floors or sidewalks. And worst-case scenario, those tiny cuts could lead infections if left untreated!
Here we discuss all about Common Cause Of Cracked Heels:
Dry Skin (Xerosis)
Dryness plays one of the major roles as the primary cause behind cracked heels. If your skin doesn’t have adequate amounts of moisture then naturally the skin will lose its flexibility. So the chances of developing cracked heels increase.
Prolonged Standing
If you happen to be one of those people who are continuously standing on foot throughout the day like Nurses, Teachers, Retailers, Factory Workers etc., then you should know that there are high chances of developing cracked heels due to prolonged standing.
Wearing Open Backed Shoes
Wearing sandals, Flips Flops & other types of open back shoes can also lead to cracked heels. It’s because they don't offer much cushioning or even support for our heels. And without a wall provided by our shoe, our fat pad underneath our heel starts spreading sideways which makes them highly prone to get cracks.
Obesity Or Excess Body Weight
The extra weight on your body increases the pressure exerted on your heels while walking around. That's why if someone suffers from obesity or has excess weight then it’s very likely that he/she would suffer from cracked heels.
Cold & Dry Weather
You might know the fact that winter brings only cold & dry air. Due to decreased temperature, there is less blood circulation towards our feet hence leading us toward brittle skin which gets easily cracky.
Prolonged Hot Water Exposure
If you tend to take hot shower/baths for longer periods then probably you’re suffering from lack of certain nutrients in your diet. Long exposure to hot water washes off our skin’s own natural oil content.
How to Prevent Cracked Heels
Moisturize daily
Apply a thick moisturizer containing ingredients such as urea, glycerin, shea butter, or petroleum jelly to your feet at least once every day, preferably straight after you’ve taken a shower or bath, when your skin is slightly damp. A heavier cream at night paired with wearing some cotton socks will ensure optimal results.
Exfoliate regularly
Removing the layers of dead, thickened skin on your feet through exfoliation can go a long way towards preventing them from piling up and cracking open. After soaking your feet in warm water (around 10 minutes), use a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove any flaky, tough patches two to three times per week. Avoid being too aggressive here, since doing this too much could lead to damaging your healthier skin.
Wear supportive footwear
When possible, wear closed-backed shoes that cushion your heels — if you’re a sandal lover, opt for models with either a back strap or built-in heel support instead of totally open versions. Add-on’s like heel cushions or orthotic inserts can also do wonders for redistributing the stress your feet face throughout the day.
Limit Hot Water Exposure
Try keeping your showers or foot soaks on the warm side (not too hot). Try not to soak for longer than 10-15 minutes.
Make sure you put some moisturizer right after washing off the oils — that way it helps replenish what was washed away.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Drink up! Drinking enough water throughout the day will ensure that you’re staying hydrated as well.
Maintain a nutritious diet full of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals for your skin health (such as eating more fish, nuts, leafy greens, and citrus fruits). Keep a healthy weight!
Maintaining a healthy body weight will reduce the amount of pressure you place on your heels with each step, reducing your risk of getting painful cracks overtime.
When to See a Doctor
While the majority will improve with consistent home treatment within a few weeks, here are signs when it’s best to consult a specialist:
Deep cracks that continue to bleed or won't heal Signs of infection (e.g., increased redness/swelling/discharge) Cracked heels associated with diabetes/poor circulation Persistent cracking despite ongoing moisturizer application
Conclusion:
Though cracked heels are quite common, this condition is typically manageable at home with proper foot care routines. Most often related to issues like dry skin, pressure points & lifestyle factors we have some level of control over, these heel fissures generally resolve after implementing daily practices focused on hydration, footwear selection & general health maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main cause of cracked heels?
The most common reason behind cracked heels is due to the dryness of the skin. Other reasons for cracking your heels are too much standing, using open-backed shoes, Obesity, Cold Weather, Too much bathing with Hot Water, etc.
2. How can I prevent cracked heels naturally?
Prevent cracked heels by moisturising your feet daily, using an exfoliator to slough off dead skin 2-3 times every week, wearing supportive footwear, and avoiding taking too-long or hot showers.
Drinking enough water and maintaining good hydration will help you avoid this condition. A healthy and well-balanced diet full of skin-friendly nutrients also prevents cracked heels.
3. Which ingredients are best for treating cracked heels?
Try using foot creams that contain ingredients such as urea, glycerin, shea butter, petroleum jelly (Vaseline), Lanolin or even Manuka honey to provide deep hydration, softening and encourage the healing process of your cracked heels.
4. When should I see a doctor for cracked heels?
See a Doctor if you experience one or more symptoms below: Heel cracks are deep, painful, or bleed Heel cracks show signs of infection (e.g. redness, swelling, pus) Heel cracks don’t get better after a few weeks of consistent at-home care. People with diabetes/poor circulation should consult their physician promptly.
5. Can cracked heels be permanently prevented?
In most cases, yes! If you keep up with your daily foot care routines such as moisturization, regular exfoliation, wearing well-cushioned shoes, hydrating enough water on a daily basis, maintaining healthy body weight, etc., you can drastically cut down chances for recurrence of cracked heels.