Cracked Heels

Definition

Cracked heels are a very common foot problem and almost few percents of people suffer from this problem. Cracked heels are commonly caused by dry skin, and made more complicated if the skin around the rim of the heel is thick. They can lead to more serious conditions if not treated promptly. Heel fissures occur when the skin on the bottom, outer edge of the heel becomes hard, dry and flaky, sometimes causing deep fissures that can be painful or bleed.

Causes of Cracked Heels

The thickened dry skin around the heel that is more likely to crack is often due to mechanical factors that increase pressures in that area eg. the way you walk. The occurrence of cracks may be due to some External or Internal factors.

External Factors:- Change in walking posture, Over or constant indulgence in water, Unhygienic circumstances or conditions.

Internal Factors:- Deformity of foot due to congenital problem or injury or diseases - Flat foot, calcaneal spurs, etc. Diseases like diabetes, eczema and psoriasis can also contribute to cracked feet. Deficiency of some essential vitamins, minerals and zinc in your body may lead to cracked heels.

There are many causes of cracked heels. Some of the most common causes are:-

• Some medical conditions predispose to a drying skin, thus causing cracked heels.
• Wearing shoes with an open back, may also affect your heels.
• Prolonged Standing: One of the main cause of Cracked Heels is - prolonged standing at work or home, especially on hard floors.
• Obesity: Overweight person are usually at more risk of developing cracked heels because of the increased pressure on the normal fat pad under the heel, causing it to expand sideways.
• Age: With advancing age, the chances of to get affected by cracked heels increases.
• Wearing shoes which are not fit or shoes which don't make you feel comfortable.
• Certain skin conditions may also cause cracked heels.
• Mal-aligment of the metatarsal bones, may contribute to the cracked heels.

Symptoms of Cracked Heels

If the cracks are deep, there may be pain on weight bearing and also there may be some bleeding too. The edges or rim around the heel will generally have a thicker area of skin. Wearing open or thin soled shoes usually make the symptoms worse. The most common Symptoms of Cracked Heels such as includes:

• Red or flaky patches on the heel of the foot, may be seen in person's suffering from cracked heels.
• Peeling and Cracked Skin.
• If there is a hard growth of skin on the outer edge of the heel, it shows the occurrence of cracked heels.
• Increased pain in thin soles or open back shoes.
• There will be itchy skin around the affected area.
• Yellow or dark skin on the heel are also one of the main symptom of cracked heels.
• Pain while walking, may occur due to the presence of cracks in heels.

Treatment of Cracked Heels

• Use pumice stone to reduce the thickness of the hard skin.
• Buy shoes with a good shock absorbing sole.
• Take about three tablespoons of bees wax and mix one teaspoonful sesame oil in it. Warm it a little and apply on the affected areas.
• If Cracked Heels are very painful, strapping may be used to 'hold' the cracks together during the healing process.
• Insoles may be recommended to alter the way you walk to prevent callous from developing on the heels. It is very beneficial for fast recovery.
• Don't be cruel in removing the thick skin to prevent injury.
• Apply petroleum jelly or vaseline or paraffin oil after drying the area. It will help in recovering of your foot in normal condition.
• A heel cup may be used to keep the fat pad from expanding sideways. This is worn in the shoe and can be a very effective preventative measure if used regularly.
• Applying a moisturizing cream twice daily on the cracked heals may help to get rid of them fast.
• Use warm sesame oil or ghee and apply on the affected areas. It is the best home remedy for the treatment of cracked heels.