Heel Fissures
September 29, 2009 by Heel Tastic
Heel fissures are a common problem that trouble many individuals. Heel fissures otherwise known as cracked heels are commonly caused by dry skin (xerosis). The symptoms are worse when the skin around the rim of the heel is thick (callus).
In some cases a person may have naturally dry skin that increases the risk of Cracked Heels. Callous that forms around the heel is prone to cracking due to mechanical factors that increase pressures in that area e.g the way a person walks.
Other factors that can be involved in the cause of Cracked Heels include:
- Prolonged standing at work or home, especially on hard floors.
- Being overweight – this increases the pressure on the normal fat pad under the heel, causing it to expand sideways. If the skin is not supple and flexible, the pressures may cause the skin to crack.
- Open-back on shoes. This allows the fat under the heel to expand sideways and the pressure may cause the skin to crack.
- Certain medical conditions cause the skin to become dry and cracked eg diabetes or an underactive thyroid.
- Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to diagnose and treat this condition.
Treatment may include:
- Investigation of the cause of the problem, so this can be addressed.
- Removal of the hard thick skin to promote healing. We may prescribe special creams and socks that will help to deeply moisturizer the area.
- If Cracked Heels are very painful, strapping may be used to ‘hold’ the cracks together during the healing process.
- Advice about footwear and prevention of the problem.
- Orthotics or arch supports may be recommended to alter the way you walk to prevent callous from developing on the heels.
Home Treatment
The key to treating cracked heels at home is to apply a moisturizer before bed at night and then trap the moisture in your feet overnight by wearing a special sock that prevents the moisture from evaporating. Use the following plan for 2 weeks. If you haven’t seen improvement in that time, see your podiatrist:
- Soak your feet or take a bath or shower before bed,
- Apply a deep penetrating moisturizer, such as Callex Ointment,
- Cover the foot with a moisture barrier sock such as Silipos gel therapy socks. Wear the sock overnight,
- Use the moisturizer and sock every night for 2 weeks.
- Smoother. This revolutionary pedicure appliance smooths callouses and removes dry skin on heels and toes in seconds, without the use of harsh chemicals or dangerous blades.
- Heel Tastic can be applied to help nourish and moisturize dry cracked heels.
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