Cracked Heels

Cracked heels (or heel fissures) are a very common foot issue that occurs when the skin on the back and bottom of the heel gets too dry and splits open.  It is usually not serious, however it can cause pain and irritation. Sometimes the cracks can get very deep and bleed, which can lead to infection if ignored.

Fortunately, cracked heels can be very easily and effectively treated with at-home remedies or by a foot specialist.

Cracked heel treatment may include:

• Moisturize feet with an oil-based balm or cream:  Since cracked heels are mostly caused by dry skin, moisturizing is the first and foremost way to cure most cases of cracked heels. 
• Apply a chemical exfoliant cream
• Wash your feet with a gentle, moisturizing soap
• Routine foot exfoliation that prevents the build up of hardened dry skin
• Over-the-counter insoles that provide extra cushioning under the heel
• A chiropodist (foot specialist) can treat cracked heels by removing callused skin surrounding fissures to repair the skin’s elasticity, as well as offload pressures on the heels to help the fissures close.

Our Toronto foot clinic is open six days a week and offers a variety of products to heal your cracked heels. You do not need a referral to become a patient at our foot clinic.

Factors that may increase your risk of developing cracked heels are:

• Severely dry skin
• Cold winter weather (which causes dry skin)
• Taking frequent very hot baths or showers (Hot water dries the skin out)
• Using harsh soaps to clean your feet (Harsh soap and detergent damages the skin’s natural protective barrier)
• Diabetes (This causes poor circulation. Diabetes also impairs the body’s immune system which can prevent fissures from healing). 
• Overgrown heel calluses

Here are various foot care solutions for preventing cracked heels:

• Moisturize feet with an oil-based cream
• Avoid excessively hot baths or showers
• Wash your feet with a gentle, moisturizing soap
• Routine foot exfoliation to prevent the build up of hardened dry skin
• Avoid using a loofah, pumice stone, or foot file on dry feet
• If your feet and heels are dry, avoid standing for too long. Excessive pressure on your heel pad (the cushioning under your heel) can cause brittle skin that has lost its elasticity to expand and crack 
• See a chiropodist (foot specialist) regularly for routine callus removal around the heels.  This repair skin’s elasticity, helps prevent future breaks in the skin and reduces risk of infection
• See a chiropodist for recommendations on foot creams and foot care products

The foot specialists and knowledgeable staff at our clinic can give you great advice on how to heal your heels.  To book an appointment, call us at 416-769-3338, or use our online booing form.