Treating Dry, Cracked Heels

Dry, cracked heels might be more common in the cold winter months, but they're not unheard of in the warm summer months, either! If you like to show off your new pedicure or let your feet breathe by wearing open-style shoes, you might hesitate if you have extremely dry and cracked heels – especially if they often bleed or leave you in pain while you walk. How can you fix that this summer?

Here’s everything you need to know about treating dry, cracked heels:

Why Do You Have Dry Heels?

The splitting of the skin most commonly causes cracked heels, and that’s due to severe dryness or the thickening of a callus on your heel. But dry, cracked heels can occur for numerous other reasons, including:

●      Dehydration

●      Diabetes

●      Scrubbing feet too harshly

●      Soaking in a hot bath or shower for too long or too frequently

●      Not moisturizing the feet

●      Cold weather or dry climates

●      Walking barefoot or wearing open-backed sandals or shoes

●      Prolonged standing at work or home

●      Chronic skin problems, such as eczema or psoriasis

How Can You Treat Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels aren't typically a serious health concern but if left untreated, they can lead to severe pain and infection. At-home treatments often work; however, if they don't, it's recommended that you call your podiatrist for help. Below are some of the most efficient tips and tricks for getting rid of dry, cracked heels:

●      Moisturize your feet daily

●      Avoid walking barefoot or wearing open-backed shoes

●      Use mild soaps that won’t dry out your heels

●      Increase your water intake to keep your body hydrated

●      Limit time in the shower as hot water dries out the skin

●      Use a pumice stone or file to gently decrease thick calluses

Here at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we specialize in custom orthotics, along with various other foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.