Cracked Heels Pain

Cracked heels are a common foot problem. It is also known as 'heel fissures'. The most common cause of cracked heels is dry skin. The problem of cracked heels worsens around the rim of the heels. If the crack on the heels deepen, pain in the heels can become unbearable and to stand on the feet or walk around can become very painful too. In some cases, there can be bleeding from these fissures and in severe cases, it can lead to infection. The skin on cracked heels is often dry and has a thick callus, which is either yellow or dark brown in color. Now, let's go through some cracked heel information, on causes and treatment for cracked heels.

Causes of Cracked Heels Pain

The most common symptom of this condition is the pain, that is caused when the heels bear all the weight of the body. If in such a condition, the person wears open or thin soled shoes, the condition can aggravate. Now, let's see what are cracked heels causes.

• Some people have dry skin, which makes them vulnerable to cracks. Usually, such people have thickened dry skin, also known as callus, around their heels. This thickened dry skin tends to crack, due to increase in pressure in that area. The way a person walks, is often the culprit.
• There are reasons, which can also cause cracked heels. The foremost reason, after dry skin, is obesity. When a person is overweight, the skin on the heel tends to expand sideways. In such a case if the skin is dry, the pressure causes the skin to crack.
• If a person has to stand for prolonged period of time, it causes excessive pressure on the pad under the skin. The condition worsens, if the person stands on hard floor. Hence, people who are prone to cracked heels, should avoid walking anywhere barefoot.
• If a person uses open backed shoes, it causes the fat under the heel to expand backwards and causes cracking of the skin, due to increased pressure.
• Skin conditions can also lead to cracked heels. Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema are the main culprits.
• There are a number of medical conditions, which can also cause cracked heels.
• Cracked heels in summers is caused due to loss of water from the skin. On the other hand, decrease of humidity leads to cracked heels in winters.
• Athletes foot, many a time, also leads to cracked heels. Many people are however, not aware of it.
• Heel spurs can also lead to cracked heels. Flat feet as well as high arched feet can also be vulnerable to cracked heels.
• Excessive usage of hot water is also said to cause cracked heels.

Treatment for Cracked Heels

If the cracked heel is caused due to athletes foot, you will need to mix emollient and an antifungal cream to treat the problem. It is very important to get rid of athletes foot, if you want the cracked heel repaired. People, who wear open heeled shoes would want to consider using closed shoes, if they want to get rid of the problem. When the air is dry and less humid, it causes the skin to dry out all the more, leading to worsening of the problem. I would also recommend using good shock absorbing shoes, which will prevent any further occurrences of cracked heels.

One of the home remedies for cracked heels is to apply petroleum jelly on the heels at night. But, before you apply the jelly, make sure you have washed your feet well. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly and wear socks before you go to bed. If you are not a fan of petroleum jelly or are allergic to it, applying an oil based moisturizing cream twice daily can also help you in getting rid of the problem. I would recommend applying the cream once after bath and again before you go to bed at night. However, do not forget to wear socks. You may want to use pumice stone, to reduce the thickness of the hard skin on the heels.

I would like to suggest one precaution, which when taken will ensure that a person does not suffer from pain in the heels. If the skin becomes very hard, do not try to remove it yourself with a razor or a blade. Get it removed from your health care professionals, to avoid any kind of infections.