Heel fissures also known as cracked heels, may start out as an inconvenience or a simple problem of dry heels, but if ignored, can become infected and painful especially if the heels begin to crack and bleed.
Dry skin and calluses are a breeding ground for heel fissures. With the arrival of summer, heel fissures become a source of shame for ladies, as pretty sandals exposing black cracked heels is a big No! No!
How do heel fissures develop?
Heel fissures develop:
- When a high degree of pressure is applied to the foot
- Due to obesity which causes pressure on the heel
- By walking barefoot on hard floors
- By wearing sandals and open-back shoes
- When one lives in a dry climate
- Due to skin eczema
- Due to medical problems like diabetes and an underactive thyroid
How to prevent heel fissures from being formed.
Heel fissures can be treated at home while still at the flaky skin stage, in the following ways:
- When heels become dry and start peeling, wash the feet and scrape the heels gently with a pumice stone to get rid of excess dry skin. Then moisturize them with a good crème and wear socks.
- Avoid walking barefoot
- Do not wear shoes with thin soles
- Wear cushioned shoes and heel inserts to avoid pressure on the foot pad of the heel
Treatment of heel fissures which are cracked, discolored and bleeding:
Heel fissures that expose the blood or layers of skin tissue can only be treated by podiatrists, as bacteria can enter the cracks and cause infections. Our team at Syracuse Podiatry, which includes our board certified podiatrist, Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico and a well trained staff, are there to offer service to the people of Fayetteville, NY and the Syracuse area. We have the skills and the expertise to treat your foot and ankle problems and will have you up and about in no time. Peruse our website, read all about our work and contact us at (315) 446 3668 to schedule an appointment should you have a heel fissure which is beginning to bleed and bother you.