Understanding and Treating Heel Fissures
Professional clinical care, targeted dry skin solutions, and expert advice to heal painful cracks and restore foot comfort.
Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common foot condition where the skin around the heels becomes dry, thickened, and splits. This often occurs when the skin loses moisture and becomes rough, leading to painful cracks. Factors like standing for long periods, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or having dry skin can contribute to this issue. Seasonal changes, particularly in colder months, can also worsen the condition, making your heels more susceptible to cracking.
To prevent and treat cracked heels, it's important to maintain good foot hygiene and moisture. Regularly applying a thick, emollient-rich moisturizer can help keep the skin soft and hydrated. Using a pumice stone or foot file to gently exfoliate calluses can also reduce the buildup of thickened skin. Additionally, wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes can alleviate pressure and prevent further damage. If cracks become severe or are accompanied by pain, it may be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.
Cracked heels and deep fissures in the high-risk foot can become a serious problem. Seek help from a Chiropodist immediately.
At the Mount Joy Foot Clinic & Orthotic Centre, our Chiropodist recommend using PodoExpert Cracked Skin Formula to help repair your skin at the cellular level. PodoExpert Cracked Skin Formula is an evidence-based product for everyday use to get you back to healthier-looking feet. It is one our best selling office products. Our Chiropodists will develop a comprehensive plan to help treat your cracked heels.
We Can Help Repair Cracked Heels
If you're concerned about your feet or are dealing with a foot & ankle issue, Mount Joy Foot Clinic & Orthotic Centre is where you need to be. Our Chiropodists are dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care to keep you walking comfortably. Book an appointment with us today and take the first step to healthier, happier feet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Answering Your Questions about Cracked Heels & Heel Fissures
Heels usually crack when the skin gets very dry, thick, and hard. When you walk, the fat pad under your foot pushes out. Because dry skin isn't flexible, it can't stretch and starts to split open. Standing for a long time, going barefoot, wearing open sandals, or just having dry skin can cause this.
If lotions aren't working, it usually means there is a thick layer of dead skin blocking the moisture, or your shoes and foot structure are putting too much constant pressure on your heels. Until that hard skin is safely removed and the root pressure is fixed, the cracks will keep coming back.
At first, they are usually just dry and annoying. But if the cracks get deep, they can bleed, hurt when you walk, and let bacteria inside. This can lead to painful infections, especially for people with health conditions like diabetes.
Look for foot creams that contain urea, salicylic acid or lactic acid. Unlike regular body lotion, these ingredients are specially made to gently break down hard, thick skin and lock moisture deep inside.
Yes, sometimes poor skin health is tied to what you eat. If your body is low on certain nutrients—like vitamins A, C, E, or healthy fats—your skin might have a harder time staying soft, stretchy, and holding onto moisture. Eating a balanced diet can help support your skin from the inside out.
