Heel Fissures

Heel fissures also known as cracked heels can be a nuisance, but it may also become a very serious medical condition. Heel fissures occur when the skin on the bottom and back of the heel becomes thick, hard, and dry, leading to deep painful cracks that can bleed or become infected.

Causes

1. Dry climate
2. Obesity
3. Wearing open-backed shoes, sandals, or flip flops
4. Inactive glands
5. Diabetes
6. Overactive thyroid
7. Psoriasis and Eczema

Like any other foot condition, heel fissures can become dangerous if left untreated. The cracks can become deep and infected. This is very dangerous for people that are immunocompromised or diabetic.

Treatment

1. Moisturize regularly
2. Pumice stone regularly
3. Avoid backless shoes, sandals, or flip flops
4. Moisturize then cover the heels with Saran wrap while sleeping can also help.
5. Buy moisturizing gel socks and use with cream or lotion every night.
6. We have equipment in the office to keep the skin from getting overly thick and we provide stronger prescription strength creams to aid in moisturizing.

If the problem is not getting any better please see your foot doctor.