How To Fix Cracked Heels
Cracked Heels can be the bane of one’s existence. They’re painful, sore, and sometimes they bleed. Let’s be honest…any sort of foot pain will have you second-guessing everything you’ve done in your life up till this point. I usually find, with my clients, that one heel is worse than the other. Since we all have less than optimal gait, this is “normal” for humans in North America. How do cracked heels develop? Firstly, neglect and poor foot care. Second, calluses build-up, and walking adds pressure to the heels. Thirdly, compromised skin integrity can compound
cracked heels—Edema, excess weight, diabetes and foot ulcers can all contribute to this problem. So…how can you fix it?
Firstly, prepare to be consistent. For these cracks to go away, you need to be in it for the long haul. Set a weekly alarm in your phone so you don’t miss out on fixing your problem.
Secondly, file your feet DRY. That’s right… don’t soak your feet. Calluses are harder to remove if they are wet.
Next, get a decent foot file. A medium to coarse emery board works wonderfully, or a Pedi roller. Avoid pumice stones and metal files that will “grate” your heels, as these can go too deep, cause pain and numbness, and possibly exacerbate your problem.
Fourthly, get filing. I recommend removing a little at a time. Depending on your calluses, complications, and foot care conditions, start with filing down 10-15% of the callus on and/or
around the cracks. Do not get too aggressive…if you file away too much too soon, you risk having some burning, shooting pain in the heels. Always err on the conservative side.
Lastly, hydration! Drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated. Apply the lotion once or twice per day, depending on your ability and consistency. Do not use a petroleum-based product. I
recommend PodoExpert Cracked or Dry Skin Foam.
If your cracked heels are more severe than you can handle, or you have further complications that necessitate deferring to a professional, please reach out to us and make an appointment
for one of our highly trained foot care nurses.