Say Goodbye to Heel Cracks: Your Ultimate Guide to Smooth and Healthy Heels

As the seasons change, heel cracks, also called heel fissures, often make an unwelcome return. Some people only notice them as a cosmetic problem while others feel sharp pain, bleeding or even infection. Deep cracks in the heel pad are especially concerning when there is a build up of thick skin or long-standing dry skin.

At My Family Podiatry we see this problem regularly and know how much it can impact daily life. In this guide, we explain why heel fissures develop, when they become serious, how we treat cracked heels in clinic, and what you can do to prevent them from coming back.

Why Do Heel Fissures Develop?

Your heel is cushioned with a fat pad that absorbs shock. The skin on top of that pad must stretch with every step. When the skin is too dry, too thick, or loses elasticity, it can no longer stretch properly. Pressure from walking causes micro splits which then progress into deep cracks.

Risk factors include:

• Dry skin, especially in hot or dry climates

• Thick skin or callus build up around the heel

• Sudden changes in body weight that place extra pressure on the heel

• Footwear without heel support such as thongs or open sandals

• Standing for long periods on hard surfaces

• Skin conditions such as eczema or systemic conditions such as diabetes

Once cracks deepen, they can bleed or become painful with each step.

When Heel Cracks Become Serious

Superficial cracks are manageable but deeper fissures carry greater risks:

• Entry point for infection

• Pain that limits walking and exercise

• Cracks that keep re opening once scar tissue forms poorly

• Higher risk of complications in people with diabetes or poor circulation

How We Treat Cracked Heels in Clinic

1. Removal of Hard Skin: We gently debride thickened skin from around the fissure edges. This reduces tension and allows healthy skin underneath to heal.

2. Deep Hydration: We apply medical grade moisturisers such as Revive Daily with 30 percent urea. Urea softens hard skin and restores moisture to dry skin.

3. Offloading and Padding: We may dress or pad the heel to take pressure off deep cracks, particularly overnight.

4. Footwear and Orthotics: Supportive shoes reduce pressure on the heel. If foot posture contributes to uneven loading, custom orthotics can help.

5. Regular Care: Ongoing podiatry care helps prevent fissures from becoming chronic and keeps the skin healthy.

Prevention and Home Care

• Moisturise twice a day, especially after showering and before bed

• Lightly use a pumice stone or file on thickened skin

• Wear shoes with a closed heel counter to support the fat pad

• Avoid long barefoot walking on hard floors

• Keep feet clean and dry but avoid harsh soaps that strip oils

Conclusion

Heel fissures can begin as a small cosmetic concern but if left untreated can become painful and infected. At My Family Podiatry we combine clinical debridement, professional moisturisers, footwear advice and ongoing care to treat cracked heels properly.

If your heels are cracked, sore, or bleeding, book an appointment today and let us get you back to healthy, pain free feet.

Book Me In To Fix My Heels