Say Goodbye to Heel Cracks: Your Guide to Smooth, Healthy Heels

Heel cracks, also known as heel fissures, are a problem we see regularly at My Family Podiatry. For some people, they begin as a cosmetic issue. For others, they quickly become painful, bleed with walking and can be a serious risk of infection.

Cracked heels often develop gradually and are commonly associated with dry skin, thick callus build up and prolonged pressure through the heel. When left untreated, small splits can deepen and make everyday activities uncomfortable.

At our Albany Creek clinic, we see heel fissures frequently in patients from across North Brisbane, particularly in people who spend long hours on their feet or wear open footwear in warmer weather. In this guide, we explain why heel fissures develop, when they become more serious, how we treat cracked heels in clinic, and what you can do at home to prevent them from returning.

Why Do Heel Fissures Develop?

The heel contains a natural fat pad that helps absorb impact with every step. The skin covering this pad needs to remain flexible so it can stretch as you walk. When the skin becomes too dry, thick or loses elasticity, it can no longer cope with normal loading.

As pressure is applied during walking or standing, small splits can form in the skin. Over time, these splits can deepen into painful cracks, particularly if thick callus continues to build around the edges.

Several factors increase the likelihood of heel fissures developing. Dry skin is one of the most common contributors, particularly in hot or dry climates or during seasonal changes. Thick callus around the heel decreases the flexibility of the skin, making cracks more likely to form.

Footwear also plays a significant role. Thongs, open backed sandals and shoes without heel support allow the fat pad to spread further when standing and walking, increasing strain on the skin. Standing for long periods on hard surfaces places additional pressure through the heel, particularly in people who are already prone to dry or thickened skin.

Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, eczema or circulation issues can further increase the risk of the skin becoming dry and cracked and slow healing once cracks form.

In North Brisbane, warm weather and open footwear are common year-round. Thongs, sandals and barefoot walking on hard surfaces increase strain on the heel skin, particularly during hotter months when skin dries more easily.

When Heel Cracks Become Serious

Superficial heel cracks may be uncomfortable but are often manageable with early care. Deeper fissures carry greater risks and should not be ignored.

As cracks deepen, they can bleed and become painful with every step. Open fissures create an entry point for bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Once cracks repeatedly reopen, poor quality scar tissue can form, making healing slower and recurrence more likely.

People with diabetes or reduced circulation are at higher risk of complications from heel fissures and should seek professional care early rather than attempting to manage them alone.

How We Treat Cracked Heels in Clinic

At My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek, we treat heel fissures using a structured approach that focuses on skin health, pressure reduction and long-term prevention.

The first step is gentle removal of hard skin around the fissure edges. This reduces tension on the crack and allows healthier skin underneath to heal more effectively.

We then apply medical grade moisturisers such as Revive Daily, which contains 30 percent urea. Urea helps soften thickened skin and restores moisture to dry, cracked areas.

For deeper fissures, padding or dressings may be applied to offload pressure and protect the skin, particularly overnight when cracks can worsen.

Footwear advice is an important part of treatment. Supportive shoes with a closed heel help contain the fat pad and reduce strain on the skin. In cases where foot posture contributes to uneven loading, custom orthotics may be recommended to improve pressure distribution.

Ongoing podiatry care helps prevent fissures from becoming chronic and supports long term skin health.

Prevention and Home Care

Preventing heel fissures requires consistent care rather than quick fixes.

• Moisturising at least daily is essential, and typically we'll recommend after showering and before bed. Using a urea based heel balm helps maintain skin flexibility and reduce callus build up.

• Thick skin can be gently reduced with a pumice stone or foot file, but aggressive scraping should be avoided as it can worsen cracking.

• Wearing shoes with a closed heel counter helps support the heel fat pad and reduce skin tension. Avoid prolonged barefoot walking on hard floors, especially at home.

• Keep feet clean and dry, but avoid harsh soaps that strip natural oils from the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes heel cracks to keep coming back?

Recurring heel fissures are usually due to ongoing pressure, untreated callus build up or inconsistent moisturising. Footwear choices often play a major role.

Are cracked heels just a cosmetic issue?

No. While they may start as a cosmetic concern, deep cracks can become painful, bleed and increase infection risk.

Do you treat cracked heels at your Albany Creek clinic?

Yes. We regularly treat heel fissures at our Albany Creek clinic and see patients from across North Brisbane for both acute and chronic cracked heel management.

Can I treat heel fissures at home?

Mild cracks may improve with regular moisturising and footwear changes. Deep, painful or bleeding fissures should be treated professionally.

Are cracked heels dangerous if I have diabetes?

Yes. Cracked skin increases infection risk and should be assessed early if you have diabetes or circulation issues.

How long does it take for heel cracks to heal?

With proper treatment and consistent care, improvement is often seen within weeks. Chronic fissures may take longer and require ongoing management.

Conclusion

Heel fissures often begin as a small problem but can quickly become painful and difficult to manage if left untreated. At My Family Podiatry, we treat cracked heels using clinical debridement, professional moisturisers, footwear advice and preventative care to restore skin health properly.

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

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