Tel: 02392 388149 or 07795 522700

Cracked Heels (Heel Fissures)

What are they and what are the symptoms?

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are an area of hard, thickened skin that develop around the heel edge when the skin is exposed to excessive pressure and/or friction. They result from dry skin and present with callus. Cracked heels can cause pain and discomfort when walking and may be yellowish in colour.

What are the causes?

  • When the skin rubs against something, such as a bone, a shoe or the ground.
  • Excessive pressure on bony areas of the foot.
  • Shoes that are ill fitting and/ or open such as sandals and thin soled shoes.
  • Lots of walking or running. Sports such as judo and karate where the person is barefoot for long periods with direct pressure with the ground.
  • The way a person weight bears as they walk and their gait.

What is the treatment?

Sheridan Foot Health will undertake a full foot health assessment and a treatment plan will be devised to suit your individual needs and requirements.

The assistance of a Foot Health Practitioner will involve debriding the hard skin using a scalpel. The area will then be filed smooth and a specialist ointment applied to soften the skin, repair and promote healing of the damaged tissue. If the cracks (fissures) are deep or there is a risk of infection then appropriate antiseptic ointments will be used. This is included during a Foot Health Treatment at Sheridan Foot Health.

In some cases, soft padding or orthotic insoles may be provided if required to reduce pressure and friction to the affected area.

If you have diabetes, heart disease or problems with your circulation, do not try to treat the callus or cracked heels by yourself. These conditions can make foot problems more serious.

Contact the team on 02392 388149 or 07795 522700 for a consultation and treatment.