How to Permanently Heal & Get Rid of Cracked Heels 

Cracked heels are a typical foot issue that occurs when the skin on the heels becomes dry, thick, and hard. This can lead to the skin cracking, which can be painful. Cracked heels are more common in people who walk or stand for long periods, have dry skin, or are overweight. Assuming that left untreated, broke heels can become infected. It can cause more serious foot problems. Let’s understand how we can permanently heal and get rid of cracked heels in this article.

Treating cracked heels is important for several reasons. In any case, it can help with decreasing the pain and uneasiness related with the condition. This makes it easier to walk and perform daily activities. Second, treating cracked heels can prevent further damage to the skin. It might be through bleeding or contamination. Third, treating cracked heels can improve the appearance of the feet. This can boost self-esteem and confidence. Finally, by treating cracked heels, you can prevent the condition from becoming a chronic problem. It can likewise work on the wellbeing of your feet.

Causes of Cracked Heels

The causes of cracked heels can vary, but the most common include:

1. Dry skin: When the skin on the feet lacks moisture, it can become dry and brittle. This prompt breaks and crevices on the heels.
2. Standing for long hours: People have to stand for extended periods. They may be working in retail, healthcare, or hospitality industries. These people have increased risk of developing cracked heels.
3. Obesity: Carrying abundance weight puts extra load on the feet, this can result into cracking of skin.
4. Aging: As we age, our skin ends up being less adaptable and less prepared to hold moisture. This makes it more susceptible to dryness and cracking.
5. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can cause dry skin and lead to cracked heels. They are diabetes, thyroid disorders, and psoriasis,
6. Improper footwear: Wearing shoes that don’t fit as expected, can put additional pressure on the heels. Shoes that do not provide adequate support can put pressure on heels.  These situations can cause the skin to crack.
7. Hot showers: Taking hot showers or baths can strip the skin of its natural oils. This can lead to dryness and cracking.

We should identify and address the underlying causes of cracked heels.  It will help you to prevent the condition from recurring and improve the health of your feet.

Prevention of Cracked Heels

Here are some preventive measures for cracked heels:

1. Keep your feet perfect and dry: Wash your feet day to day with gentle cleanser and warm water. Dry them especially between the toes.
2. Moisturize regularly: Apply a rich, emollient foot cream or lotion daily. Do it after bathing or showering, to help keep your feet soft and hydrated.
3. Wear comfortable shoes: Pick shoes that fit well and offer sufficient support. Try not to wear shoes that are excessively close, excessively free, or have high heels.
4. Use padded insoles or cushions: These can assist with  reducing pressure on the heels. It can provide extra support and cushioning.
5. Wear socks: Socks can help absorb moisture. It can prevent friction between your feet and your shoes.
6. Avoid hot showers and baths: Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. It can lead to dryness and cracking.
7. Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put extra pressure on your feet, causing the skin to crack.

We should incorporate these preventive measures into our daily routine. This will help to reduce the risk of developing cracked heels. It can keep your feet healthy and comfortable.

Treatment of Cracked Heels

The treatment of cracked heels involves a combination of few strategies. They are self-care measures, home remedies, and medical treatments. Here are some treatment options:

1. Use a pumice stone: Rub a pumice stone on your heels to remove dead skin and smooth out rough areas. Do not use too much pressure, as this can cause further damage to the skin.
2. Apply a moisturizer: Apply a thick moisturizer to your heels, such as petroleum jelly or a foot cream. It should contain urea or lactic acid. Apply it twice a day to help hydrate and soften the skin.
3. Use a foot mask: Apply a foot mask to your feet containing moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil or shea butter. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off.
4. Soak your feet in warm water: Soak your feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes to soften the skin. Use a pumice stone to remove dead skin.
5. Try natural home remedies: Apply natural remedies to your heels. They can be coconut oil, honey, vinegar, or baking soda. It will help to soothe and hydrate the skin.
6. Wear open-toed shoes or sandals: If possible, wear open-toed shoes or sandals to allow your feet to breathe. It will also prevent further friction and pressure on the skin.
7. Seek medical treatment: Your cracked heels may be severe. They may not be responding to self-care measures. In such case seek medical treatment from a podiatrist or dermatologist. They may recommend prescription-strength creams or ointments. You might have to take some medical treatments such as laser therapy.

Home Remedies for Cracked Heels

There are many home remedies that can help treat cracked heels. Here are some effective options:

1. Coconut oil: Apply coconut oil to your heels and massage for a few minutes before going to bed. Cover your feet with socks overnight to allow the oil to penetrate and moisturize the skin.
2. Honey: Mix one cup of honey with one cup of warm water and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it helps to draw moisture to the skin.
3. Vinegar: Mix one cup of white vinegar with two cups of warm water and soak your feet for 20-30 minutes. The acidity of the vinegar helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and soften the skin.
4. Baking soda: Mix two tablespoons of baking soda in with warm water to make a smooth blend. Apply it to your heels and back rub for a couple of moments prior to washing off. Baking soda has exfoliating properties that can assist in removing dead skin cells.
5. Oatmeal: Mix one tablespoon of oatmeal with two tablespoons of olive oil. Apply the combination to your heels. Rub for several minutes before washing it off. Oatmeal is rich in antioxidants and can help soothe and moisturize the skin.
6. Aloe vera: Apply aloe vera gel to your heels and massage for a few minutes. Aloe vera contains ample of nutrients and minerals that can help nourish and hydrate the skin.
7. Epsom salt: Mix one cup of Epsom salt with warm water and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. Epsom salt can help soften the skin and reduce inflammation.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Our eating regimen and lifestyle choices can generally influence your foot wellbeing. The following are a couple of habits by which your choices can impact your feet:

1. Nutrition: The food you eat can affect the health of your skin, nails, and bones. Eating a diet that is high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress. This can damage your skin and contribute to the development of conditions such as cracked heels. So, eating a diet can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to promote healthy skin and prevent foot problems. The eating regimen should be rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
2. Hydration: It assists with forestalling dryness and cracking. Drinking a lot of water over the course of the day. It can assist with keeping your skin saturated and lessen the risk of creating crack heels.
3. Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation. This can promote healthy skin and prevent foot problems. Exercise can likewise assist with keeping a healthy weight. It can reduce burden on the feet and lower the risk of developing conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
4. Smoking: Smoking can impair circulation and reduce oxygen and nutrient supply to the skin. It can build the risk of developing foot issues. They can be peripheral artery disease, poor wound healing and neuropathy.
5. Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol in excess can lead to dehydration and poor circulation. It can contribute to foot problems such as dry skin and poor wound healing.

To promote healthy foot health, consider making the following dietary and lifestyle changes:

1. Eat a good eating routine that consolidates a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
2. Drink a lot of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
3. Exercise regularly to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
4. Avoid smoking or quit if you currently smoke.
5. Limit alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of dehydration and poor circulation.

By making these changes, you can help support healthy foot health. It can reduce the risk of developing foot problems such as cracked heels.

When to See a Doctor

We can treat most cases of cracked heels with home cures and taking care of oneself measures. There are situations in which it’s important to seek medical attention. Here are a few motivations to counsel a doctor for cracked heels:

1. Diabetes: If you have diabetes, you may be at increased risk of foot complications. It tends to be contaminations and poor wound healing. Cracked heels can be a sign of an underlying foot problem that requires medical attention. It’s fundamental to have your feet checked routinely by an expert if you have diabetes.
2. Severe pain: You may experience severe pain or discomfort in your heels. It may be a sign of an underlying condition such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. A doctor can help diagnose the condition and provide treatment options.
3. Infection: If you notice signs of infection, it’s important to see a doctor. They can be redness, swelling, or pus around your cracked heels. Infections can decline and spread, particularly if you have condition like diabetes or a weakened immune system.

If you see a doctor for cracked heels, they may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:

1. Prescription creams or ointments: A doctor may prescribe a stronger, medicated cream or ointment. It will assist with healing and moisturizing the skin.
2. Debridement: In some cases, a doctor may need to remove the thick, dry skin around the heels to promote healing.
3. Orthotics: Cracked heels may cause due to flat feet or overpronation. A doctor may recommend custom-made shoe inserts or orthotics. This will assist in supporting your feet and reduce pressure on the heels.
4. Surgery: In uncommon cases, medical procedure might be important to treat extreme or persistent instances of cracked heels.

Conclusion:

Remember, healthy feet are essential for maintaining an active and comfortable lifestyle. By taking steps to prevent and treat cracked heels, you can improve your foot health and quality of life. So, don’t wait until your cracked heels become a serious problem. Start taking action today to protect your feet and keep them healthy and happy!

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