This article explains both Podiatrist cracked heels treatments and home remedies for your cracked heels.
Heel fissures, also referred to as cracked heels, are caused by overexposure or moisture loss.
In some cases, they may be caused by medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes.
Most cracked heels are painless and benign. However, some cracked heels can be very painful and require treatment.
If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about heel cracks. They should be cleaned regularly and you should wear socks and closed-toe shoes. Don’t forget about your foot!
What Causes Cracked Heels?
The first sign of cracked heels is when the skin around the heels gets dry and thick. The extra pressure on the heel’s fat pad can cause the skin to become dry and thick.
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When this happens, it’s called a heel crack, or a heel fissure. Anyone can develop a heel crack, but there are a few things that make them more common, including:
- Dry, cold weather
- Having cold, dry skin
- Using harsh soaps
- Taking hot baths or showers
- Standing for long periods
- Wearing open-heeled footwear
Medical Causes Of Cracked Heels
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- A fungal infection called athlete’s foot
- Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis is a skin condition affecting the plantar plexus in young children.
- Sjögrens syndrome is a long-term condition that restricts your body’s ability to produce enough moisture.
- Heel spurs are bone nodules at the base of the heel.
- Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough of certain hormones.
Podiatrist Cracked Heels Treatments
Possible podiatrist cracked heels treatments options include:
Shoe inserts. Your shoes may also have insoles that distribute the weight from the heel to the other side of the shoe.
This helps to reduce the size of the fat pad so that it doesn’t expand sideways and crack your heels.
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Prescription medicines. Your doctor may prescribe a cream that is stronger than what you can find on the market.
A prescription-strength cream typically contains a higher concentration of active ingredients such as urea or Salicylic acid.
Skin glue. The heel fissures may be glued together by your doctor using a type of glue that is intended to be applied to the skin. This can help the fissures heal.
Strapping. This involves wrapping the heel in bandages or dressings to prevent the skin from moving.
Debridement. This procedure involves a professional cutting away the dense, tough skin on the heels. Do not attempt to do this on your own. Too much skin removal can lead to infection.
Aside from podiatrist cracked heels treatments, below are some of the top home remedies for cracked heels.
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- Sugar, Honey, and Olive Oil Foot Mask
Combine 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of honey to make a paste that will not only remove dead skin but also keep your feet moisturized.
Wash your feet in warm water. Add the paste to your heels and allow to sit for 15 minutes before wiping off any excess.
- White Vinegar Soak
Vinegar is rich in acetic acid, which exfoliates and softens the skin on your heels. To get the best results, place your feet in a bowl of warm water add 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar to the bowl, and soak for 15 minutes.
Then, pummel your feet with a pummel stone to remove dead skin, and apply a bit of natural oil to keep your feet moisturized.
- Vegetable Oil Soak
To fight dry skin, use vegetable oil to moisturize your feet. Natural essential oils such as olive oil and coconut oil will moisturize your heels and keep them soft.
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Wash your feet in warm water and scrub with a pumice stone to create a thick base of vegetable oil.
- Banana, Avocado and Coconut Paste
With essential oils and vitamins from avocados and coconut, this paste will treat cracked heels and keep your feet moisturized.
Wash your feet in warm water and apply this paste. Keep the mask on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.
- Lemon, Salt, and Glycerin Paste
To treat cracked heels, use this foot mask. Wash your feet with warm water and raw salt for 15 minutes. Pummel your feet with a pummel stone to remove dirt.
Mix a paste of 1/2 teaspoon of pure lemon juice and glycerine and apply to your feet. Keep your feet moist by wearing a foot soak overnight,
For best results, try the home remedies for around a month, or better yet, incorporate them into your regular foot care routine.
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Fruits With Healing Properties for Cracked Heels
| Fruit |
| Avocado |
| Banana |
| Coconut |
| Lemon |
How to Prevent Cracked Heels
- Check your feet daily
- Wash your feet every day
- Trim your toenails
- Wear supportive footwear
- Protect your feet from temperature extremes
When To See a Doctor
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If you have severely cracked heels or if they do not improve after treatment for one week, consult your doctor. A podiatrist is a specialist in feet, ankles, and lower legs.
Important details to keep in mind:
Do’s:
- Consume plenty of water and other fluids, like fruit and vegetable juices.
- Consume less sugar and salt.
- Use gentle and mild moisturizing products.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Talk to your doctor about your health.
- Eat more green veggies and fruits.
- Use a scrub and mask twice a week.
Don’ts:
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- Do not drink alcohol as it dehydrates your body.
- Do not eat junk food.
- Do not wear flat and open-toed shoes because they dry out your feet and cause your heels to crack.
- Do not use harsh chemicals when giving you a pedicure.
- Do not ignore your cracked heels because ignorance is not bliss.
- Do not stand or walk too long because it makes your cracked heels worse.
- Do not go barefoot while applying any kind of moisturizer, especially on tile and marble floors.
Cracked heels are usually minor, but if left untreated, they can cause serious complications like infection. Especially if you have chronic health conditions that cause your cracked heels. The best way to prevent cracked heels is to practice preventative techniques such as the ones mentioned above.
Other Tips
- If you need to lose weight, do so. Heels tend to crack under pressure on their heel pad.
- Wear closed-toe shoes. Closed-toe shoes prevent the heel pad from expanding and cracking.
- Eating healthy fats can help keep your skin soft and supple.
- Once the cracking stops, cleanse your heels with soap every time you wash them. This will help prevent the heel from slowly regrowing a callus.
FAQs Related To Podiatrist Cracked Heels Treatments
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Can a podiatrist get rid of cracked heels?
Yes. Cracked heels can easily be treated by podiatrists
What do podiatrists use for cracked heels?
Patients can also receive an extra massage and a scrub for exfoliation. Next, a hot wax is applied to the cracks to promote healing and blood circulation to the foot.
This treatment wraps the cracks in a special warm wax to promote the daily healing of the skin.
Do I need a podiatrist for cracked heels?
Heel fissures or cracked heels are often painful, and if they are deep, they can lead to infection.
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This is why podiatry is so important, especially for patients who are more susceptible to infections, such as those with diabetes.
Is there surgery for cracked heels?
Debriding is one of the most common methods used by podiatrists to correct fissures.
What is the best ingredient for cracked heels?
Shea butter, petrolatum, ceramides, dimethicone, etc.
Which footwear is best for cracked heels?
It’s also a good idea to wear shoes that are soft and comfortable for your heels. Avoid sandals that open from the back or high heels.
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How long does it take for cracked heels to heal?
Well, it depends on how bad it is. If it’s a superficial crack, it’ll heal up to a week if you take care of it right away by removing any dead skin and using a topical cream.
But if it’s a thicker or deeper crack, it’ll take up to four weeks, even with the right medication and care.
What causes heels to crack?
Heel cracks occur when the outer layer of skin around the edge of the heel gets dry and dense, and the pressure of the fat pad beneath the heel causes it to split.
A Word From GetMe Treated
Cracked heels can be a big problem if you don’t take care of them. You can treat cracked heels with home remedies and using Podiatrist cracked heels treatments.
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The above are some of the remedies and Podiatrist treatments you can use to fix your cracked heels. Keep in mind that these issues won’t last long if you take good care of yourself.