Are there ways to prevent my heels from cracking?
It is much safer and easier to prevent cracked heels than to deal with the pain, bleeding, and possible infection after they form. As soon as you notice that the skin on your feet feels dry, start a rigorous moisturizing program. This includes taking short, warm showers—not long hot ones—and using a lotion or cream religiously morning and night. Make sure the product does not contain alcohol or harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin. (You’d be surprised how many of them do!)
Other things you can do to prevent heel fissures are alternating open shoes and sandals with socks and shoes that protect your feet from dry air or too much pressure. Make sure they fit well and provide adequate cushioning so the skin is not stressed by your weight. Speaking of weight, it helps to keep that under control, too.
Sometimes an underlying condition like diabetes, lack of certain vitamins, skin diseases, or even simple age-related factors can cause dry skin. If your homecare regimen doesn’t address your issues, don’t put off getting expert help. The staff at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center in Wheat Ridge, CO are only a phone call away at (303) 423-2520.
Why are my heels cracked and dry?
The definition of dry is lack of moisture, and that is true for dry skin on your feet, too. It can be caused by a range of issues, from not drinking enough fluids, to spending too much time barefoot in a dry climate, to having an underlying medical condition. Heel fissures occur when your dry, callused skin is exposed to pressure from standing or walking. Because it has lost its elasticity, it doesn’t stretch to accommodate the stress—it cracks instead.
Cracked heels are often associated with aging, as your skin starts to lose its natural moisture. Nerve damage from diabetes can also lead to the problem, as your sweat glands do not get the message to release perspiration and moisten your feet. Even things like vitamin deficiencies and kidney or thyroid problems can cause your skin to become dry and callused.
Don’t ignore painful, cracked skin on your feet. There are many home care techniques that can help you heal. If they don’t relieve the problem, call the foot doctors at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center in Wheat Ridge, Golden, Evergreen, and Granby, CO at (303) 423-2520 for expert help.
