Heel fissures, another term for cracked heels, have various causes. Some are due to the weather you are under, the shoes you wear, or an underlying condition. As soon as you are aware of the problem, you need to provide your feet with extra care and attention. There is no overnight solution available. This means that you have to be consistent in the treatments that work for you.
Cracked heels can lead to wounds on your feet. They become openings for pathogens, such as viruses, to enter. When left untreated, it can lead to infections. For those with diabetes, it might even be the cause of a required amputation. Here are the crucial steps to take if you are experiencing pain due to heel fissures:
See a Medical Professional
If you are experiencing pain on your feet and are unsure of its cause or treatment, you should contact a reliable podiatrist. They will provide you with an expert’s opinion on your condition and guide you in the right direction for treatment. Depending on the severity of the cracking, they can suggest appropriate solutions.
These medical professionals can also remove your dead skin cells to lessen the fissures and prevent heel cracking throughout. This process is known as debridement. It will reduce the chances of infections and encourage healthier tissue growth.
They might even be able to help identify which underlying condition is causing the heel cracks or what external factor is causing your skin to react in this way. Being aware of the problem will provide you more precise solutions while preventing an erroneous prescription of antibiotics or any other kind of treatment.
Put on Heel Balms
To facilitate healing, you must restore the moisture in the heels. Urea and glycerin are common ingredients in heel balms that might help lead the road to recovery. The urea content removes dead skin cells while drawing water from the air to treat dry skin. At the same time, glycerin maintains the moisture in the area on which it is applied.
Heel balms or foot creams are usually massaged onto the heel to ensure that the skin absorbs the ingredients. They can be applied twice a day or as often as necessary to ensure their effectiveness. Some people experience stinging in the cracks, but it is normal and can indicate that the treatment is working. However, if the pain is unbearable, it is best to see a doctor for a better solution.
It will be challenging to walk around after applying the cream. Wearing socks can help retain the moisture and allow the person with the condition to walk around with ease. Again, this is when extra time and attention are needed since it takes some time for the dry heel to fully absorb the cream applied.
This is the treatment that is commonly followed since there are creams that do not need a prescription. In case the balm does not work for you, a doctor can prescribe one that might be more effective. The most important thing is to be consistent in massaging your feet as often as they need to be.
Use the Right Footwear
One way to help dry and cracked heels to recover is by avoiding wearing slippers or any other kind of footwear without back support. Such kind of footwear is a common cause of the condition. Wearing socks can reduce instances of moisture loss, as explained earlier.
When a person with heel fissures is at home, they should avoid having their feet come in contact with the ground. Less pressure on their feet can mean less pain in the affected area. Similarly, being on your feet all day can exacerbate the pain experienced. It is highly recommended that someone with the condition stays off their feet to reduce the chances of cracks forming.
Certain kinds of inserts may also guide feet to apply less pressure on particular areas. Doctors specializing in this field can provide the means for shoe inserts specific to someone’s feet. However, these can be costly.
As it is being treated, the pain caused by cracked heels may diminish. Unfortunately, abruptly missing a period of treatment can lead to the return of dry skin and pain. Remember, if there is still stinging from the fissures, the best solution is to contact a doctor to relieve you of pain right away. This condition can become a nuisance in everyday life, especially if the person suffering needs to be on their feet for most of the day.
