Have you ever looked down at your heels and thought, “Good grief! When did my feet turn into a couple of pieces of dry toast?”

Perhaps your heels have become rough, hard, yellowish or even started splitting open. Maybe they catch on your bedsheets at night, leaving you feeling as though you're sleeping with a couple of cheese graters at the end of your legs!

Don't worry. You're not alone. Cracked, hard heels are a very common problem, and the good news is that there are things you can do to help your feet feel soft, smooth and comfortable again.

Let's take a closer look at what's going on down there.

Why Do Heels Become Hard And Cracked?

Your skin is clever. It protects your feet by building up a thicker layer of skin when your heels are under pressure or rubbing against your shoes.

Unfortunately, sometimes your skin gets a little carried away with this job!

Hard skin, also called callus, builds up around the edges of your heels. As this thick skin becomes dry and loses its flexibility, it can split. These splits are called heel fissures.

Think of a dry riverbed. When the ground loses moisture, it cracks. Your heels can do exactly the same thing!

Several things can make cracked heels more likely:

• Dry skin: Your skin loses moisture and becomes less flexible.

• Standing for long periods: Your heels take a lot of pressure throughout the day.

• Open-backed shoes: Sandals and flip-flops can allow the skin around your heels to spread outwards with every step.

• Going barefoot: Lovely on the beach, perhaps, but not always kind to your heels!

• Ageing: As we get older, our skin can become drier and thinner in some areas.

• Medical conditions: Diabetes, eczema, psoriasis and certain other conditions including carrying excess bodyweight, can contribute to dry or cracked skin.

  
  

Sometimes, your feet simply need a little extra attention.

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Cracked Heels

You might think, “It's only hard skin. I'll just put up with it.”

But those little cracks can become much more than a cosmetic problem.

Small, shallow cracks may be uncomfortable, but deeper cracks can cause pain, bleed and make walking unpleasant. They can also allow germs to enter the skin, increasing the risk of infection.

If you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in your feet, cracked heels need particular care. It's best to seek professional advice rather than trying to tackle them yourself.

And please don't wait until every pair of socks you own has a hole in the heel before doing something about it!

Can You Fix Cracked Heels At Home?

Yes, mild dryness and rough skin can often be improved with a simple daily routine.

1. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!

Your heels need moisture just as much as your face does. Use a good foot cream daily, ideally one designed for very dry, hard skin.

Ingredients such as urea can help soften thick skin and improve moisture levels. Your foot health practitioner can recommend a suitable product for your needs.

2. Make it a bedtime habit.

Apply your foot cream before bed. You could wear a pair of clean cotton socks afterwards to help keep the cream in place.

Just remember: moisturising between your toes isn't necessary, as excess moisture there can encourage fungal problems.

3. Be gentle with hard skin.

A foot file may help with mild hard skin, but don't attack your heels as if you're sanding down an old garden bench!

Never cut hard skin away with scissors, blades or sharp tools. This can cause injury and infection.

If your heels are deeply cracked, bleeding or painful, get professional advice before filing them.

4. Choose shoes that support your heels.

Well-fitting shoes with a secure back can help reduce the spreading and pressure that contribute to heel cracks. Save the flimsy flip-flops for occasional use rather than wearing them all day, every day.

When Should You See A Foot Health Practitioner?

If your heels are very hard, painful or repeatedly cracking, a professional treatment can make a real difference.

As a Foot Health Practitioner, I can assess your feet, carefully reduce excess hard skin using appropriate instruments and advise you on how to look after your heels at home.

Removing the thick build-up can help reduce pressure on the surrounding skin.

Combined with regular moisturising and suitable footwear, this can help keep your heels more comfortable.

However, one treatment isn't necessarily a permanent fix. Your heels didn't become cracked overnight, and they may need ongoing care to stay in good condition.

If you have signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, discharge or worsening pain, seek prompt medical advice. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, seek advice early about any cracks or breaks in your skin.

Give Your Heels A Little Happiness!

Your feet carry you through life, from walking the dog to running around after the family. They deserve a little TLC in return.

So, don't wait until your heels resemble a dried-up desert or your bedsheets are in danger of being shredded!

A simple daily moisturising routine, supportive footwear and regular professional foot care can help keep your heels smoother, healthier and more comfortable.

At Happy Feet Clinics in Hove & Steyning, I'm here to help you put your best foot forward.

If your heels need some attention, get in touch with Anna at Happy Feet to discuss your foot care needs.

Because life is too short for sore heels, uncomfortable walking and socks that keep getting snagged!

Happy heels, happy feet, happier you!