Are cracked heels serious?

Mild cracked heels are usually just a dryness issue, but deep fissures can bleed, become infected, or be more serious for people with diabetes or compromised circulation and immune function.

How can I heal cracked heels at home?

Moisturize daily (especially after bathing), use a pumice stone gently to reduce thickened skin, wear supportive closed-back shoes, and avoid harsh soaps or very hot water.

When should I see a podiatrist for cracked heels?

See a podiatrist if the cracks are deep, painful, bleeding, or not improving with home care, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation, since these conditions raise the risk of complications.

Can cracked heels be prevented?

Yes. Regular moisturizing, wearing supportive shoes rather than open-backed footwear, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help prevent cracked heels from developing.

Cracked Heels: Causes & Treatment | Choice Podiatry Center

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common skin condition where the skin on the heels becomes dry, thick, and cracked. These fissures can range from superficial to deep, and while some are merely a cosmetic nuisance, others cause real pain and, in severe cases, bleeding and infection.

More Than a Cosmetic Issue

Cracked heels are more than just unsightly — they can significantly threaten mobility, making walking or standing painful and challenging. The skin around the heels is constantly subjected to pressure and weight-bearing, and when it becomes dry or thickened with calluses, it loses the flexibility needed to withstand that pressure and begins to split.

For some people, the cracks stay superficial. For others, especially those with a compromised immune system or a condition like diabetes that impairs healing, cracks can deepen and lead to bleeding, infection, and other foot complications.

Risk Factors for Cracked Heels

Prolonged standing
Obesity, which increases pressure on the heels
Walking barefoot or wearing open-backed shoes
Dry skin or naturally thickened callused skin
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism
Aging, which reduces skin elasticity over time

How to Treat Cracked Heels

Moisturize consistently. Apply a good foot cream or petroleum jelly both day and night to combat dryness, which is the underlying cause of most cracked heels.
Wear socks with moisturizer. Applying a thick cream and then covering the feet with socks overnight helps lock in moisture.
Use a pumice stone. Gently exfoliating dead, thickened skin allows moisturizer to absorb more effectively, though this should be done carefully to avoid creating new wounds.
Adjust your routine. Ease up on harsh soaps, keep showers lukewarm rather than hot, and avoid excessive scrubbing, all of which can strip the skin of natural moisture.
Support skin health from the inside. A well-balanced diet, adequate hydration, and nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and zinc can help support healthier skin overall.

When to See a Podiatrist

If cracked heels are not healing, are worsening, or show signs of infection, it is time to see a podiatrist for prompt treatment. In more advanced cases, a podiatrist may need to safely remove built-up dead skin and prescribe medication. If you have any concerns, contact Vivian C. Iwu, DPM from Choice Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office located in Marietta, GA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Request an appointment with Choice Podiatry Center if your cracked heels are not improving with home care.