As the weather starts to warm up, and we begin to spend more time outdoors, we often see people in the clinic with dry, cracked heels during this time of year. For some people, they can be quite embarrassing and can often cause pain while walking. The good news is that there are many ways we can help get your feet looking and feeling great again!
What causes dry, cracked heels?
Medical factors:
Diabetes
Vascular issues (arterial and venous)
Skin conditions (e.g. psoriasis and eczema)
Hormone imbalances (e.g. estrogen and thyroid)
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Lifestyle factors:
Barefoot walking
Wearing thongs or open back shoes
Ill-fitting footwear
High body mass index (bodyweight)
Standing on hard surfaces for an extended period
What can you do?
Moisturise your heels daily using an emollient.
Use a foot file to reduce any calluses (thick skin).
Avoid barefoot walking around the house and outside.
How can we help you?
At Fairfield Podiatry, there are several ways we can help get your feet looking and feeling great again. We do this by:
Using specialised podiatry equipment to gently remove thick, dry and cracked skin.
Appling emollient to help moisturise and soften the skin.
Recommending the most appropriate emollient for you.
Using a wax bath to soften the skin.
Creating a tailored prevention plan.
Sound familiar? Don’t let your dry, cracked heels ruin your summer! Our friendly and experienced podiatrists are here to help. Feel free to contact us or book an appointment online.
Author: Dion Vallianos