Cracked Heels Are More Than a Cosmetic Concern
Tucson’s dry climate can be tough on your skin, and the heels often take the brunt of it. What begins as a rough patch around the edge of the heel can deepen into painful cracks that make every step uncomfortable.
At Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists in Tucson and Oro Valley, we want patients to know that cracked heels are not always just a cosmetic issue. Deep fissures can bleed, become infected, and require professional treatment, particularly for people with certain medical conditions.
Why Do Heels Crack?
The skin around the heel can become dry and lose flexibility. When pressure causes the heel pad to expand while you stand or walk, inflexible skin may split.
Arizona’s low humidity can contribute to dryness, but other factors may also play a role, including:
- Frequently wearing sandals or open-backed shoes
- Standing for long periods
- Thick calluses around the heel
- Taking long, hot showers
- Using harsh soaps
- Walking barefoot
- Certain skin or medical conditions
Shoes without a supportive back may allow the heel to spread more as you walk. If a thick callus has developed, the added pressure can make cracking more likely.
When Do Heel Fissures Need Medical Care?
Minor surface cracks may respond to consistent moisturizing and better footwear. Schedule an evaluation if the cracks are painful, deep, bleeding, red, warm, or draining. These changes may indicate an open wound or infection.
People receiving diabetic foot care should be especially cautious. Diabetes-related nerve damage may make it difficult to feel an injury, while circulation problems can interfere with healing. Avoid cutting thick skin yourself or applying medicated callus-removal products unless a medical professional says they are safe for you.
How Can You Help Protect Your Heels?
Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer regularly, particularly after bathing while the skin is still slightly damp. Wear supportive, closed-back shoes and avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces. Gentle exfoliation may be appropriate for some people, but aggressive scraping can damage healthy skin.
Cracked heels have a way of being ignored until each step starts to sting. If home care is not helping or the skin has opened, we can recommend treatment.
Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists provides comprehensive foot and ankle services to patients throughout Tucson, Oro Valley, and surrounding areas of Pima County, Arizona. Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., are here to help you get back on your feet. Call (520) 575-0800 or contact us online.
