FACT SHEET
Here at Simply Feet - we like to look at everything in a simple way!
The Traffic Light symbol above indicates the way you should approach this condition. Green means
that you can treat this condition yourself if you feel comfortable doing so, however, for further
reassurance it might be as well to talk the condition through with an HPC registered Podiatrist.
So, let’s approach your problem in a methodical and logical manner, so that you can gain some knowledge
about your condition, and after reading a little about it, you can decide on the best course of action.
Remember this advice is for guidance only and if you are in any doubt at all, please consult your HPC
Registered Podiatrist, Physiotherapist or your GP.
Cracked Heels
What are they? The Main Symptoms are:
The appearance of fissures (cracks in your skin) l This condition is not serious as such, but when the
and general dryness around the heel of your foot. skin breaks open and bleeds then it becomes a
source of infection, which is of course not welcome.
Some Common Causes l Red and flaky patches of skin can be seen and felt.
l The onset of advanced years can unfortunately l Peeling and cracked skin.
also bring with it this condition, or a l Itchy skin.
higher chance of you developing it.
l Shoes that do not fit properly. Some suggested treatment programs
l Athlete’s foot can also be associated l Use a pumice stone or other foot file to
with this problem. help reduce the thickness of the skin.
l Other major dermatological conditions l Follow this treatment with the use of a good
such as Psoriasis and eczema. foot cream in order to moisturise the area and
l If you have diabetes you may well have keep it supple. Use frequently i.e. every day.
a higher risk of having very dry skin. l Use the foot cream at night and wear
l A higher level of household heat that reduces bed socks to help the foot absorb as
humidity and dries out your skin. much of the cream as possible.
l This condition can also be linked to the wearing l Check your shoes and footwear for tight spots that
of open backed footwear that causes the rub against your heel and try and eliminate these.
outer part of the heel to rub and crack. l You can wear insoles and corrective devices
l The over use of excessively hot water. to realign your feet and get them to work
l Being overweight. properly so as not to rub on your heels which
can make this condition much worse.
simply feet PO Box 7052, Brackley NN13 7WS Tel: 0845 3700 380 Email: service@simplyfeet.co.uk Web: www.simplyfeet.co.uk
Simply Feet is a trading name of JBG Healthcare Ltd