Painful cracks on bottom of feet are common and 20 percent of adults are suffering from them. Women are affected by the condition more and it occurs in children and adults. Though it might not be serious, the discomfort and pain are too much when you are on your feet.

Cracked Feet Causes

The initial sign that the heel is about to crack is the formation of callouses that is thickened dry skin and cracks on your feet. When you are on your feet the fat pad under your heel expands and causes the callouses to crack. There are medical conditions that can cause dry foot skin that can lead to Cracked Heels. Conditions causing poor circulation and high blood sugar are common causes of dry skin. Other conditions that lead to cracked heels include aging, vitamin deficiency, pregnancy, fungal infections, obesity, hypothyroidism, palmoplantar keratoderma, a topic dermatitis, psoriasis, and juvenile plantar dermatosis.

Other risk factors that contribute to cracked heels include:

1. Walking around with open-back sandals or barefoot.
2. Standing for long hours.
3. Using harsh bath soaps on your skin that strip the skin of natural oils.
4. Long and hot showers.
5. Shoes that do not support your heels or fit properly.
6. Dry skin due to low humidity or cold temperatures.
7. Dried-out feet that are not regularly moisturized.

Symptoms of cracked heels include ulceration, flaky skin, inflamed and red skin, itching, bleeding, and pain. In severe cases, complications develop and cause cellulitis, diabetic foot ulcers, loss of feeling, warmth, swelling, pain, and redness. When you notice any of these symptoms, contact a podiatrist immediately.

Painful cracks on bottom of feet issues can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing pain in your foot or ankle, contact the podiatrist at DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How to prevent cracked heels

It is important to take note of your footwear because they leave you prone to cracked heels. Wear shoes that support and cushion the heels. Avoid sandals and flip-flops as they increase the chances of the feet drying out. Open-back shoes should provide enough heel support and shoes with a high heel can cause the heel to expand sideways.

There are other ways of preventing cracked heels:

1. Wear good-quality padded socks.
2. Avoid sitting with crossed feet for long and standing in one position for a long period.
3. Wear orthotics to even out weight and cushion your heel.
4. To keep the heel moisturized use silicon heel cups, they also prevent the heel pad from expanding.
5. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
6. Remove thickened skin on the heels using a pumice stone. If you have a pre-existing condition such as neuropathy or diabetes, avoid creating a wound and risk infection as you remove the skin.

Ensure you see a podiatrist if you have an underlying condition when treating cracked heels to prevent complications. You can use home remedies and over-the-counter solutions that show signs of improvement after the initial treatment. However, cracks take several weeks to heel.