Cracked and Fissured Heels
About Cracked and Fissured Heels
Cracked and fissured heels can be painful and unsightly. Learning about the causes and available podiatric treatments can help you achieve smoother, healthier feet.
What Causes Cracked and Fissured Heels?
- Dry Skin: One of the most common causes is dryness, which can result from factors like low humidity, dehydration, or excessive exposure to water.
- Pressure: Standing for extended periods, being overweight, or wearing open-back shoes can exert excessive pressure on the heels, leading to cracks.
- Skin Conditions: Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can contribute to dry, cracked skin.
- Aging: As we age, our skin tends to lose moisture and elasticity, making it more susceptible to cracking.
Podiatric Treatment Options
- Hydration: Moisturizing your feet regularly with a thick, emollient cream or ointment can help soften and hydrate the skin.
- Foot Soaks: Soaking your feet in warm water for about 15 minutes followed by gentle scrubbing with a pumice stone can help remove dead skin.
- Paraffin wax therapy : Regular paraffin wax baths can cleanse, moisturise, and soften heels and prevent cracked and fissured heels
- Orthotic Devices: Custom-made or over-the-counter inserts can provide extra cushioning and support to reduce pressure on the heels.
- Footwear: Choosing shoes with good arch support and cushioning can alleviate pressure on the heels.
- Prescription Medications: In cases of severe dryness or underlying skin conditions, your podiatrist may prescribe specialized creams or ointments.
- Debridement: Podiatrists can safely remove thickened skin and calluses.
- Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive exposure to water can prevent further cracking.
Other Services..
General Nail & Foot Care
Routine foot and nail care is essential for preventing issues like ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses. We help keep your feet in top condition with professional trimming, debridement, and treatment of common nail and skin concerns. Ideal for seniors and those with mobility issues.
Sporting Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries from sports can significantly impact your mobility. We diagnose and treat conditions such as heel pain, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, and stress fractures to get you back in action as soon as possible.
Specific Foot Problems
If you’re experiencing foot pain, swelling, or discomfort, we assess and treat conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, Morton’s neuroma, and arthritis-related foot pain, providing tailored solutions to improve your comfort.
Diabetic Foot Management
People with diabetes are at risk of foot complications due to reduced circulation and sensation. Our diabetic foot care services include regular check-ups, wound management, and preventative care to help avoid serious complications.
Home Visits & Age Care
For those who cannot make it to the clinic, we offer home visits across the Central Coast. This service is particularly beneficial for seniors, DVA Gold Card holders, and individuals with mobility challenges who require ongoing foot care.
Nail Surgery
We provide expert treatment for chronic ingrown toenails, including minor nail surgery when needed. Our gentle procedures help relieve pain and prevent recurring issues.
Paediatric Foot Care
Children’s feet develop rapidly, and early intervention can prevent future problems. We assess and treat common paediatric concerns such as flat feet, growing pains, and gait abnormalities to support healthy development.
Biomechanical Assessments
Custom orthotics and biomechanical assessments help correct foot posture, improve function, and relieve pain from conditions like overpronation, high arches, and sports-related strain.
Paraffin Foot Baths
Paraffin wax therapy is a soothing treatment for dry skin, arthritis, and joint stiffness. The warm wax helps increase circulation, hydrate the skin, and reduce pain in the feet. Ideal for those with arthritis or chronic foot discomfort.
Call today to make an appointment
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