Cracked heels (heel fissures)

Cracked heels develop when dry or thickened skin around the heel loses flexibility and splits under pressure; thongs, long standing and some health problems can contribute. Where safe, we reduce the thick, cracked skin to ease pressure on the edges, then set up a balm and footwear routine to help stop it returning.

How we can help at Burwood Podiatry

Where it's safe, we reduce the thick, cracked skin at your visit and set up a routine to help stop it coming back, so you can feel confident in sandals again.

• A check of crack depth and any signs of infection or ulceration
• Careful reduction of thick callus to ease pressure on the edges of the cracks
• A heel balm routine that suits your skin
• Footwear advice for shoes that hold the heel
• Regular care if they keep returning: general podiatry

When to get it checked

• Deep, painful or bleeding cracks
• No improvement after a week or two of home care
• Redness, heat, swelling or pus around a crack
• Diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling with any open crack: same-day care

With diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling, treat any open crack as a wound and get same-day care. Emergency, or a foot that suddenly turns cold, pale or blue? Call 000.