20 Nov Preventing and Managing Cracked Heels This Summer: A Guide to Healthier Feet
Preventing and Managing Cracked Heels This Summer: A Guide to Healthier Feet
As the festive season and hot summer days approach, there’s so much excitement in the air – holiday gatherings, beach days, and family get-togethers. But for many, the holidays can also bring an uncomfortable surprise: cracked heels. Cracked heels aren’t just a cosmetic concern; they can lead to pain, infection, and even limit mobility if left untreated. In this educational article, we’ll walk you through the common causes of cracked heels, why a proper diagnosis matters, and effective treatment options. Let’s get your feet ready for summer in the healthiest way possible!
Understanding the Causes of Cracked Heels
Cracked heels can have a variety of causes, and it’s essential to identify what’s triggering your symptoms to apply the right treatments. Here are some of the most common but often overlooked causes:
1. Chronic Fungal Infections
Cracked heels can sometimes be attributed to chronic fungal infections, like tinea, that worsen in warmer weather. When left untreated, these infections can dry out the skin, making it prone to cracking. If cracked heels seem to flare up each summer, a chronic, untreated fungal infection could be the cause.
2. Foot and Lower Limb Mechanics
The way we walk, stand, and move can contribute to cracked heels. Issues like restricted ankle motion or limited range of motion in the great toe can impact the body’s mechanics, often leading to compensations higher up in the leg. Over time, these compensations can place extra pressure on the heels, increasing the risk of cracking.
Treatment Options: Start with a Professional Assessment
A thorough assessment by a podiatrist is the first step to healthier heels. At The Foot Studio, our expert team looks at the whole picture, identifying any underlying causes of cracked heels and tailoring a treatment plan that suits your needs. Here’s what a typical treatment plan might involve:
1. Gentle Debridement and Removal of Hard Skin
A gentle removal of hard, thickened skin can help reduce the severity of cracks and prevent further splitting. A podiatrist will carefully remove excess skin, allowing moisture and treatments to penetrate the deeper layers more effectively.
2. Footwear Education and Supportive Choices
The right footwear can make a huge difference in preventing cracked heels. Open-backed shoes, like sandals, can make your heels dry out faster, leading to more cracks. Supportive footwear, especially with a cushioned heel, can protect against dryness and relieve pressure that leads to cracking.
3. Topical Home Care: Antifungal and Moisturising Treatments
Incorporating a daily home care routine with antifungal creams and intensive moisturisers can be crucial, especially if fungal infections are part of the problem. Products with urea or salicylic acid can help soften hard skin and prevent further cracking.
4. Orthoses, Footwear Adjustments, and Strengthening Exercises
If lower limb mechanics are identified as a contributing factor, supportive devices like orthoses or strengthening exercises may be recommended. These options can help correct any misalignments and reduce the impact on your heels.
Why Professional Assessment Matters
To truly prevent and manage cracked heels, it’s essential to understand the root causes. Restricted ankle motion or limited great toe mobility may seem minor, but they can lead to larger issues over time, impacting the calf, Achilles, and even the way you stand. By addressing these issues through a comprehensive assessment, you’re not just treating cracked heels – you’re improving the entire chain of movement from your feet up.
Take Control of Your Foot Health This Season
Cracked heels don’t have to hold you back from enjoying the summer and holiday festivities. With the right approach and a bit of guidance, you can address underlying causes and enjoy healthy, pain-free heels. Remember, foot health is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about empowering you to live an active, vibrant life.
For more information on how we can help, or to book an appointment, reach out to The Foot Studio. Wishing you and your feet a joyful, healthy Christmas and New Year!
Laura 🌿
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