Cracked heels occur for a number of reasons. The most common ones we see commonly at Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Institute are:
- Barefoot walking on dry, cold or hot surfaces
- Excessive manual debriding or treatment of the skin
- Excessiveley soaking feet in water
- Ill fitting shoes
- Age
- Systemic Diseases like diabetes or thyroid issues
There is no simple fix for cracked heels. The key is to retain moisture in the heels.
- Soak feet in lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes.
- Trim calluses with a pumice stone.
- Obtain a lotion with a lactic acid like Amlactin (it's found at Costco).
- Cover with cotton socks or purchase gel heel cups to retain moisture.
- Wear supportive sandals or shoes in the house.
WARNING: IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, NEUROPATHY OR ANY IMMUNOCOMPROMISED CONDITIONS, PLEASE COME TO ORTHOPEDIC FOOT AND ANKLE INSTITUTE TO BE TREATED.
Also, please avoid chemical callus peels. They can cause more damage to the feet.
If the above treatments do not work you need to be evaluated by one of our specialists at Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Institute. We will see if there are any other causes like bacterial or fungal infection causing the skin to callus and breakdown.
We treat patients with cracked heels from Henderson, Summerlin, Boulder City, Southern Highlands, North Las Vegas, Centennial Hills and Las Vegas.
Call us at 702-997-9833 Option 1 to schedule an appointment.
Author
Priya Samant, DPM
Priya Samant, DPM, is a podiatrist working at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Institute in Henderson, Nevada. Originally from Northern California, Dr. Samant now considers Las Vegas her home.
Dr. Samant attended the University of San Francisco, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in biology. She then attended Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago and spent nearly a decade training in the Midwest. Dr. Samant gained her podiatric experience at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. She spent three years training in diabetic limb salvage, wound care, and Charcot's foot. She also treats foot and ankle pathologies from ingrown toenails to plantar fasciitis and trauma.
Dr. Samant takes the time and effort to provide her patients with the most functional and effective treatment plans to ensure a speedy recovery. She has been practicing in Las Vegas for several years.
When Dr. Samant is not working, she is spending time with her two daughters and husband. She loves to hike, cook, and
