Cracked Heels

Prevention and Treatment of Cracked Heels

Properly designed shoes or boots can help prevent heel cracks. Good solid heel counters in the rear of the shoe or boot help protect the heel. Avoid open-heeled shoes. If your skin is very dry, applying moisturizing creams can protect the heel as well.

To ensure that feet are optimally protected, IPFH suggests wearing properly selected and fitted, as part of an integrated approach, padded socks with shoes with non-slip outsoles and any inserts or orthotics prescribed or recommended by a doctor or foot health professionalPeer-reviewed, published studies have shown that wearing clinically-tested padded socks can help protect against injuries to the skin/soft tissue of the foot.

A pumice stone can be used to reduce the thickness of calluses and hard skin caused by the condition.  However, people with diabetes and/or neuropathy should not attempt to scrape or cut the skin of their feet with pumice stones, razors or scissors due to the risk of infection. Instead, see a medical professional such as a podiatrist or dermatologist. The doctor may remove (debride) dead skin and/or use mechanical treatments such as gait adjustment to address excessive pressure that may be causing or worsening the issue.
 

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