Cracked heels are very common. They can be painful, unattractive, and very upsetting - especially to those of us who love sandals.

Usually the result of very dry skin, cracked heels often get worse as the weather gets colder - in extreme cases, they can even bleed.

Cracked heels are often called fissures.

Causes of Cracked heels

common symptom of cracked heels are:

In active sweat glands
Dry skin
Prolonged standing
Obesity
Mal-aligment of the metatarsal bones
Wearing shoes with an open back
Surgery to the lower extremities
Heel spurs
High arched feet
Improperly fitting shoes
Athlete's foot
Psoriasis
Thyroid disease
Diabetes
Using excessively hot water is a contributing factor
Eczema and psoriases can also be contributing factors

Symptoms of Cracked heels

common symptom of cracked heels are:

Hard growth of skin on the outer edge of the heel.
Yellow or dark skin on the heel.
Pain while walking.
Increased pain in thin soles or open back shoes.
Red or flaky patches on the heel of the foot
Peeling and cracked skin
Itchy skin

Treatment of Cracked heels

Application of a moisturizing cream twice daily to the affected heels, such as flexitol heel balm.
Use a pumice stone to reduce the thickness of the hard skin.
Avoid wearing open backed shoes or thin soled shoes.
Wear shoes with a good shock absorbing sole.
Never try to pare down the hard skin your self with a razor blade or a pair of scissors.