Cracked Heels Treatment And Prevention In Eagle Mountain, UT

You are looking to make sure that you maintain a certain quality of life in Eagle Mountain, UT, and other local areas. It is possible to do so when you take care of your body, wear the right materials like running shoes, and minimize heel pain......

If you notice issues with cracked feet, cracked skin, and issues in your toe joint, it is better to work with a medical professional.

The medical professional will let you know if you have too much pressure or have issues with hammertoe, diabetic neuropathy, etc.

Our medical professionals at the Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute will examine your foot problems, look for fungal infections and other common foot condition matters, and ensure that everything is up to par.

This guide will discuss common causes of cracked heels and their treatment and remedies.

Causes Of Cracked Heels

Heels that are cracked are common among many people, including adults and children. In many cases, it only causes discomfort. However, cracked heels can worsen by becoming deep and painful.

Cracked heels happen when callouses – areas of dry, thickened skin – around the rim of the heel expand and break. The pad under your heel extends as you walk. This expansion causes cracks in your heels.

Other causes of cracked heels are:

Walking barefoot
Taking hot showers for a long period
Using harsh soaps
Standing for an extended time
Ill-fitting shoes
Dry skin due to harsh weather conditions
Not using moisturizing cream on your feet

There are medical conditions that can also cause cracked heels. This includes diabetes; diabetes increases blood sugar and restricts blood circulation. This can make your skin dry and promote cracked heels. Nerve damage can make you unaware of dried, cracked, and painful feet.

Other medical conditions that can contribute to a cracked heel include:

hypothyroidism
psoriasis
obesity
atopic dermatitis
fungal infection
juvenile plantar dermatosis
pregnancy
aging
vitamin deficiency
palmoplantar keratoderma

If you have any of these conditions or notice issues with your big toe, or see general foot-ankle problems, reach out to our professionals at the Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute. We are pleased to offer proper care and guidance for your lower extremities.

Whether you need guidance on wearing shoes, warm water, a pumice stone for care, or help with pain in Eagle Mountain, set an appointment with our Foot and Ankle professionals.

We provide comprehensive care for our patients and will look at all symptoms to understand the current issue. Whether you have suffered from different types of injury or need help to heal your toes or feet, our professionals can certainly help with various issues.

Cracked Heels Treatment In Eagle Mountain

In most cases, cracked feet or cracked heels can be treated at home. That is certainly good news for those who may want to minimize their need to obtain medications, surgery, or other types of care for cracked feet.

If you are looking for help with hammer toe or other problems, remember to reach out to obtain advice from the Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute professionals.

You may be pleased to know that items like pumice stone, the right type of socks, and other aspects can help contribute to overall care for your foot, ankle, and other matters.

Home remedies include the ones present below.

Heel Balms Or Thick Moisturizers

The primary cause of cracked heels is dry skin. That is why heel balms and moisturizers are your first option in dealing with cracked heels. The balms work to moisture and soften the skin. They also exfoliate dead skin.

Use moisturizers that contain the following ingredients:

alpha-hydroxy acids
saccharide isomerate
urea
salicylic acid

The heel balm should be applied in the morning before you begin the day and one or two times during the day. You should also wear shoes that fit correctly and protect your heel.

Some individuals might feel stinging or irritation when they apply heel balms. While this is normal, you should consult your doctor if you observe other reactions or the irritation increases over time.

There are severe cases where over-the-counter heel balms are insufficient to treat cracked heels. In such cases, a prescription-strength lotion or steroid cream is recommended.

Using Warm Water To Soak Your Feet

Soaking the feet is often used in conjunction with heel balms. These methods, when combined, will soften and moisten the thick skin around the heels.

When using a foot soak, you should:

Soak your feet in soapy, lukewarm water for about 20 minutes
Remove any hard, thick skin with a foot scrubber or loofah
Gently dry your feet with a soft towel
Apply a thick moisturizer to the dry areas
Follow up with petroleum jelly to lock the moisture in the feet.
Not scrub or scratch your feet when they are dry.

Natural Remedies For Foot-Ankle Issues

You can apply natural remedies such as honey and coconut oil after a foot soak or a foot mask overnight. Coconut oil is often used for treating psoriasis, dry skin, and eczema. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to help deal with infections. Honey is also known for its antimicrobial properties.

Other natural options are mashed banana, oatmeal mixed with oil, shea butter, olive oil, and vinegar.

A note of caution:

Home treatment should only be used for cracked heels or feet caused by dry skin. Cracked heels caused by medical conditions should be treated by a podiatrist regardless of your medical history or condition.

The doctor is best qualified to recommend a treatment option for your cracked heel. It is important to note that you can benefit from natural remedies, but it is necessary to work with your podiatrist in Utah to ensure you are doing your care routine in the right form.

Cracked Heels Prevention

In some cases, you are changing your footwear does the trick. You should only wear shoes that fit correctly. They should also cover and protect your heels. Cracked heels can be prevented.

It would help if you avoided the following:

sandals and flip-flops: They increase your chances of having dry skin on your feet
open-back shoes: these shoes rarely provide enough support for tour heel
shoes with high heels
shoes that don’t fit properly

Other ways of preventing cracked heels include:

Changing position if you must stand for extended periods
Applying thick creams on your heels at night
Use orthotics to support your heel and distribute your weight
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids

Consult The Foot Experts In Eagle Mountain

Cracked heels are rarely a cause for worry. You can treat it using feet home remedies. With proper treatment, it usually clears up after a week. However, if you have a persistent condition, you should see a doctor at once.

At Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute, we prioritize patient care at our American Fork and Saratoga Springs clinic and help patients with their feet and problems related to their ankles. If you notice symptoms within your body, reach out to our professionals today.

We know that improper routines can affect your life in more ways than one, and our foot-ankle professionals are here to ensure your pain-free life.

Schedule an appointment today to relieve foot pressure and obtain effective patient care in Eagle Mountain. Contact us at 801-756-4200 today!