There are numerous reasons for cracked heels, including active lifestyles combined with humidity-free weather. Other reasons for this heel pain-related issue include diabetes, and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. To help you treat cracked, dry heels effectively, review the following tips. 

4 Cracked Heel Prevention Tips

1. Soak & Exfoliate

Soaking your feet in soapy, lukewarm water for 20-minute increments softens the thick, often-tough skin on your heels. Add moisturizing essential oils if you want, such as lavender essential oil. After you finish the soak, gently exfoliate your feet with a pumice stone, foot scrubber, or loofah to remove loose, dead skin. Apply a heel balm, heel sleeve, or other thick moisturizer next to help your skin retain moisture. If you are using a balm or moisturizer, put on socks to avoid getting the product on your floors and furniture. 

2. Drink More Water

Without sufficient daily water intake, the skin loses moisture and becomes dry, including heel skin. Drinking more water helps avoid cracked skin and heel pain, because your skin is hydrated and therefore more supple. It’s also a good idea to limit your intake of dehydrating beverages, including coffee, soda, and alcohol. 

3. Consume Moisture-Retaining Foods

Many healthy foods contribute to moisturized, soft skin due to their essential fatty acid content. Other nutrients boost skin health as well, such as fiber that reduces redness and dead skin. Avocados, walnuts, wild salmon, oatmeal, olive oil, sweet potatoes, carrots, nuts, and dark leafy greens are among the best foods for a moisture-friendly diet. 

4. Wear Closed-Heel Footwear

Exposing your heels to the air causes them to dry out quickly, especially if you live in a dry environment or visit humidity-free regions for work. Stick to closed shoes to help your heels remain moisturized and soft. You might want special shoes designed by a podiatrist to protect your heels not only from dry air, but from the blisters that regular shoes can create. 

For heel pain treatments and other foot care services, rely on St. Peters Foot & Ankle: Samuel T. Wood–DPM. This podiatry center features two convenient locations in St. Peters and Florissant, MO to provide residents throughout St. Charles County and the surrounding areas with easy foot care access. Call (636) 720-0190 today to make an appointment or learn more about heel pain services online.