by Last updated on June 26th, 2026 at 03:53 pm
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Painful Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a common problem that can cause heel pain, discomfort and embarrassment and because of this many people avoid showing their feet in public. These deep cracks in the skin of the heels can be caused by a variety of factors including dry skin, wearing shoes that don’t fit properly, and going barefoot among others.
While cracked heels may seem like a minor issue, they can actually be quite painful and can even make it difficult to walk or stand for long periods. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to soothe and heal your painful cracked heels. In this article, we will explore five tips for soothing and healing painful cracked heels, so you can feel comfortable and confident to brandish your feet on the next holiday!
1. Keep Feet Clean and Dry
One of the most important tips for soothing and healing cracked heels is to keep your feet clean and dry. When feet are dirty, they are more prone to developing cracks and other skin irritation due to the friction dirt causes.
To keep your feet clean and healthy, it is important to wash them daily with a mild gentle soap and dry them thoroughly. Wearing cotton socks can also help to absorb sweat and moisture, which can prevent the skin from becoming macerated and vulnerable to cracking.
It is especially important to wear socks with closed-toe shoes to keep the feet dry and comfortable. If you are prone to sweating heavily, you may want to consider using a foot powder or antiperspirant spray to help keep your feet dry throughout the day. By keeping your feet clean and dry, you prevent the development of painful cracked heels, keep your feet feeling fresh and healthy.
2. Exfoliate Regularly
Another effective tip for soothing and healing cracked heels is to exfoliate regularly. Exfoliating is one of the great home remedies for heel cracks, as it helps to remove dead skin cells and smooth rough patches, which can make a big difference in the appearance and feel of your heels. There are several ways to exfoliate your feet, including using a pumice stone or foot scrub. To use a pumice stone, simply wet the stone and rub it gently over the affected areas of your feet.
You can also try using a foot scrub, which is a product that contains abrasive particles to help remove dead skin cells. To use a foot scrub, wet your feet and apply the product to the heels, then massage it into the skin using a circular motion.
Be sure to be gentle and not over-exfoliate, as this can damage the skin and make the problem worse. By exfoliating regularly, you can help to smooth and soften your skin, making it less prone to cracking.
Caution needs to be exercised if you suffer from certain underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Diabetes is an immunomodulator and the medications taken for rheumatoid arthritis also reduce the body’s immunity.
It would be advisable to see a podiatrist if the heel fissures cause a break in the skin. The podiatrist will remove the excess hard skin and treat the wound to reduce the chances of an infection. They will also be able to advise on the best course of action going forward.
3. Use a Moisturizing Cream or oil Emollient
Using a moisturizing cream or an oil emollient is another important tip for soothing and healing cracked heels. Dry skin is more prone to cracking, so it is essential to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized to prevent the development of painful cracks.
This is particularly true for those residing in hot climates. Many different products are on the market which can be used to moisturize your feet. These include creams, oils, and lotions. Some of the best ingredients to look for in a moisturizing product for your feet include urea and petroleum jelly, as these can help to soften and hydrate the skin.
The body produces urea naturally. However, when used as a formula in creams, it can help to remove hard skin. Petroleum jelly in the form of Vaseline is very good at healing heel fissures. To use a moisturizing product, simply apply it to your feet after exfoliating and make sure to cover the entire foot, including the heels and soles.
It is especially important to apply the product before bed and to wear socks to keep the cream on the skin for longer. For added clinical benefit, use a damp sock followed by a dry one to increase clinical outcome. By using a moisturizing cream or oil-based emollient on your feet regularly, you can help to prevent dryness and cracking and keep your skin feeling soft and smooth.
4. Wear Comfortable Supportive Shoes
Wearing comfortable supportive shoes is another important tip for preventing, soothing and healing cracked heels. Shoes that don’t fit properly or don’t provide adequate support can cause pressure, leading to the development of painful heel cracks. To prevent this from happening, it is important to wear shoes that fit properly and provide good support to your feet.
Look for shoes with a wide toe box and low heel, as these can help to distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduce the risk of cracking. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or too high, as these can cause pressure on the heels and toes and make the problem worse.
It is also a good idea to wear shoes with a padded sole and good arch support, as these can help to absorb shock and reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, look for shoes with a “rocker bottom“, that is, a beveled heel and a toe spring. This will help to take force off the feet when walking or running and thus reducing the chance of developing hard skin.
It is also a good idea to avoid backless shoes or slippers, as they can exacerbate the condition. By wearing comfortable, supportive shoes, you can help to prevent the development of cracked heels and keep your feet feeling comfortable and supported all day long.
5. Avoid going barefoot
Another simple yet effective tip for soothing and healing painful cracked heels is to avoid going barefoot. While it may feel refreshing and liberating to walk around barefooted, it can actually cause the feet to dry out, develop calluses and become more prone to cracking. This is because the skin on the feet is exposed to the elements and can become dehydrated without proper protection.
To help your feet stay healthy and hydrated, it is a good idea to wear socks or closed-back slippers around the house to keep them protected. By not going barefoot and protecting your feet with appropriate footwear, you prevent the development of cracked heels, again keeping your feet feeling comfortable and healthy.
Painful Cracked Heel Remedy: What to Do About Sore and Deep Heel Fissures
If you have developed a sore cracked heel or painful deep cracked heels, simply moisturizing the skin may not be enough. Once heel fissures become painful, every step can feel uncomfortable and healing often takes longer because the skin is constantly under pressure when standing and walking.
Reduce Pressure on Painful Deep Cracked Heels
One of the most overlooked cracked heel remedies is reducing the pressure that causes the fissure to continually reopen. Deep cracks are similar to paper cuts—the skin edges are pulled apart every time the heel expands under body weight.
Wearing cushioned, enclosed footwear and avoiding prolonged standing can help reduce stress on the affected area. Silicone heel cups or gel heel sleeves may also provide additional cushioning and help support healing by limiting movement around the crack.
Seal and Protect Sore Cracked Heels
Painful heel fissures often heal faster when they are protected. Liquid bandages or sterile adhesive dressings can act as a barrier against dirt and bacteria while helping the skin edges stay together. This may also reduce the sharp pain experienced when walking.
Avoid using ordinary household glues or harsh antiseptics, as these may irritate the skin and delay healing.
Manage Pain and Inflammation
Sore cracked heels can become inflamed, especially if the fissures are deep. Resting the feet, avoiding excessive walking, and elevating the feet when possible may help reduce discomfort.
Applying a cold compress for a few minutes can also provide temporary relief. If pain is significant, over-the-counter pain medication may help, provided it is suitable for you and approved by your healthcare provider.
When Painful Cracked Heels Need Professional Treatment
If home remedies are not helping, painful deep cracked heels may require professional care. A podiatrist can safely remove excess hard skin that places tension around the fissure and may apply dressings or recommend prescription-strength creams to accelerate healing.
You should seek medical attention promptly if:
- The crack is bleeding or continues to reopen.
- There is redness, swelling, or discharge.
- Walking becomes increasingly painful.
- You have diabetes, poor circulation, rheumatoid arthritis, or a weakened immune system.
- The pain persists despite regular treatment.
Don’t Ignore Painful Heel Fissures
Many people live with painful cracked heels for months, assuming they will eventually heal on their own. Unfortunately, untreated heel fissures can become deeper, more painful, and occasionally infected.
The good news is that with the right combination of pressure reduction, skin protection, and professional advice when needed, most sore cracked heels can improve significantly. Early treatment is often the key to preventing painful deep cracked heels from becoming a long-term problem.
Prognosis
The prognosis for painful cracked heels varies depending on the severity of the condition and the steps taken to treat it. In most cases, cracked heels can be effectively treated and prevented with proper self-care and lifestyle changes, such as keeping the feet clean and dry, exfoliating regularly, using a moisturizing cream or oil, wearing comfortable supportive shoes, and avoid going barefoot. With consistent care, the cracks in the skin should heal, reducing pain and discomfort.
However, if the condition is severe or if it is not treated correctly, cracked heels can become more painful and difficult to heal. In some cases, the cracks in the skin can become infected, leading to more serious complications.
It is therefore imperative to seek medical attention if the cracks are very deep, if there is bleeding or discharge from the cracks, or if the pain is severe and does not improve with home care. Following proper self-care and seeking medical attention when needed can improve the prognosis for painful cracked heels and keep your feet feeling comfortable and healthy.
A Few More Considerations
Here are a few more things to consider when it comes to treating and preventing cracked heels:
- Hydration is important: In addition to using a moisturizing cream or oil on your feet, it is also important to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Proper hydration can help to keep your skin healthy by supporting the body’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF), thus preventing dryness and cracking.
- Consider losing weight: If your BMI (Body Mass Index) is high, it can place added pressure on the feet, which could cause hard skin and cracks to develop. Before starting any exercise program, please speak with your medical provider. Aim to reduce weight gradually to avoid mishaps.
- See a podiatrist: It is always a good idea to see a podiatrist for anything foot related as they are foot specialists and often, they can point out things you may have missed which could have serious implications. Furthermore, they will be able to help get you back up and running quicker and put your mind at ease.
FAQs
1. Why do my cracked heels hurt more in the winter?
Cold weather and low humidity can strip moisture from the skin, making it more prone to dryness and splitting. Indoor heating may further reduce skin hydration, causing existing heel fissures to become deeper and more painful.
2. Can vitamin deficiencies cause cracked heels?
Yes. Although dry skin and pressure are the most common causes, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B3, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, and iron may contribute to dry, rough skin and delayed healing. If you have persistent cracked heels despite proper foot care, speak with your healthcare provider.
3. Are cracked heels contagious?
No. Ordinary cracked heels are not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person. However, if the cracks are caused or complicated by a fungal infection such as athlete’s foot, the infection itself can spread through contaminated floors, socks, or footwear.
4. Why do my cracked heels keep coming back?
Recurring cracked heels are often due to an underlying cause that has not been addressed. Common reasons include prolonged standing, obesity, poor footwear, dry skin, foot deformities, diabetes, or spending too much time barefoot. Treating the underlying cause is essential to preventing recurrence.
5. Can cracked heels heal without treatment?
Minor heel cracks may improve on their own, but deep or painful fissures usually require treatment. Without proper care, cracks may become deeper, more painful, and susceptible to infection. Early treatment often leads to faster healing and better long-term results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cracked heels or heel fissures, can be a painful and embarrassing problem that can make your heels hurt when walking or standing for long periods. However, with the right self-care and lifestyle changes, you can soothe and heal your painful crack heels and get back to feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Some of the most effective tips for soothing and healing painful cracked heels include keeping your feet clean and dry, exfoliating regularly, using a moisturizing cream or oil, wearing comfortable, supportive shoes, and avoiding going barefoot.
By following these tips and finding the ones that work best for you, you can improve the appearance and feel of your feet and reduce the discomfort and embarrassment caused by cracked heels. Remember, while cracked heels may not disappear completely, following these tips can help to prevent them from worsening and provide relief from discomfort. Remember your health is your wealth, always seek help. See pain in the back of the ankle above heel for more on heel pain. Good luck with your heel pain!
References
- Bhattacharya, S., Bhattacharya, K. and Bhattacharya, A.S. et al. (2026) ‘Walking on Cracks: A Study of Heel Fissures and Their Management’, Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics, 2(1).
- Tucker, R. (2010) ‘Heel fissures‘, The Pharmaceutical Journal, 1 June. Available at: https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/ld/heel-fissures.
