Podiatry For Cracked Heels in Sutherland
Do you suffer from dry cracked heels?
Heel fissures and dry cracked skin are common foot problems for many people. Skin is composed of thousands of sweat and oil glands. These glands help to nourish and keep our skin healthy and moisturised. The skin on the soles of our feet however have no oil glands, making us more prone to developing dry cracked heels if proper care is not being received.
Who can develop dry cracked heels?
Anyone! Aging, temperature, humidity, inadequate footwear and activity levels are all common factors. However, some people more prone to the condition include people with diabetes, hypothyroidism, excessive weight, obesity and dermatitis.
What should I look out for?
Dry hardening and thickening of the skin known as callus can start to develop. Splits in the skin known as fissures can present and provide a portal of entry for bacteria to invade. Secondary to these characteristics include redness, itching, peeling and roughness.
What are the complications if left untreated?
As cracks in the skin provide a portal of entry for bacteria to invade the tissues, the heels can become infected and lead to a condition known as cellulitis. For people with diabetes, this is of particular concern as they have reduced or complete loss of sensation in their feet and fissures may lead to diabetic foot ulceration.
Why you should see us!
Because the foot experts at Sutherland Podiatry Centre know dry cracked heels! Offering an extensive range of treatment modalities to get your foot health on track and under control, treatment may include the following:
- Debridement (Removal of hardened skin)
- Offloading Devices to reduce friction and pressure
- Specialised insoles
- Heel Pads and Silicone Gel devices
- Specialised moisturising medicaments