Why Plano Patients Struggle with Cracked Heels (and How to Treat Them)

Cracked heels—also called heel fissures—are more than just a cosmetic nuisance. For many Plano patients, they can cause pain, bleeding, and even increase the risk of infection if left untreated. At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists in Plano, TX, we frequently treat patients struggling with this common but often overlooked foot condition. Understanding why cracked heels occur and how they can be effectively treated is the first step toward relief.

What Causes Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels occur when the skin around the heel becomes excessively dry, thickened, or callused. Once the skin loses elasticity, pressure from standing, walking, or running causes it to split, leading to painful fissures.

Common causes and risk factors include:

• Dry skin due to low humidity, hot showers, or seasonal weather changes

• Prolonged standing on hard floors (common in Plano professionals like teachers, nurses, and retail workers)

• Improper footwear, especially open-back shoes and sandals that allow the heel to expand sideways under pressure

• Obesity, which increases mechanical stress on the heels

• Medical conditions such as diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, or peripheral vascular disease

• Aging, since natural skin oils decrease with age, leading to dryness

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Cracked Heels

While many people think of cracked heels as a cosmetic issue, they can progress into a medical concern:

• Painful fissures that make walking difficult

• Bleeding and secondary infections, especially in patients with diabetes or poor circulation

• Increased risk of cellulitis if bacteria enter through open cracks

• Reduced quality of life, as patients may avoid activity due to discomfort or embarrassment

For patients with diabetes, cracked heels can pose serious complications, including ulcers that are slow to heal. This is why prompt podiatric care is essential.

Treatment Options for Cracked Heels in Plano, TX

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we take a personalized approach to treating cracked heels depending on severity and underlying causes. Treatment may include:

1. Medical Debridement

Our podiatrists carefully reduce thickened callused skin to relieve pressure and allow topical treatments to penetrate more effectively. Unlike at-home scraping, professional debridement is safe, sterile, and precise.

2. Prescription Topicals

For severe dryness and fissures, we may prescribe urea-based creams, salicylic acid ointments, or emollients to restore skin hydration and promote healing.

3. Protective Dressings & Padding

For deep fissures, specialized dressings or silicone heel cups help reduce pain and protect against infection while the skin heals.

4. Addressing Underlying Conditions

If cracked heels are linked to eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, or diabetes, we treat the underlying condition in addition to the skin fissures.

5. Custom Orthotics & Footwear Guidance

In cases related to biomechanical stress, custom orthotics or supportive shoes may be recommended to reduce heel pressure and prevent recurrence.

Preventing Cracked Heels at Home

In addition to professional treatment, patients can take steps at home to prevent cracked heels:

• Moisturize feet daily with a thick, urea- or lactic-acid-based cream

• Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces

• Wear supportive, closed-back shoes instead of flip-flops or open sandals

• Use a pumice stone gently (never aggressively) to reduce dry skin buildup

• Stay hydrated and avoid excessively hot showers, which dry out the skin

When to See a Podiatrist in Plano

Patients should schedule a podiatry appointment if they experience:

• Painful or bleeding heel cracks

• Signs of infection (swelling, redness, warmth, or drainage)

• Cracked heels that persist despite moisturizers and at-home care

• Heel fissures combined with diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation

Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists: Expert Heel Care in Plano, TX

Cracked heels don’t have to limit your mobility or comfort. At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists in Plano, TX, we provide advanced treatments for dry, painful, and fissured heels—addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes.

If you’re struggling with cracked heels or other foot concerns, schedule a consultation with our Plano podiatry team today. Relief, comfort, and healthier feet are just a step away. Contact our office today with Dr. Gireesh Reddy or Dr. Sirisha Pokala by calling (469) 573-3427 or by booking an appointment online.