Cracked heels, while not a serious medical problem, can cause discomfort to the feet and be a nuisance to deal with. This is especially true because extremely serious cracked heels can cause your feet to bleed. This happens when cracked heels move past just being cracks in the first couple layers of skin, and become cracks in the dermis layer, or the fleshy part of the foot. Even when cracked heels are less severe they are uncomfortable and unattractive. Luckily cracked heels are easy to avoid, all you need to do is take a few precautions, and then you won't have to worry about cracked heels.

Shoes can cause Cracked Heels

One factor in developing cracked heels that many people neglect, is that certain shoes leave people more prone to developing cracked heels. The first shoe problem that might result in cracked heels are shoes that don't fit right. Shoes that are too small increase chances of cracked heels by increasing pressure on the foot. Alternately, shoes which are too big help create cracked heels because they give the foot more room to rub against the bottom of the shoe. Too big shoes also increase the chance of cracked heels because the additional space around the foot means it is easier for dirt or water to get into the shoe, both of which can irritate the foot.

Knowing how to handle moisture will decrease your likelihood of getting cracked heels

One of the tricks with cracked heels is that too much moisture can accelerate the problem, while not enough moisture can also cause them. Moisture on the feet can cause various skin problems or foot diseases, such as athlete's foot. Having athlete's foot or any foot disease, especially one dealing with fungus, leads to cracked heels. To avoid this, because both athlete's foot and cracked heels are unpleasant, it's important not to stand in moist, humid areas is bare feet for prolonged periods.

The other moisture problem which leads to cracked heels, as mentioned above, is improper moisturizing of the feet. Once the skin on your feet becomes dry, it makes it extremely easy for the skin to crack, and once those cracks deepen they become cracked heels. For dancers or people who form thick skin or callouses on their feet it is very important to rub lotion into the feet in order to avoid the development of cracked heels.

Be aware!

The feet are a part of the body many people take for granted, but once there is a problem with the feet, such as cracked heels, the feet become impossible to ignore. Instead of risking cracked heels, being conscious of your feet and making sure they are well cared for can save you the time and trouble associated with cracked heels and other feet conditions. The major indicators that cracked heels may become a problem soon is dry skin, or red heels. No matter what the cause, extra pressure, moisture, or irritation caused by dirt or sand, taking the time to clean and care for your feet will help you avoid cracked heels and leave you happier.