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I didn’t plan to write this article, but after the great results I had, I decided to share how I healed my cracked heels. Then we’ll go over other options, plus tips for preventing cracked heels.
I never had problems with dry skin on my feet, even though I go barefoot regularly. Then, like so many things, my skin changed as I got older. As I was running around barefoot in my garden this spring, I noticed that my heels were getting so dry and cracked that they hurt. They even started bleeding a little where one of the heel fissures got really deep.
I needed to figure out a solution.
Table of Contents
- How to Heal Cracked Heels – The Easy Way
- Standard Treatments for Cracked Heels
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
How to Heal Cracked Heels – The Easy Way
I decided to try two main things. First, I ordered some Heeling Soles Crème from Herbalix Restoratives. I also started taking Benfotiamine, as I noticed slight edema in my ankles. (You may remember my Herbalix natural deodorant review. I went to order their detox cream for my feet, and discovered the new foot cream.)
At night, I shower, apply the cream, and wear socks to bed. That’s it. (Make sure to wear cotton socks, not synthetics, so your feet can breathe. The socks are good for cold feet in bed, too.)
Once I week I take an Epsom salt bath and soak and scrub my feet to remove dead skin. For a couple of months I treated my cracked heels nightly. Now I use the cream and socks once or twice a week for maintenance.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, so I just had my son snap a few shots the first night before I started home treatment. The before photos were taken June 26, 2024. The after photos were taken December 28, 2024.
I couldn’t match the angle exactly in the photos, but you can see the freckle on the right side of the foot. The rest of the foot looks very different.
I also started doing simple ankle exercises morning and night while brushing my teeth, to improve circulation. My mom had bad ankle edema as she got older, so I want to avoid that. We also tend to stiffen up as we age, so I want to work on that, too.
My “ankle workout” is pretty simple:
- Up onto my toes 20 times
- Circle each foot to the center 10 times
- Circle each foot to the outside 10 times
- Point and flex each foot 10 times
- 10 high knees (step lifting knees high)
- 10 kicks to waist height
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I can do this in 2 minutes, which is how long my electric toothbrush runs for one brushing cycle. My arches started aching as my joints loosened as I got older, and this helped eliminate that pain. Steady yourself by holding onto something if you need to, but if you don’t, you can also work on balance. Balance is another thing that can change as we get older, usually for the worse.
I think the Heeling Soles Crème did the bulk of the work to clear the thick skin and cracked heels. That said, I do notice an improvement in overall foot comfort since this time last year. I think that’s due to the exercises.
Standard Treatments for Cracked Heels
Most guides suggest moisturizing your feet at least once or twice per day to treat cracked heels at home. Before bedtime, soak and exfoliate your feet, using a pumice stone or luffa to remove dead skin.
After soaking your feet, coat them with petroleum jelly or thick lotion. (A hard lotion bar would be a good option for this.) Cover with cotton socks overnight. If you like, you can opt for creams with salicylic acid or urea to break down the dead skin.
Do not use aggressive options to remove the thickened skin. I saw a woman who got a professional pedicure, and they went after her foot calluses with a grater. She ended up with badly damaged and infected feet.
Always be gentle! You want to prevent infections, not cause them.
Wear supportive footwear and socks to cushion and protect your feet. Avoid long, hot showers, which can dry out the skin. Rest your feet when you are able to do so. See “Home Remedies for Dry Skin” for more skin care tips.
FAQs
What causes cracked heels?
Dry skin builds up on the foot, and the fat pads underneath the skin expand. When they expand, the calluses develop cracks. Sometimes this happens with age, or excess weight.
Going barefoot or wearing open heeled hard shoes or flip flops can cause the problem. There may also be an underlying medical condition, like diabetes.
Is it safe to use liquid bandage on cracked heels?
Yes, you can use liquid bandage to protect your foot. If you look at the top photo, there’s darker area at the back of the heel. That’s where I put some liquid bandage on.
When should a see a healthcare provider?
If your feet are very painful (or numb) and home treatment isn’t helping, it’s best to see a podiatrist.
Final Thoughts
Self care is one of the most important parts of resilience. We need to be our own best advocates, especially as we age. The earlier you can catch problems like cracked heels, the easier it is to heal them. Pay attention to your body, and make time now to avoid expensive interventions later.
Do you deal with cracked heels or thick calluses on your feet? If so, how do you take care of them?
This article is written byLaurie Neverman. Laurie is a lifelong learner with a passion for natural remedies and holistic healing. She’s successfully improved her eyesight and cleared her psoriasis.
