Summer Foot Health: Tackling Cracked Heels Before They Become a Pain

Summer Foot Health: Tackling Cracked Heels Before They Become a Pain

Summer Foot Health: Tackling Cracked Heels Before They Become a Pain

With the arrival of summer, our feet finally come out of hibernation — sandals, flip-flops, barefoot days in the garden. But while the sunshine brings freedom for our toes, it can also bring on a common seasonal problem: cracked heels.

At our podiatry clinic, we see a noticeable rise in patients seeking help for dry, thickened, and painful heel skin during the warmer months. The good news? With the right care — and a little expert guidance — cracked heels don’t have to be part of your summer.

Why Do Heels Crack?

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, happen when dry, callused skin around the heel becomes so thick that it loses elasticity and splits. Warm weather, open-back footwear, and prolonged standing on hard surfaces all increase your risk.

Factors that can contribute include:

  • Dehydration (internally and externally)

  • Open-heeled footwear (like flip-flops or sliders)

  • Walking barefoot on hot or dry surfaces

  • Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis

  • Poor foot biomechanics or increased pressure on the heels

While they may start as a cosmetic nuisance, if left untreated, cracks can become painful, deep, and even prone to infection.

How Podiatrists Can Help

As podiatrists, we don’t just treat cracked heels — we get to the root cause. Whether it's biomechanical pressure, lifestyle habits, or skin-related issues, we’ll identify what’s contributing to your symptoms and provide targeted care.

Here’s what we offer:

1. Professional Hard Skin & Crack Removal

We use sterile, medical-grade tools to safely remove callused, thickened skin, reducing pressure and helping cracks heal faster. This is especially important if the skin is bleeding, painful, or infected — something over-the-counter treatments can’t safely address.

2. Tailored Skincare Recommendations

There are dozens of creams on the market — but not all are created equal. We recommend high-strength urea-based creams, such as:

  • Flexitol Heel Balm (25% urea)

  • ZW HH

  • Prende Oil 

These products help rehydrate the skin, soften hard tissue, and prevent future cracking. We’ll help you choose the right one for your skin type and condition severity.

3. Advice on Footwear & Daily Care

We can guide you on supportive summer footwear that still lets your feet breathe while offering heel protection. Plus, we’ll share practical tips like:

  • Applying foot cream daily, especially before bed

  • Wearing socks after moisturising to lock in hydration

  • Using a gentle foot file (never a blade or razor!) once or twice a week

4. Management of Underlying Causes

If cracked heels are a recurring problem, we’ll assess whether other factors are at play — such as weight distribution, gait, or underlying skin conditions. Long-term solutions often involve custom insoles, gait analysis, or dermatological support.

Keep Your Feet Summer-Ready

Cracked heels may be common, but they’re not something you have to live with — or cover up. Let us help you restore comfort, confidence, and skin health to your feet this summer.

Book a Consultation

If you’re struggling with cracked heels or want to get your feet summer-ready, book in with our podiatry team today. We offer a thorough assessment, treatment, and product advice — all in one visit.

Step into summer with smooth, healthy heels. Your feet will thank you.

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