Heel Fissures (Cracked Heels)

Painful heel cracks, also known as heel fissures, are a common condition where the skin on the heels becomes excessively dry, splits open, and may bleed or become infected. This problem is often worse during summer months or in people who spend a lot of time on their feet.

 

At Adelaide Hills Podiatry, we provide effective, gentle treatment for heel fissures — not just to relieve pain, but to help prevent them from recurring.

 

Causes of Heel Fissures

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• Dry skin or eczema

• Prolonged standing

• Open-backed shoes or thongs

• Altered foot biomechanics

 

Treatment Options

Our podiatrist will assess the severity of the fissures and provide an individualised care plan. Treatment may include:

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• Removal of thickened callus to reduce skin tension

• Application of medical-grade emollients to restore moisture and flexibility to the skin

• Advice on footwear and self-care to support long-term healing

 

For deep, painful heel cracks, we use a specialised technique involving a medical adhesive suture (skin glue). This needle-free solution helps to close and seal the fissure, relieving pain almost immediately and protecting the area as it heals. This is a particularly helpful option when walking is painful or when there is a risk of infection. The same technique can also be used for painful toe fissures.

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Ongoing Care and Prevention

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• To keep your heels healthy, we may recommend:

• Regular application of urea-based heel balm

• Gentle use of a pumice stone or foot file between visits

• Supportive, enclosed footwear

• Monitoring if you have diabetes or poor circulation

 

Convenient Locations & Flexible Appointments​

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• Nairne clinic (10 minutes from Mount Barker)

• Birdwood clinic

• Saturday morning appointments available at Nairne

 

Book Your Appointment

If cracked heels are limiting your comfort or causing pain, don’t wait for them to worsen.

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