Cracked Heels

What are cracked heels :

Cracked heels are a common foot problem that are often referred to as heel fissures. Cracked heels are commonly caused by dry skin (xerosis), and made more complicated if the skin around the rim of the heel is thick (callus).

For most people this is a nuisance and a cosmetic problem but when the fissures or cracks are deep, they are painful to stand on and the skin can bleed - in severe cases this can become infected.

What does a cracked heel look like :

The skin is normally dry and may have a thick callus which appears as yellow or dark brown discolored area of skin, especially along the inside border of the heel. Cracks in the skin are usually obvious.


What are the symptoms of cracked heels :

If the cracks are bad enough there will be pain on weight bearing, that is not there when weight is off the heel. The edges or rim around the heel will generally have a thicker area of skin (callus). Wearing open or thin soled shoes usually make the symptoms worse.

What causes cracked heels :

Some people tend to have a naturally dry skin that predisposes them to the cracks. The thickened dry skin callus around the heel that is more likely to crack is often due to mechanical factors that increase pressures in that area (eg the way you walk).

Other factors that can be involved in the cause of cracked heels include :

• prolonged standing (at work or home, especially on hard floors)
• being overweight (this increases the pressure on the normal fat pad under the
  heel, causing it to expand sideways - if the skin is not supple and flexible, the
  pressures to 'crack' are high)
• open back on the shoes (this allows the fat under the heel to expand sideways and
  increases the pressure to 'crack')
• some medical conditions predispose to a drying skin (eg autonomic neuropathy in
  those with diabetes leads to less sweating; an underactive thyroid lowers the
  body's metabolic rate and there is a reduction in sweating, leading to a dryness
  of the skin)
• skin conditions (eg psoriasis and eczema)
  

Another way to look at it :

Consider a tomato on the bench ... when you push on it from above, it wants to expand out sideways ... eventually the skin cracks. This is what happens to the normal fat pad under your heel ... as your body weight pushes down, the fat wants to expand sideways and the pressure on the skin to crack is increased. If the weight is excessive (eg prolonged standing) and the skin is not supple (eg callus and/or dry) and nothing is helping hold the the fat pad under the foot (eg open backed shoes)

Self treatment for cracked heels :

Applying an oil based moisturizing cream twice daily is really important to get on top of this problem. A pumice stone can be used to reduce the thickness of the hard skin. After looking at the 'tomato' analogy above it should be obvious why it is important to avoid open backed shoes or thin soled shoes.

Never try to reduce the hard skin your self with a razor blade or a pair of scissors. There is a risk of an infection developing and taking too much off.

Podiatric management of cracked heels :

The podiatric treatment of cracked heels may involve the following :

1. investigating the cause of the problem, so this can be addressed
2. removing the hard thick skin by debriding it (often the splits will not heal if
   the skin is not removed). This may need to be done on a regular basis. Regular
   maintenance may be the best way to prevent the problem.
3. if very painful, strapping may be used to 'hold' the cracks together while they
   heal (a maintenance program after this to prevent recurrence is very important).
4. prescription and advice regarding the most appropriate moisturizer or emollient.
5. advice about footwear and self care of the problem.
6. insoles may be used to alter the way you walk to prevent the thick skin from
   developing (these are indicated in cases of heel callus and are not suitable for
   all cases).
7. a heel cup may be used to keep the fat pad from expanding sideways. This is worn
   in the shoe and can be very effective at prevention if used regularly.
8. on rare occasions some Podiatrists and Dermatologists have used a tissue 'glue'
   to hold the edges of the skin together, so the cracks can heal.

Foot Problems

Source from epodiatry .

There is probably no better resource available to find out more about your foot problem here !!
Here is some information concerning problem foot, please click on one of the links below for the most complete information on your foot problem :


- Cracked Heels
- Neuroma
- Foot Corns & callus
- Diabetes foot care
- Dry skin
- High arch foot
- Sever's Disease
- Bunion Runners knee
- Children's foot problems


- Children's footwear
- Ingrown toenail
- Smelly feet
- Arch support
- Clubfoot
- Chilblains
- Foot pain
- Bunion surgery
- Gout
- Heel pain
- Heel pain in children
- Burning foot
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sweaty feet
- Foot orthotics
- Calcaneal apophysitis
- Shin splints
- Fungal infection - skin
- Running shoes
- Heel spurs
- Cold feet
- Poor circulation
- Charcot's foot
- Metatarsalgia
- Sprained ankle
- Footcare products
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Ingrown toe nail
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Arch pain
- Ankle sprains
- Flat foot
- Hammer toe
- Calf muscle stretch
- Fungal infection - nails
- Fitting footwear
- Plantar fasciitis
- Pronated foot
- Do I need orthotics ?
- Ski boot problems
- Morton's neuroma
- Flat feet
- Growing pains

How to fit Running Shoes

All runners need shoes with the right fit to protect not only their feet but also other parts of their bodies that are affected when they run like the back. The shoes help prevent injury and provide protection to the feet as they hit the ground. They also help stabilize the feet as they are subjected to the twisting and bashing motion as the runner negotiates the track. The shoes a runner must wear should be able to control the motion of the feet, absorb the shock generated as the foot hits the ground. They should also be durable and flexible enough.

Here are some simple advices on how to fit running shoes when you go to buy them, preferably from a specialty shoes store where the sales associates can assist you in your quest for the right shoes.

• Always leave at least half an inch or a thumb's width between the end of the shoe and your longest toe. Avoid getting shoes that are fit quite snugly. Your feet will swell and a tight fitting shoe will limit the movement of your feet within the shoe and affect your performance.


• Try to go to the specialty store when there are less customers and the store is quiet. The reason for this is to give you enough time to look around and take time too to try on the shoes before you finally decide which one to purchase.

• Bring along the socks you normally use for running. Putting them on as you try on the running shoes you intend to buy will help you get the proper feel and fit.

• The best time to try buying new shoes is in the afternoon or evening after your feet have swelled slightly. This will help you get shoes with the right feet. You can also run or jog a few miles before going to the store at any time. Your feet would have swelled after running or jogging.

How to decide which type of Running Shoe you need

The first step is deciding the type of foot you have - it is probably the most important aspect of matching a brand and model of running shoe to the individual. During normal running (and walking), the outside of the heel strikes the ground first (supinated position) - this is why the wear is common in this area. The foot then rolls inward and flattens out along the longitudinal arch-pronation (pronation). The foot should then supinate by rolling through the ball - this helps make the foot a rigid lever for efficient propulsion. A number of different biomechanical problems can interfere with these normal motions. A running shoe can help facilitate this normal function and help overcome many of the minor biomechanical problems that interfere with a motion. An inappropriate running shoe can actually have the effect of interfering with this normal function.

Usually, most runners who develop an injury either supinate (roll out) or pronate (roll in) too much. Normal amounts of pronation and supination are needed for normal function, but abnormal amounts increase the risk for injury.

Excessive pronation is the most common cause of running injury. A pronated foot rolls inwards at the ankle, the midfoot bulges inwards and the longitudinal arch flattens. Those who over-pronate generally have very flexible and unstable feet, so need running shoes with a lot of motion control. A motion control shoe has design features that give a high level of support - a firmer anti-pronation post on the inside of the midsole; a firm or dual density midsole; and a a firm heel counter.

A supinated foot rolls outwards at the ankle and has a high arch. They tend to be more rigid and are very poor at absorbing shock, so they will need running shoes with a lot of cushioning. Cushioned shoes tend to be poor at motion control.

The amount of excessive pronation or supination present will determine if you need a neutral running shoe with an even amount of mild motion control and mild shock absorption; or a running shoe designed for mild, moderate or severe amount of pronation, with mild, moderate, or severe motion control or stability; or a running shoe for mild, moderate or severe amount of supination, with varying degrees of shock absorption or cushioning.

Which is the best Running Shoe

Running is not a high-tech sport that requires a lot of sports equipment and gears. What you need on each foot to comfortably run is the best running shoe. As a runner, a good pair of running shoes will be your most important purchase. You need a pair that will fit your needs and they don't have to cost a whole lot of money. This article will help you learn about buying the best running shoe for you.

When it comes to deciding on the best running shoes, it is not a one-size-fits all decision. The perfect one for you is the one that suits your feet and adapts to the stress of running. All feet are built different, so a pair of shoes that may be comfortable on someone else may not be perfect for you. The one thing that all good running shoes have in common is the basics of construction.

Running shoes are built for moving forward. The way the outsole, midsole, insole, upper, and heel counter of the shoe is built is what makes one shoe good for you and another not. Find out which one is good for you by knowing your foot type. There are three types of running shoes to choose from base on your feet type.

The Motion Control Shoes are built for people with feet that roll inward too much. These shoes combat overpronation. They have thick midsoles, cushions for heels and forefoot, are shaped straight, and the arc are extended by medical posts. They are usually heavier than other running shoes.

The Flexible Shoes are built to give the most cushioning for people whose feet roll outward too much. These feet type are called Supinators. It is the exact opposite of the one listed above. Flexible shoes have curved shape, skinny midsole, slip lasting, and no medical post.

The Neutral Shoes are used by most runners with no major foot problem. If your feet do not show any excessive rolling in or rolling out, then you are among the majority of runners who should buy these kind of shoes. They have medium midsole thickness, semi-straight shape, heel cushioning, and a small medical post.

How to choose Running Shoes

Choosing the best running shoes can be a daunting task with so many options and models to choose from. However, it is of great importance to wear the correct running shoes for you based on your needs as well as the specific shape and symmetry of your feet. Our feet and the type of shoes we wear can adversely affect other aspects of our health. But by knowing a few important features and facts on how to choose the right running shoes, you will be able to make an informed decision and enjoy more comfort as well as better health.

Choose a "Running" Shoe

First, it really should go without saying that if you plan on running, you must choose a running shoe. Not a tennis shoe or a walking shoe, only running shoes will offer the specific support and cushioning that one will need while running.

Know the Shape of Your Feet

Before you start shopping, you will want to find out exactly what shape your feet really are and this can be easily accomplished using the wet test. With the "wet test" you dip your feet into water and step onto a dry piece of paper making note of the shape or print you leave. There are three general
shapes that you may see; a print that looks like the entire sole of your foot, in which case you would be considered to have a flat foot, or a very narrow band separating the forefoot and heel, which would mean you have a high arch. And finally, there is the in-between kind, the "normal foot", which
means a footprint will be left with a noticeable flare, but also with a much wider band separating the forefoot and heel than that of a high arch.

Decide on the Type of Running You Will Do

Once you know what type of feet you actually have, decide on just how much running you're going to be doing and on what sort of terrain. You should also measure your feet both in length and in width and keep in mind what thickness of socks you'll be wearing while running. Disregard any previous
measurements you may have as our feet can change size and shape for a number of reasons, including our age and how much we run or walk on them. So don't be surprised if the size of your running shoes is a half size or even a full size larger than the rest of your shoes.

Final Considerations

Now that we know the type of your feet, their exact size and what you need the running shoes for, you must now decide on the price range you're interested in, and if there are any special features or specific needs that you may be looking for. Consider that the more you weigh, the more support
and durability you are going to need from your running shoe, which may end up costing more but will be well worth the extra expense in the long run, no pun intended, of course.

And although fit and comfort vary as widely as the individual, remember that running shoes should fit snugly, but not too tight. And a half an inch or less should be between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe. Your heel should never slide back as you walk and alternately, your toes should never
feel cramped or crushed together.

The Anatomy of a Running Shoe

Running shoes are the most important piece of equipment that a runners has. They help prevent injury and they may help the running gait be more efficient. The running shoe market is huge and most of the running shoe companies make significant investment into the technology and science of running shoes.

Running shoes have become more complicated over the years, but still consist of some basic components:

The outsole : This is the treaded layer on the undersurface of the shoe, usually made from carbon rubber or similar material. It resists wears and provides traction. It may also have a studded or waffle design to enhance traction on softer surfaces.

The midsole : This is considered the most important part of running shoes as it is the cushioning and stability layer between the upper and the outsole. The most common materials for the midsole of running shoes is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU) or a combination of the two. Often there is a dual-density midsole that has a firmer material on the inner side (medial side) to help limit pronation (rolling in) of the foot. A lot of proprietary technologies developed by different manufacturers go into the midsoles of running shoes (eg air, gel and high-tech plastics materials).


The upper : This is the part of the shoe that wraps around and over the top of the foot. It may be made of leather or a synthetic material that is lighter and breathable (to reduce heat from inside the running shoe). The tongue of the upper should be padded to cushion the top of the foot against the pressure from the laces. Often, at the back of the running shoe, the upper is padded to prevent rubbing and irritation against the achilles tendon.

The heel counter : This is a firm and inflexible cup which is built into the upper of running shoes and surrounds the heel. It is usually very firm so that it can control motion of the rearfoot.

Post or footbridge : This is the firm material in the midsole which increases stability along the inner side (arch side; medial side) of the running shoe.