Cracks are fissures in the skin. They usually occur in dry or thickened skin with a lot of calluses. Cracks mainly occur on the heels. These are also known as heel cracks.

When the skin becomes dry and less supple, it can crack more easily. Deep cracks can be painful when moving or putting weight on the foot.

Cracks usually develop as a result of dry skin combined with pressure on the feet. When the skin is less supple, cracks can form more easily.

Possible causes include:

dry skin;
a lot of calluses;
to stand or walk for a long time;
open shoes such as flip-flops;
extra pressure on the heels, for example due to being overweight;
shoes with insufficient support.

Cracks may seem small, but they can still cause a lot of discomfort. Deep cracks, in particular, can be sensitive or painful.

You may notice that:

there are tears in the skin;
the skin feels dry and hard;
the area is sensitive or painful;
blood sometimes comes out of the tear;
walking or standing becomes tiresome;
the skin around the fissure becomes thicker.

A healthy lifestyle helps the skin to recover better. A healthy diet, drinking enough fluids and getting enough sleep all contribute to supple and healthy skin. Maintaining a healthy body weight also helps to reduce pressure on the heels.

It is important not to avoid exercise altogether. Rest may be necessary temporarily if you have painful cracks in your feet. However, regular exercise helps to keep the body healthy and fit. Good shoes and proper foot care help to prevent new cracks from forming.

Our lifestyle coaches can work with you to identify lifestyle changes that can support your skin, such as getting a better night’s sleep and eating more healthily.

There is a lot you can do yourself to reduce cracks and prevent new ones from forming.

To minimise complaints, you can:

apply a nourishing foot cream to your feet every day;
wear shoes that provide sufficient support;
Avoid wearing open-toed shoes, such as flip-flops, as much as possible;
temporarily reduce the time spent standing or walking when in pain;
do not cut into sections yourself;
ensuring a healthy weight.

Our pedicures can remove the calluses around the fissure. This reduces the pressure on the skin and allows it to heal more effectively.

Treatment may consist of:

the removal of calluses;
care of the skin around the perineum;
advice on foot care;
advice on shoes and tax;
guidance to prevent new divides.

Are your symptoms recurring? If so, our podiatrists investigate what is causing too much pressure on the heels. Together, we will look for a suitable solution.

Good shoes can prevent many ailments. At Rondom Shoes We help you choose shoes that suit your feet and your everyday life. This way, you can reduce existing problems and prevent new ones as much as possible.

At Rondom Schoenen, we use our knowledge and experience to put together a suitable range of shoes. In doing so, we take into account different foot shapes, needs and styles. We ensure there is a sufficient choice of good-quality shoes, across various price ranges.

Rondom Schoenen also has a knowledge base! Here you will find tips and information to help you choose the right shoes.

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