Cracked heels (also known as heel fissures) are one of the most common foot complaints we see in
our Sydney clinics. While they can start as a cosmetic concern, they can quickly become painful,
deep, and even infected if left untreated.
If you’re dealing with dry, split heels—especially in a busy, on-your-feet lifestyle in Sydney—it’s
important to understand why they happen, how to treat them properly, and when it’s time to
seek professional help.
At Performance Podiatry Sydney, we regularly treat cracked heels for patients across Sydney
CBD and Darlinghurst, helping them move from discomfort to pain-free walking again.
What Are Cracked Heels?
Cracked heels occur when the skin around the heel becomes dry, thickened, and loses elasticity.
Over time, pressure from standing and walking causes the skin to split.
In more severe cases, cracked heels can interfere with daily life—making it uncomfortable to stand,
exercise, or even wear certain shoes.
What Causes Cracked Heels?
Cracked heels rarely have just one cause. Instead, they usually develop from a combination of skin
dryness, pressure, and lifestyle factors.
1. Dry Skin (The Biggest Factor)
Sydney’s climate—particularly air conditioning, heating, and seasonal dryness—can strip moisture
from your skin. When the skin becomes dry, it loses flexibility and becomes prone to splitting.
2. Prolonged Standing or Walking
If your job involves long hours on your feet (common in healthcare, retail, hospitality, and fitness),
your heels are under constant pressure. This causes the skin to expand sideways and eventually
crack.
3. Open-Back Footwear
Wearing sandals or thongs allows the fat pad under your heel to expand outward, increasing
pressure on the skin and making cracks more likely.
4. Thickened Skin (Callus Build-Up)
Calluses form as a protective response to pressure. However, when they become too thick and dry,
they lose flexibility and crack.
5. Medical Conditions
Certain conditions increase the risk of cracked heels, including:
• Diabetes
• Eczema or psoriasis
• Thyroid conditions
• Poor circulation
These cases require more careful management, as cracks can become serious quickly.
6. Dehydration & Skincare Habits
Not moisturising regularly—or using the wrong type of cream—can accelerate dryness and
fissuring.
The Best Moisturising Routine for Cracked Heels
One of the biggest misconceptions we see is people using moisturiser inconsistently or choosing
products that simply aren’t effective.
A proper routine makes a huge difference.
Use a Urea-Based Heel Balm
Look for creams containing urea, which:
• Hydrates deeply
• Softens thickened skin
• Helps break down callus
We love Elixir urea cream, which is available at our clinics.
Apply Twice Daily
Consistency matters more than anything:
• Morning: Light application before putting shoes on
• Evening: Heavier application before bed
Wear Supportive, Enclosed Shoes
Switching from open-back shoes to supportive footwear reduces pressure and allows the skin to
heal.
Common Mistakes That Make Cracked Heels Worse
Even with good intentions, these habits can slow healing:
• Using cosmetic lotions instead of medical-grade creams
• Only moisturising occasionally
• Walking barefoot regularly
• Ignoring early dryness
• Trying to “DIY” deep cracks
If your heels aren’t improving after a couple of weeks, it’s time to reassess.
When Do Cracked Heels Become a Medical Issue?
Cracked heels are no longer just cosmetic when you notice:
Pain When Walking
This usually means the cracks have deepened into the skin layers.
Bleeding or Open Fissures
Open cracks increase the risk of infection and should be treated professionally.
Signs of Infection
Including:
• Redness
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Discharge
Underlying Health Conditions
If you have diabetes or circulation issues, even small cracks can become serious quickly.
No Improvement With Home Care
If you’ve been consistent with moisturising and still see no improvement, professional treatment is
needed.
How a Podiatrist Treats Cracked Heels
At Performance Podiatry Sydney, treatment goes beyond just “filing the skin.”
We take a medical, long-term approach to fix the problem at its source.
1. Safe Removal of Thickened Skin
Using sterile instruments, we carefully reduce callus without causing damage—something that’s
difficult to do safely at home.
2. Treatment of Deep Fissures
For painful cracks, we:
• Clean and debride the area
• Apply protective dressings if needed
• Reduce pressure to allow healing
3. Addressing the Cause
We assess:
• Footwear
• Biomechanics• Lifestyle factors
This helps prevent the problem from coming straight back.
4. Custom Treatment Plans
Depending on severity, this may include:
• Prescription-strength creams
• Heel cups or orthotics
• Ongoing skin care plans
Why Cracked Heels Are So Common in Sydney
Living in Sydney—especially around the CBD and coastal areas—creates the perfect conditions for
cracked heels:
• Frequent use of sandals and thongs
• Active, on-your-feet lifestyles
• Dry indoor air from air conditioning
• Walking long distances on hard surfaces
We see patients from all walks of life—from office workers to healthcare professionals—struggling
with the same issue.
How to Prevent Cracked Heels Long-Term
Once your heels improve, prevention is key.
Simple habits that work:
• Moisturise daily (even when your heels look fine)
• Avoid going barefoot on hard floors
• Rotate footwear to reduce pressure points
• Stay hydrated
• Book routine podiatry care if you’re prone to callus
When Should You Book an Appointment?
You should consider seeing a podiatrist if:
• Your heels are painful or bleeding
• Cracks keep coming back
• Home treatments aren’t working
• You have diabetes or other health conditions
• You want faster, safer results
Get Expert Help for Cracked Heels in Sydney CBD, Randwick & Darlinghurst
Cracked heels don’t have to be something you “just live with.” With the right treatment and routine,
they can improve quickly—and stay that way.
At Performance Podiatry Sydney, we provide professional, tailored care for patients across
Sydney CBD, Randwick and Darlinghurst.
Whether your heels are mildly dry or severely cracked, we can help you get back to comfortable,
pain-free walking.
If you’re ready to treat your cracked heels properly, book an appointment with our team today and
take the first step towards healthier feet.
BOOK YOUR LOCAL PODIATRIST TODAY!
The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.