Quick answer: Dry Cracked Feet Heels affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Dry Cracked Feet or Dry Cracked Heels? [Causes & Best Treatment]
Do you have dry, cracked feet or dry, cracked heels? We go over the best dry, cracked foot and heel home remedies and BEST treatment options!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh9MNXhptHYWhy Do We Get Dry Cracked Feet?
Usually, if the skin is severely dry and cracked, as seen in the picture, something is causing it.
- The skin on the bottom of our soles is special because it is thicker than the rest of the skin in our body.
- It also relies more on sweat glands than oil glands to keep it moist, so it is more important to keep it moisturized.
- It is important to keep the bottom of the feet moisturized. It is the ultimate cure for any cause!
This thick skin is more susceptible to dehydration to a lack of moisturizing; it is also more prone to inflammatory reactions and fungal irritation.
Dry Cracked Feet Symptoms:
If the dry, cracked feet are very severe, then something else can be causing it. The symptoms will range from the following:
- Itchy skin.
- Red skin.
- Cracks in the skin.
- Bleeding may be associated with cracks.
- Peeling at the bottom of the foot and heel.
- Flakes and flaking.
- Rough, uneven skin.
- Development of a rash.
- Worse after showering or bathing.
Dry Cracked Feet Causes:
- Showering or bathing.
- Inflammatory skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis, and many more.
- Contact dermatitis (irritation by a harsh substance- such as a lower quality soap or chlorine).
- Cold weather (causing dehydration).
- Low humidity in your home (causing dehydration).
- Older Age (less blood supply)
- Peripheral vascular disease.
- Smoking.
- Diabetes.
Home Treatment Guide:
Follow this treatment protocol to fix your dry, cracked feet!
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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
1)Assume Skin Irritation.
Assume initially it is dryness, dehydration or an inflammatory condition.
- 2/3rds are caused by inflammatory causes: eczema, skin conditions, irritation, dehydration, sweating disorders.
- **Inflammatory Conditions are all treated the same way, but different than fungal conditions**.
- For best results always go see your podiatrist or dermatologist!
The Skin Irritation Treatment Guide!
2)Consider Athlete’s Foot:
If part 1 does not cause your foot to get better after a week, it may be a fungal infection.
- 1/3rd are caused by Fungal Irritation.
- **Fungal conditions are all essentially treated the same way, but different than inflammatory conditions**.
- For best results always go see your podiatrist or dermatologist!
The Complete Foot Fungus Treatment Guide!
The way I would treat this if it was myself:
- 1)Assume inflammatory causes and start treating it that way.
- 2)If it doesn’t start getting better after a week or so, it is most likely fungal irritation.
- 3) Go see your podiatrist since something more complicated may be going on.
Good Luck with your Dry Cracked Feet!
Related Treatment Guides
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot condition, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
📧 Get Dr. Tom’s Free Lab Test Guide
Discover the 5 lab tests every person over 35 should ask their doctor about — explained in plain English by a board-certified physician.
Painful Dry Cracked Heels?
Deep heel fissures are more than a cosmetic problem — they can cause pain, bleeding, and infection. Our podiatrists provide professional treatment and prevention strategies.
📞 Or call us directly: (810) 206-1402
Clinical References
- Bristow I. Non-ulcerative skin pathologies of the diabetic foot. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2008;24(S1):S84-S89.
- Kamal M, et al. Xerosis and its determinants in diabetes mellitus. Int J Dermatol. 2015;54(5):e162-e166.
- Bus SA, et al. IWGDF guidance on footwear and offloading interventions. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2016;32(S1):25-36.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
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When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
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View Product →What is Foot pain?
Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Symptoms and warning signs
Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Conservative treatment options
Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery timeline and prevention
Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
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Same-week appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
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Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Board-certified podiatric surgeons. Most insurance accepted.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.