Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Dry Cracked Heels: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Doct relates to plantar fasciitis — typically caused by tight calves and arch overload. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Cracked heels — also called heel fissures — range from a minor cosmetic nuisance to a painful, infection-prone medical problem. Understanding what causes them determines the most effective treatment and helps prevent recurrence.
What Causes Cracked Heels
Heel fissures develop when the thick skin of the heel dries out and loses elasticity, then cracks under the repetitive pressure of walking. Contributing factors include:
- Dry skin (xerosis) — the most common cause; the heel has few oil glands and dries more readily than other skin areas; worsened by cold weather, low humidity, and long hot showers
- Prolonged standing — occupations requiring extended standing increase heel loading and pressure
- Obesity — increased heel pressure accelerates cracking
- Open-backed shoes and sandals — allow the fat pad under the heel to splay outward without containment, increasing fissure formation
- Thyroid disease and diabetes — both reduce skin hydration and circulation; diabetics with neuropathy may not notice painful fissures until they become infected wounds
- Psoriasis and eczema — inflammatory skin conditions that cause hyperkeratosis and accelerate fissure formation
- Aging — skin loses elasticity and oil production declines with age
Home Treatment for Mild-Moderate Cracked Heels
Exfoliation and Moisturization Protocol
The most effective home approach combines mechanical exfoliation with intensive moisturization:
- Soak feet in warm water for 10–15 minutes to soften the callused heel skin
- Use a pumice stone, foot file, or electronic callus remover to gently reduce the thickened tissue — do NOT use razor blades or “cheese graters” which can cause injury
- Apply a thick urea-based cream immediately after patting dry — urea (10–25% concentration) is the most clinically effective ingredient for heel xerosis; options include Flexitol Heel Balm, AmLactin, Eucerin Urea Repair
- Cover with socks after moisturizing to enhance product absorption (especially overnight)
- Repeat daily or every other day until heels improve; maintain 3× per week thereafter
Professional Treatment for Moderate-Severe Fissures
When home care is insufficient — particularly for deep, painful, or bleeding fissures — professional podiatric care provides:
- Sharp debridement — professional reduction of hyperkeratotic heel tissue with a blade or medical-grade callus remover; faster and more precise than home pumice
- Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive — medical-grade “liquid bandage” applied to deep fissures to hold them closed, allow healing, and prevent bacterial entry
- Prescription-strength urea (40%) — prescription urea preparations dissolve hyperkeratotic tissue more aggressively than OTC products
- Custom orthotics — for patients with biomechanical contributors (flat feet, overpronation) that concentrate pressure on the heel
When to See a Podiatrist Immediately
Seek prompt evaluation when: fissures are bleeding, show signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling, pus), or you have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease (even minor heel wounds are serious in these populations and require professional management rather than home care).
Painful Cracked Heels? Professional Debridement Helps.
Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle provides in-office heel debridement and wound care for painful or infected heel fissures. Same-week appointments in Howell and Bloomfield Hills.
or call (810) 206-1402
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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Dry, Cracked Heels Treatment in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Painful cracked heels that won’t heal with over-the-counter creams? Our podiatrists provide medical-grade treatment for stubborn heel fissures and underlying conditions.
See Our Complete Heel Care Options → | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402
Clinical References
- Pham HT, et al. Screening techniques to identify people at high risk for diabetic foot ulceration. Diabetes Care, 2000;23(5):606-611.
- Vlahovic TC, et al. Heel fissures: a guide to treatment. Podiatry Today, 2020;33(4):28-34.
- Al-Mutairi N, et al. Factors in heel fissure development. The Journal of Dermatology, 2012;39(5):442-446.
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Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
PowerStep Pinnacle Insole
- The Pinnacle Full length insoles for men & women provide maximum cushioning, from high activity to moderate support. The PowerStep arch support shape provides stability to the foot and ankle, helping to relieve foot pain.
- When you spend all day on your feet, every step counts. PowerStep insoles are a podiatrist-recommended orthotic to help relieve & prevent foot pain related to athletes, runners, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs & other common foot, ankle & knee injuries
- The Pinnacle plantar fasciitis insoles offer superior heel cushioning and arch support. The dual-layer cushioning is designed to reduce stress and fatigue, while PowerStep premium arch support is designed for plantar fasciitis relief.
- The PowerStep Pinnacle arch support inserts for men & women can be worn in a variety of shoe types such as; athletic, walking, running, work & some casual shoes. Orthotic Inserts are ordered by shoe size, no trimming required.
- Made in the USA & backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. PowerStep orthotic inserts for men & women are designed for shoes where the factory insole can be removed. HSA & FSA Eligible
The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
- The Original Recovery Footwear.
- Finding Your Size - For your perfect fit, consult the “size chart” link above. Wear a half size? In general, we recommend that women who wear a ½ size size UP, and men who wear a ½ size size DOWN
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- Patented Footbed - Our patented footbed cradles and supports arches to reduce energy exertion in the ankles by up to 47% compared to competitors’ footwear. So walking is easier. Recovery is faster. And yOO feel better
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
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
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
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About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see a podiatrist for heel pain without a referral?
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
Should I walk on my heel if it hurts?
What does a podiatrist do for heel pain?
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)