Our feet are definitely overworked and underappreciated. They hold us up all day and are under an enormous amount of pressure per square cm. Our feet deserve far more attention than what we give them and this is mostly because they are out of sight, out of mind.

  • We have over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments in our feet
  • 26 bones and 33 joints
  • Your feet have about 250,000 sweat glands which release up to ¼ liter of perspiration each day

Our feet are complicated and so is the answer to why they crack. Mostly because there are so many factors that contribute to the problem, but all to do with our lack of attention. 

External causes for cracked feet and heels

Starting with poorly fitting shoes, or no shoes. Climate, dry weather = dry skin, standing in one place too long, and always walking barefoot. Using harsh soap, or not cleaning them properly.

Medical causes for cracked feet and heels

Diabetes is a number one problem for poor feet, but also fungus, psoriasis, obesity and more common conditions pregnancy and just ageing.

Cracked heels can be painful and even bleed, they can itch and swell, become inflamed and even develop ulcers. The first signs of cracked heels are dryness, then thickening of the skin leading to callouses. Then, when we walk on our feet the fat pads under the feet expand causing the ridged dry flesh to crack.

 When was the last time you did something nice for your feet?

A few simple remedies can keep healthy feet stay healthy, or help to get feet in poor condition back on track.

Foot Soak for Cracked Heels

Soak & Exfoliate

Thick calluses need a good soaking to soften the old dead skin and make the skin ready for exfoliation. Exfoliation helps to remove that old dead skin by scrubbing it away.

Foot soaks come in a variety of flavours from stinky feet to happy feet you will be spoilt for choices. Same for foot scrubs there are many out there that will help remove some layers of dead skin, they can be sugar-based or salt. I favour peppermint oil in my foot products as it is antifungal, antibacterial and feels so cooling and refreshing.

Foot Cream

Once you have done this if you are just doing general foot maintenance then a Peppermint Foot Cream with  help to moisturize the heels (and elbows while you’re at it)

Cracked Heel Cream

 If you are suffering from cracked heels we suggest using a cracked heel cream as this further contains ingredients to soften that thick layer and help reduce it while offering some protection.

Some ingredients in cracked heel cream to look for:

  • Hyaluronic acid: highly moisturizing
  • Urea: promotes healing is anti-itch and anti-inflammatory.
  • Tea Tree Oil: antibacterial and antifungal properties, helps reduce swelling.
  • Clove Oil: Anti-fungal properties
  • Avocado Oil: Highly moisturized and loaded with antioxidants and vitamins.
  • Allantoin: Healing and soothing properties
  • Cacao Butter or Shea butter: Highly moisturizing and skin nourishing

My husband suffered from cracked heels and I was incentivized to make him the best-cracked heel cream I could. I carefully selected all the ingredients that would help him to improve this condition and keep the product natural, plant-based and vegan. The original cream was called Mr Nicks Cracked Heel Cream.

Tip

Here’s a great tip to soften feet overnight. After cleaning and exfoliating your feet apply a generous layer of cracked heel cream just before you slip into bed. Cover your feet with an old pair of socks. The moisturizer will really “marinate” into those cracked heels.

Be kind to your feet and treat your feet!

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