Book Now Book Now
Christmas Is For Crackers, Not Cracked Heels!
Posted 11 Dec '18

Christmas Is For Crackers, Not Cracked Heels!

If you suffer from cracked heels, then you’ll definitely know about it. Your heels feel rough and the breaks in the skin can catch on your socks and carpet. When you walk barefooted, the cracks can trap dirt. As the hard skin is left unmanaged and continues to build, the healthy skin at the base of the cracks can crack too, causing them to bleed and become very painful. This is where we come in and turn hard, cracked heels into soft, smooth skin.

But what causes cracked heels?

When the skin at the heels becomes dry, it loses its elasticity and suppleness, and becomes hard. Repeated pressure, friction and insufficient moisture to the heels cause more callus to develop. When the thick, dry callus is placed under stress and tension, it splits and cracks. If the cracks split the underlying healthy skin, they’ll become painful, may bleed and are vulnerable to infection. Cracked heels are ultimately caused by factors that place more force or friction on the heels. These include:
  • Certain footwear such as jandals and those with a firm sole
  • Barefoot walking which places more force through the heels as there is no cushioning from footwear, as well as encouraging the loss of moisture
  • Strenuous physical activity
  • Not keeping the heels well moisturised

How can we get smooth, supple heels again?



It’s actually much more simple than you think! There are two key steps. 1.  The first is to book in for a 30-minute medical pedicure with us. We’ll start by removing all of the hard, dead skin from your heels using a surgical scalpel. Don’t worry! Because it’s all dead skin, this step is completely harmless. We’ll then use a sanding disc to smooth out any rough or uneven areas, apply tea tree oil, and using an intensive urea-based moisturiser. After these steps, you’ll notice a significant difference as you feel soft, smooth skin. We often hear remarks about how much skin has come off their heels, and that it’s likely to have tipped the weight scales in their favour! 2. The second step is that you continue to moisturise your heels every day. The harsher the conditions and the hotter it is, the more important it is for you to moisture. So this is an absolute essential for the summer! You keep doing this every day, and you keep your cracked heels at bay. If 12-months down the track you notice you’ve let the routine slip and you need another appointment to remove the skin again, we repeat this process and you’re away smiling.

Take care of your heels today!

To start taking care of your feet – and to feel miles better after your first appointment, book in with our foot care experts by calling 09 523 2333 or book online here!

Related Articles

Effective Verruca Treatment: How Conservative Care Can Help All Ages

At Perform Podiatry, we specialise in conservative, evidence-based treatments that are safe, effective, and suitable for patients of all ages. One of the most successful options we offer is high-strength salicylic acid therapy.

Acupuncture and Podiatry: A Modern Approach to Foot & Ankle Care

When most people think of podiatry, they picture orthotics, skin/nail care, or sports injury treatment. But podiatry isn’t just about what’s happening mechanically in your feet, it’s also about supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

One treatment that’s gaining popularity in podiatric care is acupuncture — a technique with ancient roots and modern scientific backing.

Foam Rolling: A Game-Changer for Foot & Lower Limb Health

Even a few minutes of foam rolling per day can make a significant difference in your lower limb health. Focus on the calves, hamstrings, IT band, and plantar fascia. Combine with stretching and strengthening for best results.
Read this blog to find out more about the benefits of Foam rolling. 

Keeping you healthy and performing at your best

Keeping your family on their feet and helping them to walk, run, play and exceed their goals is why we love getting up in the morning.

Ground Floor, One Health Building
122 Remuera Rd, Remuera
Auckland 1050, New Zealand

MON - FRI 7:30am – 6:30pm
SAT 8:30am – 4:30pm
SUN Some availability

Make an Appointment

(09) 523 2333 (09) 523 2333

Online Schedule

Book here
 Book here

Send us a message

Name
 
Email Address
Message

Need Help After Hours?

Our virtual receptionist is available 24/7 to help with general questions, booking requests, and clinic information, even when our team is busy, or it's after hours.

Whether you're calling us or using our website, you'll get fast assistance any time of day. And if your query needs a personal touch, a member of our team will follow up as soon as possible.