01/28/2017
Cracked Heels: How They Happen
Cracks in the heels are generally caused by insufficient moisture. These cracks can become sore and may even bleed. Seriously dry feet can occur for a number of reasons, including:.........
Cold winter weather
Dehydration, or not drinking enough water
Not moisturizing your feet
Taking very hot baths or showers
Soaking in a hot bath for too long or too frequently
Using harsh, drying soaps on your feet
Scrubbing feet dry
Having diabetes
Heel fissures and cracks occur when the skin loses its moisture content and dries out and cracks," says Alan K. Ma**er, DPM, a podiatrist in Louisville, Ky.
When the feet become too dry, heel fissures can develop quite easily. "It's kind of like if you put plaster on a balloon and let it harden and blow up the balloon, the balloon will expand the plaster and crack. The heel pad wants to expand outward, but the skin is not pliable enough to expand with it, so it cracks," Dr. Ma**er explains.
Cracked Heels: Risk Factors
The two biggest risk factors for cracked heels are diabetes and obesity, notes Ma**er. Diabetics are likely to experience cracked heels because damage to nerves in the feet from uncontrolled blood sugars can cause dry skin. People with diabetes are even more likely to sustain an infection from cracked heels than non-diabetics. If you are diabetic, it is important to examine your feet frequently for signs of cracks or infection.
Obesity increases your chances of having cracked heels because there is even more weight on the heel pad, which causes it to expand out further. Dry skin is unable to handle the added pressure and cracks.
During the winter months, however, anyone can have dry, cracked heels. Regularly taking long, very hot baths and showers can also exacerbate this condition. Additionally, people who don't regularly moisturize their feet with a good, oil-based lotion or moisturizer are more likely to experience heel fissures. Not drinking enough water and poor nutrition are also risk factors for cracked heels.
Homeopathic medicines commonly used in cases of cracks or fissures are Acid nit, Antim-crud, Apis mel, Ars alb, Bacillinum, Borax, Carbo animalis, Graphites, Hepar sulph, Hydrocotyle, Kali ars, Kali b**h, Kali Brom, Lachesis, Lycopodium, Medorrhinum, Merc sol, Nat mur, O***m, Petroleum, Psorinum, Pulsatilla, Pyrogen, Ranunculosis bulbosis, Rhus tox, Silicea, Sulphur, Thuja, Tuberculinum, etc.
These Medicines should be taken under the advice and diagnosis of a qualified Homeopath.
Md Jahirul Islam, Registered Homeopath
Registrant of The College of Homeopaths of Ontario
Member Of Homeopathic Medical Council Of Canda
3000 Danforth Avenue, Unit #3, Suite #121 Toronto, ON, M4C 1M7
Phone: 416-699-1311, 416-219-9001
E-mail:jahir63@hotmail.com