Dealing with cracked heels

Your feet take a lot of pressure and strain, but if properly looked after, will serve you well.

Cracked heels occur when the skin becomes dry and loses its suppleness. This may be caused by poor diet, uncomfortable shoes, a lack of appropriate foot-care or a combination of all three of these things.

If you have cracked heels, then you need to deal with the problem. If you don’t, it will get worse and could even cause bleeding.

Cracked heels often occur when you do not have adequate levels of zinc and omega-3 fatty acids in your system. Zinc is an important mineral, not only because it helps prevent cracked heels, but because it also helps to:

•  Maintain your sense of smell.
•  Keep your immune system healthy.
•  Facilitate protein building.
•  Assist in the production process of DNA.

Calcium is another important mineral that helps prevent cracked heels from developing. It not only helps to prevent cracked heels but it’s also well documented for supporting good holistic health, bone growth and increases bone density. Calcium also helps with nerve signal transmission, muscle function and the production of various hormones and enzymes.

Natural remedies for cracked heels include:

•  Oils. Vegetable oils such as coconut, olive and sesame oil can be used to remedy cracked heels.

For maximum benefit you should apply your chosen oil before you go to bed. Start by scrubbing your heels and also the soles of your feet with a pumice stone. Then wash and dry with a towel.

Next, apply the oil generously to both heels and soles. Put on a pair of wool socks and leave them on overnight while you sleep. Next morning, you will notice that your heels will be significantly softer. Continue the treatment until the cracks have completely disappeared.

•  Exfoliation. This is a way of removing dead skin. You can make an exfoliation scrub by combining rice flour with a few tablespoons of honey and a few drops of apple cider vinegar. Mix together to form a thick paste. If the cracking is quite severe, then you can add a tablespoon of olive oil or sweet almond oil into the mix.

Before you apply the exfoliation scrub, soak your feet in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes first and then gently scrub the exfoliation paste onto your heels. Finish by cleaning off with warm water and towel dry.

•  The papaya mask. The flesh of the papaya fruit can be crushed and mixed with lemon juice to create a mask that can be applied to heal cracked heels. Once the papaya mask has been prepared, apply and leave in place for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off and toweling dry.