Can Exercise Make Cracked Heels Worse?

Cracked heels can be an incredibly painful and even debilitating ailment, notably because they can make it difficult to walk and move around. Many fitness enthusiasts adopt a work through the pain mentality, and may be tempted to push themselves through a workout despite dry or cracked heels. However, if you notice your heel cracking, it may not be wise to continue your regular workout routine. 

There is a connection between exercise and cracked heels. Not only can exercise make cracked heels worse, your exercise routine may be the cause of your cracked heels. Below, we’ll talk over how exercise can worsen cracked heels and steps you can take to protect your feet. 

Painful and debilitating problem

Cracked heels can be painful and even debilitating. If you notice your heel cracking, it may be time to reconsider your workout routine.  Cracked heels can make it difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time, and if left untreated, the problem will only get worse. There are a few things you can do at home to help heal cracked heels, but if the problem persists, it's important to see a doctor or podiatrist for professional treatment.

Pain is the most common symptom of cracked heels, but the cracks can also lead to inflammation and infection. If left untreated, cracked heels can eventually become so severe that you may need to seek serious treatment.

If you have diabetes, you should see a doctor if you develop cracked heels. Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation, which can make it difficult to heal cracks. Ignoring the problem may lead to serious complications, such as ulcers or amputation. 

If you have any other medical conditions that affect your feet, such as arthritis, it's also essential to see a doctor if you develop cracked heels. These conditions can make it difficult to treat the cracks at home and may lead to serious complications.

As mentioned, there are many potential causes of cracked heels, but the most common is dry skin. When the skin on your feet becomes too dry, it can start to crack and peel. This is more likely to happen if you don’t moisturize your feet regularly or if you have certain medical conditions that cause dry skin.

Other potential causes of cracked heels include: 

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes: Shoes that are too tight or rub against your heel can cause the skin to crack.
• Standing for long periods of time: This can put pressure on your feet and lead to cracking.Having calluses or corns: These can make the skin on your feet thicker and more likely to crack.
• Obesity: Being overweight puts extra strain on your feet, which can cause cracks.

Common causes for cracked heels

If you're suffering from cracked heels, you're not alone. Many people deal with this problem, especially in the winter. Cracked heels can be painful and unsightly, but there are fortunately some easy ways to heal them fast. 

Excessive Dryness

If your feet are excessively dry, it can lead to cracking. This is because the skin on your feet becomes more brittle and prone to cracking when it’s dry. There are several things that can cause your feet to become excessively dry, such as:

• Spending long periods of time standing or walking, which can cause the natural oils in your skin to evaporate.
• Being in a hot climate, which can also cause the natural oils in your skin to evaporate.
• Having a job that requires you to be on your feet all day, such as a waitress or nurse.
• Wearing shoes that don’t allow your feet to breathe, such as closed-toe shoes or boots made from synthetic materials.
  • Exercise causing for socks and sweat to rub against the feet, making it more dry and more prone to cracking.

Lack of Moisture

Another common cause of cracked heels is lack of moisture. This can be due to several factors, including:

- Not drinking enough water throughout the day, which can lead to dehydration.

- Excessive sweating, which can also lead to dehydration.

- Certain medical conditions that cause dehydration, such as diabetes or kidney disease.

- Certain medications that have drying effects, such as diuretics or antihistamines.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is one of the most common causes of cracked heels. When the skin on your feet is dry, it’s more likely to crack when you put weight on it. This can happen for a number of reasons, including weather conditions, not drinking enough water, and certain medical conditions.

There are generally several factor that contribute to skin dryness, including:

• Not drinking enough water
• Taking hot showers
• Living in a dry climate
• Using harsh soaps
• Exposing your skin to chemicals
• Aging

If your feet are regularly exposed to cold or dry air, that can lead to dry skin and make cracks more likely. The same goes for not drinking enough water. When your body is dehydrated, your skin is more prone to dryness and cracking. Some medical conditions can also lead to dry skin and cracks, such as psoriasis and diabetes.

Poor Hygiene

If you don’t take care of your feet properly, that can also lead to cracked heels. This means washing them regularly with soap and water, drying them thoroughly (especially between the toes), and using a moisturizer if they’re dry. It’s also important to trim your nails regularly and wear shoes that fit properly. Ill-fitting shoes can rub against your skin and cause blisters, which can then lead to cracks.

Standing or Walking for Long Periods of Time

Another common cause of cracked heels is spending too much time on your feet. This puts extra pressure on the fat pads in your heels, which can make them thinner over time and more susceptible to cracking. If you stand or walk for long periods of time without taking a break, that increases your risk even further.

Wearing Open-Back Shoes

Wearing open-back shoes like flip flops or sandals can also contribute to cracked heels. These shoes don’t provide any support for your heels, which means they’re more likely to crack when you walk or stand in them for long periods of time. If you do wear these types of shoes, try to limit how much time you spend in them and make sure you take breaks often so your heels have a chance to rest.

Excessive Weight

Carrying around extra weight puts additional stress on your feet, which can lead to problems like plantar fasciitis  ( heel pain )  and eventually leading to cracked heels. If you’re overweight, talk to your doctor about ways you can safely lose weight. Losing even a few pounds may help reduce the strain on your feet and prevent cracks from forming.

Why does exercise make cracked heels worse? 

Why are exercise and cracked heels related? One of the biggest causes of cracked heels is friction. Excessive friction near your heels can dry out your skin, which could eventually lead to cracking.

If you spend a lot of time at the gym or engaging in outdoor activities like running, it’s hard on your feet. When your heels continuously rub against your shoes and socks, they can become dry and start to crack. 

Continuing your regular workout routine can exacerbate cracked heels. This is especially true for those who engage in activities like running or jogging. The pressure from pounding your feet on the ground or the treadmill over and over again can cause fissures and cracks in the skin to get much worse. 

While cracked heels are generally not serious, they can sometimes become infected. They can also simply be very painful over time if left untreated. If you start to notice your heels cracking, ease up on your exercise routine and take steps to help your feet heal. 

How can you avoid cracked heels? 

If regular physical activity is important to you, you’re likely looking for ways to keep up with your daily workouts without risking foot issues. There are plenty of ways to avoid cracked heels and other skin conditions to begin with, and ways to treat cracked heels if they do occur. 

There are a few things you can do at home to help heal cracked heels, including soaking them in warm water and using a pumice stone.

One of the best ways to deal with cracked heels is to soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes daily. This will help soften your skin and make it easier to exfoliate. Gently massage the affected area with a cotton ball soaked in olive oil or other lubricant. This will help loosen the nail and reduce pain.

Use a clean, sharp nail clipper to trim the ingrown nail back as far as possible without causing further irritation. Be sure to file down any sharp edges. If the ingrown toenail is severe or not responding to home treatment, you may need to see a podiatrist for further care. You can also try using over-the-counter creams or ointments designed to treat dry, cracked skin. These can help speed up the healing process.

After soaking, use a pumice stone or other exfoliating tool to gently remove any dead cells. Be sure to moisturize your feet well afterwards.

There are some home remedies you can use to help heal cracked heels, but if the problem persists, it's important to see a doctor or podiatrist for professional treatment. Ignoring cracked heels can lead to more severe problems, such as infection or difficulty walking.

Home remedies for cracked heels

Soak your feet

If you have cracked heels, one of the best things you can do is to soak your feet. This will help to soften the hard, dry skin and make it easier to exfoliate and moisturize. Fill a basin with warm water and add some Epsom salts or baking soda. Soak your feet for 20 minutes, then pat them dry with a towel.

Exfoliate your feet

Exfoliating your feet is another great way to get rid of dry, dead skin that can lead to cracks. You can use a store-bought foot scrub or make your own by mixing sugar or salt with olive oil or coconut oil. Massage the scrub into your feet, paying special attention to any areas that are particularly dry or cracked. Rinse off with warm water and pat your feet dry.

Apply a foot cream or oil

After you've soaked and exfoliated your feet, it's important to apply a good foot cream to help keep them hydrated. Look for a cream that contains ingredients like glycerin or lactic acid, which can help to attract moisture to the skin. Apply the cream liberally all over your feet, including between the toes, and massage it in until it's fully absorbed.

Instead, you can apply the revolutionary Delfina Dry Skin Oil. Delfina is an easy-to-use spray bottle that when applied, penetrates the skin’s outer layers to stimulate hydration from within, thereby treating the root causes of cracked heels.

Choose the right footwear

Wearing comfortable shoes is important for preventing cracked heels, as well as for overall foot health. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or constrictive, as this can cause the skin on your feet to dry out and crack. If you must wear heels, choose a pair that has a wide toe box and a low heel to help distribute your weight evenly.

It is equally important to make sure you choose shoes that fit. If your shoes are too tight or too loose, this can increase friction and dry out your feet. Make sure there’s at least ⅜” and ½” between your longest toe and the end of the shoe and that your heels don’t slip around while walking. 

Second, there is no one-size-fits all option for workout shoes. Whenever possible, look for shoes tailored to the type of workout you do most frequently. For example, opt for running shoes specifically if you’re running or jogging frequently. If you’re a hiker, look for footwear specifically made for hiking. 

Always wear socks when you workout, but make sure to choose synthetic, breathable material that wicks moisture. Cotton socks are generally a bad choice for exercise. Instead, go for materials like polyester or acrylic.

Stay hydrated 

Keeping your body hydrated – both while you workout and throughout the day – helps keep your skin moisturized.

Make sure to drink water throughout the day, especially after a long workout. This helps you stay hydrated from the inside out. 

Also, keep your environment hydrated. During the winter months especially, air can get cold and dry. Investing in a humidifier can help. It will make your skin healthier overall. 

Give your feet some extra care

The reason there’s a connection between exercise and cracked heels is that almost all physical activity is hard on your feet. If you’re going to take extra steps to move more every day, you need to develop a solid foot care routine. 

Using a pumice stone regularly can help remove dead skin, helping you avoid dry skin and cracking. To use a pumice stone, soak your feet in warm water for about 20 minutes and then gently rub the stone over dry areas to remove the outer layer of skin.

You should also apply moisturizer to your feet regularly.

Not only can Delfina help as a solution for cracked heels, it can treat them as well. In fact, once skin cracks occur, Delfina is the only effective treatment method. Simply put, if you have Delfina, you will not have cracked heels. Learn more about how Delfina works here and see how it’s successfully treated cracked heels here.

Just be sure, when using moisturizer, never to moisture just before working out. This can make your feet slippery, potentially leading to injury.  

Using delfina skin oil as a treatment and preventive measure

If you want to get rid of cracked heels once and forever, you should definitely turn to Delfina Dry Skin Oil. Thousands of individuals have reported relief from the discomforts associated with chronic dry skin and cracked skin, such as flare-ups, dryness, and itching, after using this revolutionary natural treatment. This does wonders for fissures in the skin, and your heels will feel as soft as a newborn in just a very short time. Click here to see How It Works for Cracked Heels.  

When to see a doctor for cracked heels

When Home Remedies Fail

If home remedies for cracked heels have failed and you still have dry, cracked skin on your feet, it’s time to see a doctor. A podiatrist or dermatologist can prescribe stronger treatments, such as medicated creams or ointments, salicylic acid pads, and urea cream.

When the Cracks Are Deep

If the cracks in your heels are deep, you may be at risk for infection. See a doctor if the cracks bleed or they become painful and red. This is especially important if you avidly participate in sports or other physical activities as they can further exacerbate the physical manifestations of cracked heels and prevent you from enjoying your exercise routine. 

When There’s Bleeding

If you have cracked heels and they bleed, see a doctor right away. Bleeding can lead to infection, so it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible.

When There’s Pain

If you have pain in your heels that doesn’t go away with home treatment, it’s time to see a doctor. A podiatrist can determine the cause of the pain and recommend the best course of treatment. 

When It’s Not Cracked Heels 

There are other conditions that can cause dry, cracked skin on your feet, so it’s important to see a doctor if you think you might have something other than cracked heels. Conditions like athlete’s foot, psoriasis, and eczema can all cause similar symptoms but require different treatments than cracked heels.

The bottom line 

Exercise and cracked heels can be related. If you’re experiencing cracked heels, consider your workout routine. If you’re not wearing proper shoes, moisturizing regularly, and engaging in high-impact exercises like jogging or running, there’s a good chance this is causing or worsening your cracked heels. 

A few simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in improving cracked heels. We know how important it is to find a skincare routine that works for you, and that cracked heels can be a painful, debilitating condition. If you have any questions about Delfina Dry Skin Oil or treating cracked heels in general, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.

In order to get rid of cracks as soon as possible, you should use Delfina Dry Skin Oil which is a highly suggested method of treatment and prevention of cracked heels.