Cracked Heels in Leeds: Causes, Treatment & How a Podiatrist Can Help
If you’ve noticed the skin around your heels becoming dry, rough, or starting to split, you’re not alone. Cracked heels are one of the most common foot complaints we see at Total Health Care North West in Swillington — and they’re particularly common as the weather turns and we swap sandals for closed shoes.
The good news is that cracked heels are very treatable, and in most cases a single podiatry appointment can make a significant difference.
What Causes Cracked Heels?
Cracked heels develop when the skin around the heel becomes dry and thickened, losing its elasticity. Under the pressure of walking and standing, it begins to split. Common causes include:
Dry skin — central heating, cold weather, and low humidity all strip moisture from the skin
Prolonged standing — people who spend long hours on their feet are more prone to heel callus build-up
Open-backed footwear — sandals and flip-flops allow the fat pad of the heel to spread outward, increasing pressure on the skin edges
Weight — additional pressure on the heel accelerates skin thickening
Certain health conditions — diabetes, thyroid problems, and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can all contribute to dry, cracked skin on the feet
Age — skin becomes less efficient at retaining moisture as we get older
For most people, cracked heels start as a cosmetic concern. But left untreated, deep heel fissures can become painful, bleed, and — particularly for people with diabetes — develop into a more serious infection risk.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
It’s worth booking an appointment if:
The cracks are deep, painful, or bleeding
Home creams and pumice stones aren’t making a lasting difference
You have diabetes or reduced circulation in your feet
The hard skin keeps returning quickly after you treat it yourself
Home remedies can manage the surface, but they don’t address the underlying callus build-up — which is why the problem often keeps coming back without professional treatment.
How We Treat Cracked Heels at Total Health Care
When you come into the clinic, we take a thorough approach to get your heels properly comfortable again.
We begin with a foot bath to soften the skin and prepare the area for treatment. This makes the process more comfortable and allows for a more effective result.
Once the skin is softened, we use specialist podiatry drills and blades to carefully debride the callus and hard skin that has built up around the heel. This is done precisely and painlessly — removing the thickened skin that causes splitting without affecting healthy tissue.
We finish with an application of professional heel balm to deeply moisturise and condition the skin, leaving your heels soft and smooth.
The whole appointment is straightforward and comfortable, and most patients notice an immediate improvement.
Keeping Your Heels Healthy Between Appointments
After treatment, there are steps you can take to maintain your results:
Apply a good heel balm or moisturiser to your heels every evening
Avoid going barefoot on hard floors for extended periods
Wear well-fitting, supportive footwear — especially as we move into the colder months
Stay hydrated — skin health starts from the inside
If you have a condition like diabetes, make foot care part of your regular health routine
Book a Cracked Heel Appointment in Leeds
Total Health Care is based in Swillington and serves patients across Leeds, including Garforth, Kippax, Rothwell, and the surrounding areas. If your heels are causing you discomfort — or you simply want them looking and feeling their best — we’d love to help.
New patients: £85 | Existing patients: £55
Book online at totalhealthcarenorthwest.co.uk or call us on 0113 345 4260 to arrange your appointment.
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