Cracked heels are generally caused by dry skin, and can be complicated by calluses on the rim of the heel. Other causes of cracked heels include obesity, prolonged standing, walking barefoot, or with sandals, living in a dry climate or having inactive sweat glands. Fairly thick skin on the heels is normal, but when cracks appear, and pain is experienced when placing weight on the heel, there is a problem.
Take action:
Regularly moisturise your feet, especially the heels; use a pumice stone every day to decrease the flaky and thick layer of the skin; wear closed shoes rather than open-backed shoes or sandals; never try and remove the dead skin yourself using a pair of scissors or razor blade, as this can cause infection; see your podiatrist for advice about shoe choices as well as for treatment of this potentially painful condition.