Cracked heels?

[Usain_Balti]

Help! Can anyone recommend a treatment for cracked heels?

I've heard on line that "Compeed" is good, but any first-hand recommendations from fellow runners (rather than "normal people") would be more than welcome.

I'm still managing to run but worried that I might have to literally put my feet up for a week or two.

[mrstickle]

I've heard of Compeed blister plasters (maybe there's a cream for cracked heels?) personally I am very reluctant to use them. The skin has to be dry, the plaster warmed before applying & any minor wrinkle in plaster exacerbates the original blister issue, and re-positioning is not an option - you can remove several layers of skin trying to remove the plaster! If my trekking experience is helpful with C25K it's all about keeping your feet dry with talc etc or going the exfoliating/moisturising route. It's a very personal thing foot care... Zinc Oxide tape with/without Vaseline is my solution for blisters, occasional exfoliate and moisturise as a rule. Hope this helps

[Hidden]

Depending on how bad the cracking is, flexitol is a good cream (they have it in Boots with the foot creams). It seems to fix things almost overnight or at least within a week depending on the amount of cracking. Apply relatively thickly and wear socks to hold it in place while you're asleep so it absorbs in.

For comfort while running - are you wearing double-layer running socks? I've found these are really good for stopping blisters, they stop your shoes from rubbing against the skin of your feet.

Good luck for fixing it!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Coconut oil. Rub it in and be generous, pop on a pair of socks and go to bed. Do this for 3-5 nights and you'll notice a huge difference. Depending on how bad the cracks are if you can use a foot file and then apply the coconut oil.

Good luck!

[misswobble Graduate]

You can use Vaseline too. Smother your feet in it too before long runs. Good for blisters as well.

The Compeed gets good reviews. I've used the Flexitol and it works. You might gently abrade your hard skin with a foot file first. Ped Egg type of thing

You have to keep up the maintenance on your feet now you're a runner, doing the overnight treatments and gently abrading them. Always gently! I like to soak my feet in a bowl, with the kettle of boiled water to one side for top ups, telly on, squirt of E45 bath oil in there. I can guarantee someone will knock at the door! Grrrr

[Usain_Balti Graduate]

Thanks for all the advice, I knew I could rely on you fine people. I've removed the calloused skin so I'll try the above until I find one that works for me.