DEFINITATION
Cracked heels is a common foot problem . It occurs when dry , thick skin on the bottom of your heels cracks and splits. This is often accompanied by hyperkeratosis (thickened skin) and callus formation around the edges of the heel which is yellow or dark brown in colour.
CAUSES
- Prolonged standing on arduous floors .
- Walking barefoot.
- Running on irregular , rugged surface.
- Consuming bitter , astringent , pungent food .
- Late night work ( night shift work).
- Unhygienic conditions of feet.
SYMPTOMS
- Cracking / fissures
- Red and flaky patches
- Itching of the skin
- Painful condition of sole and palm
- Often associated with bleeding and burning sensation
AYURVEDIC HERBAL MANAGEMENT
Cracked heel being a minor vata disorder is managed effectively such as :
. Oleation (snehana) - medicated oil application.
. Sudation (swedana) - mild sweating.
. External application ( lepana) - application of herbal creams , moisturizers (kledana) etc.
EXTERNAL MEDICATION FOR CRACKED HEELS
. Pinda taila
. Dhatturabeeja taila
. Jatyadi taila
. Manjishtadi ghrita
. Madhuchistadi lepa
. Gairikadi lepa
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS FOR CRACKED HEELS
- Sarivadyasava
- Chandanasava
- Chandanadi choorna
SINGLE HERBS
1. Madhuchishta ( bee's wax)
- Manjishta ( rubia cordifolia )
- Sarjarasa ( shorea robusta)
- Sariva ( hemidesmus indicus)
- Aloe vera
- Ghrita
- Neem ( Azadirachta indica )
HOME REMEDIES FOR CRACKED HEELS
. Vegetable oil :- like almond oil and jojoba oil have a antimicrobial , antioxidant , anti-inflammatory and wound -healing properties . Wash your feet and dry them with a clean towel. Apply a layer of vegetable oil on the affected area. Wear a pair of thick socks and leave them on overnight. Wash your feet in the morning.
. Honey :- is a natural antiseptic that helps heal cracked feet . mix 1 cup of honey in half a bucket of warm water. Soak your feet for about 15-20 minutes in the water- honey mixture. Srcub off gently.
. Sesame oil :- Sesame oil has nourishing , moisturizing and skin barrier repairing properties. This helps soften and soothe dry and cracked feet. Take 4-5 drops of sesame oil apply sesame oil to your heels and any other cracked parts. Massage well until it is absorbed by the skin.
. Coconut oil :- coconut oil is moisturizes dry skin and also helps get rid of dead skin cells. Apply coconut oil on your feet.
. Eposm salt :- eposm salt soften skin and also soothes tired feet. Fill the foot basin with water and mix 1/2 cup ofeposm salt in.soak your cracked feet in this for 15 minutes. Scrub to remove dead skin.
. Aloe vera :- aloe vera soothes dry and dead skin . it heals the ridges and cracks Dry and apply aloe vera gel on your feet.
YOGA THERAPY IN CRACKED HEELS
Postures include:-
Paschimottanasana
Trikonasana
DIET MANAGEMENT
Pathya (Do's):
1. Milk , tender coconut and its pulp , fruits and vegetables , sufficient amount of water .
2. Clean your feet and gently dry. Apply Moisturiser and foot-balm to maintain softness of the skin. Coconut oil , olive oil ,glycerine are useful to prevent heel cracks.
Apathya (Don'ts)
2. Coffee and cigarette smoking have a direct over foot crack.
3. Scalding hot water dries the skin more.
4. Don't walk around barefoot .
