Date Published: September 2026
Date Last Reviewed or Updated: September 2026
Written by Alison Pettican BSc, HCPC Registered Podiatrist
If you have diabetes and have noticed deep cracks around your heels, it is understandable to feel worried.
Perhaps you've heard that people with diabetes are at greater risk of foot infections. You may even be wondering whether something that looks as simple as cracked skin could eventually lead to an ulcer, infection or amputation.
The important message is that having cracked heels does not mean you are going to lose your foot.
However, if you have diabetes, cracked or broken skin on your feet should not simply be ignored.
Diabetes can affect sensation, circulation and healing in some people. A crack that breaks through the skin can therefore provide an opportunity for infection to develop, particularly if it goes unnoticed or does not heal.
The best response isn't panic, it's to check, protect and act appropriately.
Why does being diabetic make cracked heels more important?
Cracked heels are common, including in people who do not have diabetes. The skin around the heel can become dry and less supple. Hard skin can build up around the edge of the heel, and pressure through the area can cause that skin to split.
Some cracks are very superficial while others can extend more deeply into the skin.
The reason we pay particular attention to this in someone with diabetes is that diabetes can affect the feet in several ways.
You may not feel damage as easily
Diabetes can sometimes damage the nerves supplying the feet. This is called peripheral neuropathy.
Neuropathy can reduce sensation, which means a cut, crack, blister or area of rubbing might not feel as painful as you would expect.
That makes looking at your feet particularly important. Pain isn't always a reliable warning sign.
Circulation can be affected
Diabetes can also be associated with reduced blood flow to the feet.
Good circulation plays an important part in healing. If circulation is reduced, damaged skin may take longer to repair.
Broken skin can allow infection to develop
Your skin provides an important protective barrier. When a heel crack becomes deep enough to break that barrier, bacteria can potentially enter the tissues underneath.
This doesn't mean every heel crack will become infected. Most importantly, it means broken skin deserves attention rather than being left and hoped for the best.
I'm frightened I'll lose my foot. How worried should I be?
This is often the concern sitting behind the question, so it is worth addressing directly.
Serious diabetic foot problems usually involve a much more complex chain of events, and good preventative foot care, regular checking and prompt treatment when something changes all play an important part in reducing risk. What we don't want is for fear to make you afraid to look at your feet or reluctant to ask us for help.
We would much rather someone contact us about a change that turns out to be straightforward than sit at home worrying while a genuine problem gets worse.
Think of a crack as something that deserves your attention — not something that should automatically make you fear the worst.
What should I do if I notice a cracked heel?
Have a good look at both feet. If necessary, use a mirror or ask somebody you trust to help, particularly if you find it difficult to see underneath or around your heels.
1. Check whether the skin is actually broken
Look closely at the crack.
Is it a shallow line within dry, hard skin, or has the skin split open?
Also look for:
- bleeding
- fluid or discharge
- redness
- swelling
- unusual warmth
- a change in colour
- increasing pain
- an unpleasant smell
- a blister or wound nearby.
Remember that if you have reduced sensation, a significant problem may not necessarily be painful.
2. Moisturise dry skin regularly
If the skin is dry but not open or infected, regular use of an appropriate moisturising cream can help keep it supple.
Diabetes UK advises using an emollient — a moisturising treatment applied directly to the skin — every day and notes that a urea-based product may be suitable. Avoid putting moisturiser between your toes, where excess moisture can create other skin problems.
If you are unsure which product is suitable for your feet, ask your podiatrist or diabetes healthcare team.
3. Don't attack the hard skin yourself
It can be tempting to take a blade, corn remover or other sharp implement to thick skin around a cracked heel. Please don't.
Likewise, avoid acid-based corn-removing products as these can damage the healthy skin surrounding the cracks and make the situation worse rather than better.
4. Check your footwear
Look at what is happening inside your shoes.
Are they rubbing around the heel?
Is there a rough seam?
Is something inside the shoe causing pressure?
Are your shoes too loose or too tight?
Avoid wearing flip flops or open heeled shoes as this can aggravate cracks due to the friction of increased movement.
Check inside your footwear before putting it on. Small stones or damaged linings can cause skin damage, particularly when sensation is reduced.
Avoid walking barefoot, even around the house.
What if the crack has opened?
This is where we'd encourage greater caution.
Keep the area clean and protect broken skin with an appropriate sterile, dry dressing, available from your local pharmacy. Some plasters can trap moisture beneath their surface, it is preferable to keep the area protected and dry.
The NHS specifically advises people with diabetes to seek medical advice for blisters or cracked skin on their feet. The aim is to have the area assessed before a relatively small problem has an opportunity to become a larger one.
When should I seek professional advice?
If you have diabetes, we'd rather you ask about a foot problem early than wait until you're certain something is wrong.
Contact a healthcare professional promptly if the heel crack has become an open wound, is bleeding, isn't healing, or you notice redness, warmth, swelling, discharge or another significant change.
You should also seek advice if:
- you've previously had a diabetic foot ulcer
- you've been told you have reduced sensation
- you've been told the circulation to your feet is reduced
- you're finding it difficult to examine your own feet
- the cracking keeps returning despite regular skin care
- you're simply unsure whether what you're seeing is something to worry about.
Depending on the problem and your individual level of risk, the right person may be your podiatrist, GP, diabetes team or NHS diabetic foot service.
If there are signs of a potentially serious or rapidly worsening diabetic foot problem, urgent NHS assessment may be needed rather than waiting for a routine podiatry appointment.
The most important thing to remember
If you have diabetes and discover cracked heels, don't panic — but don't ignore them either.
Most importantly, get into the habit of looking at your feet every day.
Keep intact dry skin moisturised, wear well-fitting footwear and avoid trying to cut away hard skin yourself.
If the skin has broken, isn't healing or you notice redness, heat, swelling, discharge or another concerning change, ask for professional advice promptly.
Knowing what to look for puts you in a much stronger position.
Good diabetic foot care isn't about living in fear of what might happen. It's about noticing changes early, protecting your skin and knowing when to ask for help.
Still worried?
If you'd like some further advice, get in touch with us at Fit Feet Podiatry Tonbridge for a chat or drop us an email.
We can then help you decide what your next step should be. Sometimes you may simply need some reassurance and advice about looking after your feet at home. At other times, we may recommend coming in so that we can assess your feet properly.
We'd much rather you ask us than sit at home worrying.
Author Biography
Alison Pettican BSc, HCPC Registered Podiatrist
Founder & Practice Owner, Fit Feet Podiatry Tonbridge
Alison founded Fit Feet Podiatry after more than 30 years of helping people overcome foot problems and stay active. She has a particular clinical interest in diabetic foot care, having worked in at-risk foot clinics both here in the UK and overseas. This has given Alison extensive experience and understanding of the diabetic foot.
Alison believes that good foot care begins with evidence-based advice, education and, importantly, listening to your individual concerns. Her approach combines clinical knowledge with practical, personalised advice to help people stay active, independent and confident.
Outside the clinic, Alison enjoys trail running, playing in a local big band, walking her spaniel and getting outdoors for a swim whenever she can.