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Plantar fissures : symptoms and treatments

Updated on 19 June 2024

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Plantar fissures appear mainly on the heel and forefoot.

They occur as a result of pressure on the soles of the feet. 

Thus, it is not altogether wrong to associate plantar fissures with other dermatological foot problems like corns and calluses

Nevertheless, plantar fissures can be distinguished from these dermatoses, particularly by the locations where they appear.

Untreated fissures can sometimes result in uncomfortable complications. 

It is therefore advantageous to be able to identify them in order to avoid unnecessary inconveniences.

Here are some of the characteristics of plantar fissures.

Early warning signs

The result of friction or inadequate pressure on the sole of the foot, plantar fissures progress through different stages before becoming a real problem.

The following indications are warning signs that plantar fissures may appear:

  • A corn builds up in the heel area and occasionally under the forefoot.
  • The affected area has a whitish appearance.
  • Dead skin and flaky areas spread.
  • Plantar skin is rougher and drier than usual.
  • Heel blisters frequently return.

Eventually, if left untreated, these unpleasant symptoms lead to more serious lesions like plantar fissures.

The following signs can be distinguished: 

  • Loss of elasticity of the skin membrane under the foot
  • Formation of cracks in the heels and forefoot area
  • Development of foot pain that worsens while walking
  • Lesions that are sometimes deep and can start to bleed

An open wound like a plantar fissure greatly increases the chance of developing an infection.

That is why a serious foot injury should never be taken lightly.

Possible complications

Of course, plantar fissures are not synonymous with danger. 

However, under certain conditions, negligence can open the door to bacteria and infections, which only require a skin lesion to begin infiltrating. 

This may include:

It is important to consult a podiatrist or medical professional as soon as the symptoms become a concern.

This is especially necessary if you have a condition that may further complicate remission.

Causes and aggravating factors

Caused by an overproduction of keratin, the appearance of plantar fissures can be accentuated by a multitude of factors.

These factors can be related to both the environment and the patient’s lifestyle.

Generally, the conditions that promote the development of plantar fissures include:

If you suspect that a biomechanical or morphological factor is responsible for your plantar fissures, your podiatrist is a valuable resource that you should consider.They have a wide range of tools at their disposal to diagnose the cause of the problem.

Prevention

Since the majority of the causes of plantar fissures are related to lifestyle, it is easy to take precautionary measures.

The following measures may help to mitigate the appearance of plantar fissures: 

  • Regularly examine the soles of your feet, especially if you have diabetes.
  • Clean feet daily with a mild soap.
  • Moisturize the skin of your feet after washing and before going to bed with a replenishing cream.
  • Avoid walking too often without shoes.
  • Wear shoes adapted to the morphology of your feet.
  • Use open sandals or stiletto heels in moderation.
  • Purchase heel dressings that contain a moisturizing agent.

It may be tempting to buff the base of the foot to get rid of dead skin or calluses.

However, this measure should be carefully considered, as it is likely to trigger or spread infection.

In this case, a slight exfoliation should be sufficient, as long as it is performed on a healthy foot.

Medical treatments

In the event of more severe damage to the heel and forefoot, a consultation in a podiatry clinic is a good option to consider.

Once a diagnosis of plantar fissures has been made, the podiatrist will recommend treatments such as:

Since it is possible that the lesions may be due to a structural defect, the podiatrist sometimes performs additional tests such as a biomechanical examination or postural imagery of the foot.

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