If you have dry, cracked heels, you are familiar with the pain and discomfort that is associated with them. Over a period of time, the heels may get infected, resulting in serious pain. Luckily, there are a few different ways that foot doctors can provide treatment for dry and cracked heels, regardless of the cause. Keep reading to learn a handful of these non-surgical treatment options.

Remain Hydrated

Dehydration is among the most common reasons dry heels occur. The reason for this is because it manifests in the skin. So, make sure that you are consuming at least eight glasses of water each day to ensure your body is receiving sufficient fluid to remain hydrated.

Avoid Soaking in Hot Water

You may enjoy relaxing in hot baths and showers, but the truth of the matter is that spending too much time in hot water can cause your skin to dry out, particularly your feet. So, while you don't have to give up hot baths and showers completely, you should keep them to a minimum or opt for lukewarm baths and showers.

Moisturize Often

Similar to the way that you moisturize your face and/or body, you should make sure that you moisturize your heels every day. Make sure that you opt for a thick lotion like shea butter to help ensure that your heels absorb an adequate amount of moisture. For optimal results, lather up your heels and place them in a pair of socks to "soak" overnight.

Wear Closed-Toe Shoes

If at all possible, you will want to avoid wearing shoes that have open backs or flip flops because these types of shoes can rub against your feet and cause the formation of calluses. With closed-toe shoes, you will receive more heel support and your feet will be protected from various exterior elements.

Gently Scrub Calluses Away

If you have not had experience scrubbing away dead skin or calluses on your heels, you should speak with your foot doctor about what type of tool you should use. You will likely want to use a gentle file or pumice stone, as either of these can scrub away the excess skin while preventing thick calluses from developing on the heels.

If you are dealing with dry, cracked heels and/or the associated heel pain, you should schedule an appointment with a local foot doctor who can diagnose your pain and help you formulate a course of action in terms of treatment.