Heal your cracked feet- The Ayurvedic way

Heal your cracked feet - The Ayurvedic way!

 

Cracked heels are one of the most common and neglected condition in many people. It is characterised by minor to several cracks on the foot, particularly on the heels due to many reasons that can be subjective or objective like obesity, lack of water intake, vitamin deficiency, poor foot hygiene, standing too long etc.

In Ayurveda this condition known as Padadari and comes under Kshudra Roga category and is mainly caused due to the vitiation of vata dosha described in Sushruta Samhita. Characterised by dry skin, roughness and hardness around the rim of the heel, it is unsightly to look at but is most commonly a harmless condition. However if neglected especially in diabetic patients, complications can occur, so proper care should be taken at the proper time.

The treatment involves both local and systemic, appropriate diet and life style changes. Cracked heels are caused due to vitiation of Vata dosha so the treatment involves mainly pacifying it, by Snehana, Swedana, Lepana and kledana. As more pressure is placed on the heel of cracked feet and left untreated these cracks become deeper over time and leads to pain especially while walking.

Most importantly keeping your feet clean is crucial. Soak your feet for about 10 mins in hot water and gently rub your heels with a foot scrubber. This helps to remove dead skin, then pat dry and apply healing ointment. Application of ointment twice a day daily, helps to heal the feet quickly. After it’s healed, apply moisturizer daily to avoid dry skin. Tending to the root cause of the problem is also very important.

Padabhyanga, explained by Ayurveda is connected to the general well-being and is given a lot of importance. Pada means foot, Abhyanga means massage using medicated oils. It removes roughness, stiffness, dryness, tiredness and numbness of the feet, it strengthens the joints, is good for the eyes and mainly controls and balances the vata dosha in the body.

A few Ayurvedic creams that help in healing the cracks are:

• Sucharana Heel cream: it helps healing the cracks in the heel and is highly effective in healing and maintaining moisture in the skin.
• Fissurex cream (Sagar Pharma) Healing touch for cracked feet, it softens the heel and protects the skin from further damage and heals the cracks effectively.
• Kusumolin ointment: This ointment is good for dry, cracked and irritated skin. It helps to enhance the natural healing process and results in smooth, healthy skin.

Ayurveda focuses on the root cause of the issue and treats the entire health system in addition to the ailment. If your heels are severely cracked or don't improve after all these remedies, then it’s always wise to consult a doctor. You can discuss your health condition with the doctors available at @brahmionline and buy ayurvedic products online.

For more details you can call us / WhatsApp at +918660501245.

Dr. Mallika B S BAMS

Consulting Physician

Brahmionline