cracked heels: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Everyday, Medical (Podiatry/Dermatology)
Quick answer
What does “cracked heels” mean?
A medical condition of the feet where the skin on the heels becomes dry, thickened and splits, forming visible fissures.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medical condition of the feet where the skin on the heels becomes dry, thickened and splits, forming visible fissures.
Can metaphorically refer to something flawed, weak, or broken at its foundation, though this usage is rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is identical. 'Heel fissures' is a more technical synonym used equally in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral medical/health condition in both. No significant connotative difference.
Frequency
Slightly more common in everyday UK English ('cracked heels') versus 'heel fissures' in US clinical contexts, but both terms are fully understood.
Grammar
How to Use “cracked heels” in a Sentence
have cracked heelsget cracked heelscracked heels from [cause e.g., dry air]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cracked heels” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- My heels have cracked from wearing open-backed shoes in this dry weather.
- The skin cracks easily if you don't moisturise.
American English
- My heels cracked after walking barefoot on the hot deck all summer.
- Constant friction can cause the skin to crack.
adverb
British English
- N/A. 'Cracked' is not typically used as an adverb in this phrase.
American English
- N/A. 'Cracked' is not typically used as an adverb in this phrase.
adjective
British English
- She bought a special cream for her cracked heels.
- Walking was painful due to the cracked heel skin.
American English
- He has a persistent problem with cracked heels.
- Look for lotions specifically formulated for cracked heel repair.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in marketing for foot care products.
Academic
Used in medical, nursing, and podiatry literature.
Everyday
Common in conversations about personal health, grooming, and discomfort.
Technical
Standard term in dermatology and podiatry, often alongside 'fissures'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cracked heels”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cracked heels”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cracked heels”
- Using singular 'cracked heel' when referring to the general condition (usually plural).
- Confusing with 'athlete's foot' (fungal infection).
- Misspelling as 'cracked heals'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Calluses are areas of thickened skin. Cracked heels are fissures (splits) in that thickened skin, often occurring because the callus has become too dry and inflexible.
Usually, they are a cosmetic or minor comfort issue. However, deep fissures can be painful, bleed, and become infected, posing a more significant risk for people with diabetes or poor circulation.
Regular moisturising with foot creams containing urea or salicylic acid, wearing supportive shoes, gently exfoliating thickened skin with a pumice stone, and staying hydrated.
It is a common, layperson's term that is perfectly understood in medical contexts. The more formal clinical terms are 'heel fissures' or 'plantar keratoderma with fissuring'.
A medical condition of the feet where the skin on the heels becomes dry, thickened and splits, forming visible fissures.
Cracked heels: in British English it is pronounced /krækt hiːlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /krækt hilz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. The metaphorical 'Achilles' heel' relates to weakness but not the physical condition.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CRACK in the pavement. Now imagine that crack is on the back of your HEEL. CRACKED HEELS are like dry, cracked earth on your feet.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEALTH IS INTEGRITY / DAMAGE IS BREAKING. Cracked heels represent a failure of the skin's protective barrier, conceptualised as a broken surface.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most precise technical synonym for 'cracked heels'?