A Novel Prevention and Treatment Technique for Heel Fissures in Outdoor Enthusiasts

Purpose: The purpose of this presentation is to (1) describe the etiology and prevalence of non-diabetic heel fissures;  (2) describe the impact of non-diabetic heel fissures on fitness related activity participation; and (3) describe an affordable and novel technique that can be used both preventatively and as a treatment for heel fissures. 

Significance: Heel fissures, cracks in the epidermis, are estimated to effect 20% of the U.S. population.1   Friction foot injuries are one of the most common injuries in hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.2 Hyperkeratosis of the plantar stratum corneum often occurs on the outer border of the heel due to mechanical stress and can also be influenced by underlying pathologies including anhidrosis.2,3   When heel fissures begin to crack into the dermis they become painful and increase the risk of infection.3 Participation in fitness-related activities including hiking  has been shown to decline by approximately 50% with declines in self described foot health.1  

Current evidence based treatment recommendations include the use of: 1) emollient creams; 2) foot soaks followed by debridement; 3) keratolytic agents and 4) approximation of wound edges with cyanoacrylate adhesives in infection free wounds.3,4  While skin adhesive glues are recommended  for treatment they do not have a preventative effect. A product that is effective for both treatment and prevention offers active clients an economical dual-purpose on-the-go solution.

Solution: Hikers often use a high strength rigid strapping tape with a very strong zinc oxide adhesive* to prevent blisters and fissures as well as treat orthopedic foot ailments.  This tape is economical (approximately $10 per roll), breathable and waterproof. When used on heel borders this tape can both prevent mechanical stresses and fissure formation as well as approximate wound edges in existing fissures to allow continued participation in chosen activities.