Cracked heels, also known as fissures, can be a nuisance. They may lead to more-serious problems if left untreated. Treat them by giving your feet a little more attention.

Understanding the Context

Start with moisturizing them at least twice a day. Look for thick moisturizers (Eucerin, Cetaphil, others). Some moisturizers ... Diagnosis During the physical exam, a health care provider might press gently on the ribs, listen to your lungs and watch your rib cage move as you breathe.

Key Insights

One or more of the following imaging tests might help with the diagnosis: X-ray. Using low levels of radiation, X-rays allow the bones to be seen. But X-rays might not show a fresh break, especially if the bone is only cracked. X-rays also ... Tired of your usual salad?

Final Thoughts

Try this cracked wheat salad with fresh herbs, tomatoes and cucumbers. The skin at the tip of my thumbs is dry, cracked and painful. What can I do to heal this? It depends on what's causing your dry skin. For example, if you wash dishes frequently in hot water, wear gloves. Or if you often wash your hands with harsh, drying soaps, switch to a mild soap if possible and rinse well.

A broken rib is a common injury that occurs when one of the bones in the rib cage breaks or cracks. The most common causes are hard impacts from falls, car accidents or contact sports. Many broken ribs are simply cracked. Cracked ribs are painful.