Foot Calluses – What is a Foot Callus and How Can it Be Treated?
A foot callus can be best described as a thickening of the surface layer of the skin. This is usually in response to some form of pressure being applied on the foot. Here are some causes of foot calluses and effective treatment options.
Causes of Foot Calluses
It can be caused from wearing shoes that are too tight, too short or even too big and sloppy. Going barefoot a lot can even cause them. Anything that causes rubbing, pressure or pinching of the skin on your foot can subsequently result in a callus. Calluses are in fact a very common malady with approximately 14 percent of adults getting calluses annually.
Symptoms of Foot Calluses
Calluses are thickened, raised layers of hard, tough, yellow-reddish brown dead skin, oval or elongated in shape, that form on your foot, heel, side of your big toe, or even the tips of your toes as a defence against repeated friction and pressure from rubbing against your shoes or seams in your socks. They can become extremely painful if allowed to grow very thick.
Treatment for Foot Calluses
The only way to permanently remove a callous is to remove the cause. Hence, unless you are totally sedentary and bedridden, you are likely to have one or more callous on your feet. Calluses do return and return no matter how often you scrape them off. In fact they provide a profitable line of repeat business for pedicurists!
One practical tip is to use a foot file with medium grit sand paper on one side and fine grit on the other, to file down the dead skin on heels and balls of the feet. ((you could substitute a pumice stone for the foot file if preferred)
Look in the better drug stores for a tool called a corn and calluses trimmer, which is specially made for removing thick calluses. As ever use such a tool with caution and seek professional assistance if unsure.
It is recommended that this filing of dead skin is undertaken at least three times a week – preferably having been standing in the shower after the skin has softened a bit. This procedure could also be performed whiles sitting on the edge of the bathtub after soaking your feet for a few minutes in ankle high water. Try adding a cup of baking soda or vinegar to the tub and your feet will be even softer. Then dry your feet with a rough towelling and apply thick moisturizer.
Foot Calluses can cause discomfort and distress but much can be done to prevent and treat them. For more essential advice, information and resources regarding foot problems and the management of sore feet check out http://www.sorefeetsolved.com.
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