How to Prevent Calluses on Feet

Suresh Sivacolundhublog

How to Prevent Calluses on Feet

A callus is the name given to a section of skin that has become thick and toughened as a result of friction, pressure, or irritation. They occur when the skin tries to protect an underlying area from friction at pressure points, becoming lumpy and even less sensitive to touch. While calluses aren’t dangerous, they can cause irritation.

A common occurrence on the feet, calluses typically form in the bony area just under the toes (which is where your weight is placed when walking). People who wear ill-fitting shoes, have overly sweaty feet, and stand for long periods each day are most at risk of developing calluses. But are there ways that they can be prevented? 

If you frequently develop calluses on your feet, contact the team at The Foot Clinic for personalised advice on how to treat them and prevent more from developing moving forward.

1. Check Your Shoe Size   

shoe size

Ensure that the shoes you wear fit correctly. Don’t wear shoes that are too large, as your foot will move around when you walk (causing friction and rubbing that can lead to calluses). Don’t want to wear shoes that are too tight, on the other hand, as this can lead to bunions. Keep in mind that your feet can grow and change as you age, so be sure to be sized regularly when buying shoes to ensure you’re getting the right size. 

2. Opt for Cushion/Control 

To protect your feet – especially if you have a lot of bony prominences, as this puts you at greater risk for developing pressure sores – it’s essential that there’s adequate insole padding within your shoes. Insole padding can also help older people who suffer from fat pad atrophy (or the gradual loss of the fat pad in the ball or heel of the foot). This can lead to bony prominences, which then cause rubbing and eventually calluses.

3. Think About Shoe Style 

Podiatrists recommend that youThink About Shoe Style steer clear of pointy-toe shoes, as they can rub against the interior of the toe area and lead to calluses. Open-toed shoes and thongs allow the feet to slide around, creating friction. This also exposes your feet to the open air, which can dry them out and lead to calluses.

Instead, you should purchase shoes with rounded or square toes, as they leave more room around the toe area and lessen the chances of rubbing. You don’t have to put the sandals aside entirely, just practice some good foot care at the end of the day or take a break from open-toes occasionally.

4. Don’t Forget Foot Care 

General foot care can go a long way to preventing the development of calluses in the first place. Moisturising your feet regularly will prevent the thickening of roughened skin, as well as regularly exfoliating with a pumice stone. Any creams that you use on your feet should contain at least 15 to 20% urea (which is an organic crystalline compound that gently exfoliates the skin, as well as hydrates it).

For a serious case of calluses, soak your feet in a solution of warm water, epsom salt, vinegar, and hydrating oil (such as coconut or avocado).

5. Wear Socks Regularly 

Did you know that wearing the rightWear Socks Regularly  socks can also help to prevent calluses from forming? If you already have a callus, you should wear socks that have extra padding in the heel and ball of the foot (both of which are high-pressure points) to prevent further rubbing. Even if you don’t have calluses, socks can help to absorb some of the pounding that our feet suffer. Opt for cotton, as this is a breathable material.

6. Alter Your Routine

If your regular routine makes it seem as if calluses are inevitable – perhaps you need to walk too much at your job or you have to make repetitive foot motions – special attention may be required. We highly recommend making an appointment with a podiatrist to see if there are any special footwear, socks, inserts, or even lotions that could aid your situation. These can help to keep your feet hydrated, avoiding conditions that allow calluses to develop.

Treat Discomfort Caused by Calluses with The Foot Clinic 

If, despite following our tips, you have managed to develop calluses, the good news is that they’re treatable. In fact, the majority of calluses will actually be resolved by spending time off your feet and allowing the skin to heal. To further reduce the appearance of calluses, you can soak your feet in a warm Epsom salt bath for ten minutes, add moleskin patches to prevent rubbing against shoes and socks, or use a cushioned insole to remove pressure from problem areas.

If you continually develop calluses in the same spot and they become quite uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to visit one of the experienced podiatrists at The Foot Clinic to rule out any other foot problems that may be at play. 

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