Calluses are a natural protective reaction of the body to pressure and friction, especially on the feet. While a certain amount of callus is harmless and even protective, excessive callus can become painful and lead to significant discomfort. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of painful calluses, how to treat them, and what preventive measures can be taken.
Causes of painful calluses
- Pressure and friction: Tight or poorly fitting shoes exert pressure on certain areas of the foot. These areas respond by forming more callus.
- Overweight: Additional weight increases pressure on the feet, which can lead to more callus formation.
- Foot misalignments: Foot misalignments such as flat feet or a hallux valgus (bunion) can cause certain areas of the foot to bear more weight.
- Activities: Sports that require intensive footwork, such as running or dancing, can also lead to the formation of painful calluses.
Treatment of painful calluses
There are various methods to treat painful calluses:
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Soften and exfoliate:
- Foot baths: A warm foot bath with salts or special additives softens the callus. About 20-minute baths are recommended.
- Exfoliation: After the foot bath, a gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells. A pumice stone or a special callus file are useful tools for this.
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Moisturizing care:
- Creams and lotions: Foot creams containing urea (urea) are particularly effective. They help keep the skin soft and supple.
- Mechanical removal: Rasping and planing are not recommended as they stimulate new callus formation and can injure the skin.
- Lopalmed solution: The Lopalmed Hand and Foot Care Box offers a gentle method of callus removal. By simply softening with Lopalmed products and gently scraping, calluses can be effectively and safely removed.
Prevention of painful calluses
- Suitable shoes: Make sure your shoes fit well and provide enough space for your toes. Avoid wearing the same shoes every day.
- Insoles and cushions: Special insoles or cushions can help reduce pressure on specific areas of the foot.
- Regular care: A regular foot care routine consisting of washing, drying, and moisturizing can help keep the skin supple and reduce callus formation.
- Weight control: Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces pressure on the feet and thus the risk of callus formation.
Conclusion
Painful calluses are a common problem that can be well treated and prevented with the right measures. Ensure well-fitting shoes, take regular care of your feet, and use gentle products like those from Lopalmed if necessary. This way, you can maintain pain-free and healthy feet.
Do you have tips for caring for calluses or questions on this topic? Share your experiences in the comments!