SR Therapies

Insoles

Insoles are probably the most effective way to treat many foot disorders. Until recently there were few choices for insoles. Now, some stores carry ten to fifteen different types. Shoe padding products include moleskin, gel cushions, heel cups. arch pads and metatarsal pads (rounded pads designed to protect the forefoot). Insoles can be made from foam, plastic, gel, or fabric.

The selection can actually be quite overwhelming.Insoles are probably the most effective way to treat many foot disorders. Until recently there were few choices for insoles. Now, some stores carry ten to fifteen different types. Shoe padding products include moleskin, gel cushions, heel cups. arch pads and metatarsal pads (rounded pads designed to protect the forefoot).

Insoles can be made from foam, plastic, gel, or fabric. The selection can actually be quite overwhelming.Insoles are most effective for treating and preventing calluses on the bottoms of feet because they can be modified to relieve pressure and they can be moved from one pair of shoes to another.

Buy padding or insoles that are durable and dense. Do the "pinch test": If you can easily compress the padding or insole between your thumb and forefinger, there is no way that it can hold up  to the impact of daily walking, and you should choose another product. As a generasl rule, avoid thick foam or thin gel pads and insoles.

Shoe changes for toe calluses

Shoe changes for toe callusesCalluses on the tops of the toes are most often caused by hammertoes. The bent toe takes up more room in the shoe and rubs against the inside of the shoe's toe box. Often, the small toe is squeezed by shoes that are too narrow or too pointed. This is especially true for women, as women's fashionable shoes often are more narrow and pointed than men's.If you have painful hammertoes with calluses,try changing to shoes that have additional depth or a more rounded shape to give your toes more room.

Shoe changes for toe calluses

Shoe changes for toe callusesCalluses on the tops of the toes are most often caused by hammertoes. The bent toe takes up more room in the shoe and rubs against the inside of the shoe's toe box. Often, the small toe is squeezed by shoes that are too narrow or too pointed. This is especially true for women, as women's fashionable shoes often are more narrow and pointed than men's.If you have painful hammertoes with calluses, try changing to shoes that have additional depth or a more rounded shape to give your toes more room. A hammertoe splint can also reduce the contracting of the toe that contributes to the callus. In severe cases that do not respond to shoe changes, splints or other types of self-care, it may be necessary to correct hammertoes surgically.

A hammertoe splint can also reduce the contracting of the toe that contributes to the callus. In severe cases that do not respond to shoe changes, splints or other types of self- care, it may be necessary to correct hammertoes surgically.

Reduce the thickness

After addressing the cause of a callus, the next step is to do some basic skin care. A pumice stone, emery board, od similar sanding device can be used to gently remove some of the thick, dry layers of a callus.Often, it is helpful to use an exfoliating cream or lotion in addition to pumicing.

The skin is softest just after a beth or shower, so this is the ideal time to use the pumice stone. By lightly rubbing the pumice stone over the callus for one to two minutes after bathing over the course of several days, the callus can be gradually reduced. This is a much safer way of removing skin than using razor blades or callus knives. Keep in mind, however that the callus has a protective function. 

Removing too much dry skin may cause a sore to develop because the skin no longer has the thicker, firmer skin of the callus to protect it from pressure or friction. This is why it is always important to remove the source of the pressure or friction before doing any other kind of treatment.

Soften and Lubricate

After pumicing a callus, apply an exfoliating cream or lotion. The exfoliating ingredient will further reduce the callus and soften the remaining skin so that the next pumice treatment will be more effective.The most effective over-the-counter-exfoliating lotions contain salicylic, uric, or lactic acids.

These gentle acids work by dissolving the hard, dry layers of the callus. Emollents in these creams and lotions moisturize the callus and the skin around it. For more stubborn calluses and or dry skin, there are prescription-strength exfoliating lotions.

A word of caution: Exfoliating lotions-both over the counter and prescription-do have side effects.

These include redness, burning, and sun sensitivity. Use exfoliating lotions only as directed. Skin that is not dry or callused is especially irritated by the acids in these lotions. skin irritation usually resolves once you stop applying the lotion, but if side effects persist, consult a doctor. Once the callus is satisfactorily treated, periodic treatments may be necessary to control the callus.

Reference: Great Feet For Life; Paul Langer, DPM