Keeping Feet Healthy

You may wonder how your once-healthy feet suddenly became so dry and rough that the heels have developed canyon-like cracks and calluses so thick you swear you could probably walk on broken glass safely.   There are things that can be done at home to remedy the current callus situation and to keep future problems at bay.  Here are some tips to treat and prevent foot calluses and dry, cracked heels: 

  • Reduce Calluses Safely: Anyone who’s had really tough skin on their feet knows that things like pumice stones and scrubs don’t really have much of an impact. But I don’t recommend turning to tools that utilize cutting instruments like razor blades at home. Instead, try Microplane® Foot Files, which utilize tiny, bi-directional files – made from a patented photo-etching process – to remove dry skin and tough calluses on the feet gently, effectively and, most importantly, safely. 
  • Soft and Sweet: The key to sweeter feet? Liberal application of skin-softening lotion. To eliminate dry feet and calluses, it’s important to keep your feet moisturized once you’ve gotten rid of that thicker, dead skin.  Apply a thick lotion to your feet a few minutes after filing away excess skin and after showering because these are the times when the skin is most receptive to moisturizing.  Also apply moisturizing cream to feet before bedtime, then covering with cotton socks to keep it on the skin.  The Microplane® Essentials Gift Set includes the Microplane® Foot File with a jar of Microplane® Dreamsicle Foot Cream and a pair of comfortable spa socks. 
  • Go for Fit, Not Flair:  One of the most common causes of calluses is pressure on the foot from ill-fitting shoes, particularly in women. Wearing shoes and sneakers that are too small, too narrow or have a very high heel pushes the toes together causing them to rub against one another or the shoe, creating calluses. Wearing backless shoes, like flip-flops or sling backs, that don’t offer heel support allows the heel to spread and flatten, creating dry, cracked skin and fissures. For the sake of your feet, it’s important to make the fit and support of the shoe a priority, no matter how great it might look. For occasional wear for a special event, it is understandable, but the shoes we wear regularly must be comfortable and feet-friendly.
  • Choose the Correct Athletic Footwear: Everyone thinks that sneakers will be automatically comfortable because they are, well, sneakers, but even they need to be fitted properly. Instead of buying sneakers off the rack, go to a retailer who will spend some time to assess your needs, size and fit.  For instance, some running shoe stores will actually have you run on the treadmill to see where your foot and ankle “trouble spots” are to make sure you get the right shoe.
  • Shed Pounds of Pressure: Makes sense…the less you weigh, the less pressure on the feet.  It is just a matter of gravity.  Keep in mind that every time you take a step, you put the pressure of more than double your body weight on that foot, so the more you weigh, the higher the pressure.  Shedding even 10 pounds can make a difference in lessening foot problems.
  • Use Padding: Wearing protective cushions within your shoes can hold your foot and toes in a more comfortable position to prevent rubbing and absorb some of the pressure.