Calluses are a somewhat unsightly fact of life. We all have them, and they can often tell us a lot about the way we move depending on the size and position of them. As we have an in-house podiatrist here at Morley chiropractic Clinic we have seen our fair share of callused feet.
But, what exactly are they, why do they appear, and do we actually need them?
Let’s get the basics out of the way, what are calluses?
Calluses are a natural occurrence – they are simply a build up of dead skin on areas of the body which are often put under pressure or receive a lot of friction. We can develop them anywhere on our bodies – runners develop extensive calluses on their feet, weightlifters on their hands and we have heard of yoga practitioners who spend a lot of time doing headstands getting them on their heads. Your body builds these calluses as a way to protect from future damage – the calluses act as a small layer of armour.
Do we need them?
This entirely depends on your personal circumstances. If you do not undertake much, or intensive exercise then you may well be able to get away with keeping your calluses filed down and in check. However, if you do sport then they develop for a reason. For runners they can offer vital protection when clocking long miles. For weightlifters they can protect the hands from the knurling on the bar. However, as pronounced calluses can tear off easier, gymnasts keep theirs in constant check. As with most things in life, it is about balance. Calluses can be vital in protecting your feet if you are a runner – but if they are too big then they can separate from the skin underneath, causing a deep blister. They can also dry out and crack if not cared for properly – these cracks can run deep and be susceptible to infection.
Can You Chop Them Off?
After reading the above you may realise that some form of management is probably useful. Calluses that aren’t severe can usually be managed by simply using a pumice stone (quick tip – calluses are much softer after a bath or shower). However, if you are regularly experiencing problems with them, whether this be cracks, blisters or simply pain, then it is probably worth having a podiatrist look at them. A podiatrist will be able to determine the best areas to remove skin, and how much, in order to restore natural movement.
If your feet are causing you trouble, and you are suffering from blisters, cracks, corns, pain or any other issues then don’t hesitate to get in contact with Morley Chiropractic Clinic. Our experienced podiatrists have years of experience in treating foot related issues. To book an appointment call us now on 0113 2383693 or contact us here.
