What are Corns and Calluses: Prevention and Treatment

April 6, 2023

Corns and calluses on the surface of your feet can be a warning to pay better attention to your foot health. Specialists discuss corns and calluses simultaneously because both conditions are caused by your body protecting your feet from friction or pressure. Likewise, the same treatment and prevention methods help both pesky skin problems.

Today’s blog will discuss the preventative measures you can take to ward off calluses and corns and the treatments a chiropodist can perform.

Corns vs. Calluses

The causes of calluses and corns are similar, but it’s important to note a few key points.

The term “corn” derives from their appearance as round, hardened skin resembling a piece of corn. Calluses encompass a large, rough and thick area of the foot.
Corns usually appear on the top or side of the toe. Calluses can spring up anywhere on the foot that bears weight, like the heel, big toe, ball of the foot and side of the foot.
Both conditions are not usually painful but may feel tender if you continuously walk on them. Corns may feel slightly more painful since they’re a more concentrated area.

To read more about calluses and how they form, click here.

To read more about corns and how they form, click here.

How to Prevent Corns and Calluses

Prevention of calluses and corns starts with the footwear you choose. Shoes with too much or too little overall room can be a risk factor: When shoes fit loosely, the foot slides forward excessively, creating friction and leading to corn and callus development. When shoes are too tight, consistent pressure will lead to the same result as loose-fitting shoes. That’s why it’s essential to look for shoes that properly fit your feet and leave enough room in the toe box (especially important for corns).

Sometimes, biomechanical issues can make a person especially vulnerable to corns and calluses. In these cases, custom orthotics may be helpful as they correct any biomechanical abnormalities that can be causing excess friction and pressure on parts of the foot. Further, they add an extra layer of defence between your foot and friction via the arch support they provide. Orthotics also help manage hammertoes, a pre-existing risk factor for corns.

Treatment Options for Corns and Calluses

In general, non-painful calluses and corns can go away independently with footwear modifications. But there are occasions when chiropody and podiatry services must enter the picture. For instance, if you notice inflammation, redness and intense pain in the affected area, you should seek treatment. It is extremely important to never attempt to remove a callus or corn from home!

Furthermore, those with diabetes should ensure a chiropodist regularly tends to their corns and calluses because diabetes prevents them from healing properly. In addition, diabetic neuropathy can prevent the patient from noticing if corns and calluses are getting worse and entering ulcer territory.

Chiropodists can remove thick calluses during a medical pedicure. This is also a preventative treatment as the entire treatment process strengthens the skin’s protective barrier. Chiropodists can also shave down corns and calluses with sterilized tools before applying the right creams or ointments to ensure skin repair. In addition, they can recommend medical-grade products like corn foot pads and foot devices to reduce friction.

Feet First Clinic Has Your Callus and Corn Solutions Under One Roof!

Don’t let corns and calluses affect your spring adventures! Come to Feet First clinic today for the insight or treatment you need!

Contact us at 416-769-FEET (3338) or use our online booking form to book an appointment!

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November 9, 2021

All About Corns

Do you have pain on the top of your foot accompanied by a small, hard lump? Or perhaps you notice the same feeling on or in between your toes, but the lump is softer? You think to yourself it could be a plantar wart or a foot callus, or perhaps a foot condition you never even heard of before. In fact, there is another condition that may be the culprit: foot corns. Corns are little nuisances that have some similarities to calluses and warts. They are generally caused by friction, pressure and your shoes rubbing against vulnerable areas of your feet. Corns are typically painful and, depending on the type, hard or rubbery. Let's learn as much as we can about corns, including what causes them, the different types of corns, and how to treat them! What Are Corns? A corn is an area of round and painful skin with a thick hardened centre (called the "core") and an inflamed surrounding area. They may feel hard, rubbery or soft, depending on the type. Their small, circular appearance and hardened feel resemble pieces of corn, hence the name. That said, the medical term for a foot corn is a heloma, or a "focal intractable plantar hyperkeratosis," according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Corns tend to affect areas of the foot with thinner skin, differing from many other foot conditions that affect the areas of the foot that bear the most weight. Since a corn is technically a callosity, many people may confuse one with a callus. What Is The Difference Between a Foot Corn And a Foot Callus? General knowledge about corns is always useful, especially if you suspect you have one. One thing to note is the main differences between a foot corn and the slightly similar foot callus. Mayo Clinic notes the following key differences between the two: Corns are smaller and have a defined hardened centre. Corns can be painful, while calluses generally are not. The shape of calluses can vary, and they are more "spread out." Corns are always a rounder shape. Types of Corns There are three types of corns: hard corns, soft corns and seed corns. Hard corns are - as you may have guessed - harder and thicker than the other types. Hard corns are generally what first comes to mind when we think of foot corns, and have the yellowish/beige colour you might expect from a corn. Hard corns form on the top or side of the toes, which are both areas with more bone pressure against the skin. A large area of thick skin usually surrounds a hard corn. Soft corns are more "squishy" than hard corns and have a whiteish/grey tint. These corns are commonly found between the toes and have a rubbery texture. According to HealthLink BC, soft corns may form when "sweat is trapped where the corn develops." Because they are softer, one may confuse a soft corn with a blister. However, they are very different: Blisters are filled with fluid, whereas soft corns are not. Lastly, there are seed corns. Seed corns are tiny and located on the bottom of the foot, often on the soles. It's important not to confuse a seed corn with a plantar wart. One way to tell the difference between a corn and a wart is by noting any size changes. Seed corns typically remain tiny, while plantar warts can become larger. Furthermore, plantar warts sometimes have black or brown dots inside them, or "wart seeds." What Causes Corns? Like calluses, the main offenders behind corns are friction and pressure. That is why they tend to develop in areas on the foot that are vulnerable to friction and pressure. Hard corns develop when friction and pressure damages the outer layer of the skin. The body tries to protect the area beneath the damaged skin by forming a hard surface. Numerous factors can contribute to the development of foot corns. These include: Wearing shoes that are ill-fitting and frequently rub against your feet. Examples include tight running shoes and high heels. Specifically, shoes that are too narrow can cause friction against areas that are more vulnerable to foot corns. This includes the top of your feet and the top and side of your toes. Wearing shoes without socks. This leads to excessive friction between your skin and your shoes. High-quality socks can protect your feet from excessive friction. Having a pre-existing foot condition that alters the normal alignment of the bones in your feet, such as hammertoes or bunions. Spending too much time barefoot. Your gait may contribute to corn development if you place excessive pressure on the edges of your feet when you walk. Playing sports without proper footwear. Wearing ill-fitting or non-protective socks. How Can You Prevent And Treat Corns? Luckily, foot corns are very easy to treat. Sometimes they may go away on their own, but if your corn is disruptive and causing you pain, a visit with a Toronto foot specialist should clear the problem right up. Chiropodists can safely remove corns by shaving them down with sterilized tools (do not try this at home!). A chiropodist can also ensure aftercare by applying moisturizer and ointment to the affected area. The treatment is painless and should provide immediate relief. Corns can come back, so follow-up treatments may sometimes be needed. To help prevent your corns from coming back - or prevent them altogether - we strongly recommend ditching shoes that are too narrow or constricting. In order to reduce friction, all your shoes should provide enough room in the toe box and accommodate your foot width. This will also help you recover faster from the corns you currently have. The knowledgeable staff at Feet First Clinic can help you find quality shoes that fit properly so your feet won't be plagued by corns - a service that sets Feet First Clinic apart from the rest! Be sure to check out our footwear product catalogue for ideas for your next pair of comfy shoes! Other treatment and prevention options include toe protection products, which pad the parts of your foot most vulnerable to corns. A good foot care regime will also go a long way towards preventing corns, as well as calluses and many other common foot conditions: Soaking your feet in warm water and using a foot file helps remove excess dead skin, while moisturizing daily helps strengthen the resiliency of the skin on your feet.

November 27, 2023

Do You Have Wide Feet? Simple At-Home Tests to Know Your Foot Type

If you've ever struggled to find comfortable shoes, you might have wondered about your foot type. Knowing your foot shape, particularly whether you have wide feet, can be a game-changer when choosing the proper footwear. The good news is there are ways to determine your foot type at home with simple tests. It's important to note that your foot type refers to the entire shape of your foot, including your arch size (i.e.: whether you have flat feet or high arches). However, today, we're going to focus on foot width and tests to help you identify whether you have wide feet. Understanding your foot width is the first step to ensuring a comfortable and supportive fit for your feet. While these tests are not the be-all-end-all for determining whether you have wide feet (after all, shoes sizes vary from brand-to-brand), they may provide useful information: Three simple at-home tests to know whether you have wide feet The wet foot test The wet foot test is a simple DIY test that involves just a pool of water and a piece of paper. To perform a wet foot test: Fill a shallow container, like a basin or a bucket, with water. Wet the soles of both of your feet. Step onto paper or cardboard, ensuring your weight is evenly distributed. Step off and examine the wet imprint your feet left behind. Based on the shape of the imprint, you can use the following guide to determine whether you have narrow, average, or wide feet. Wide feet: If the imprint shows a wide forefoot with minimal curvature on the sides, you likely have wide feet. The width between the ball of your foot and your heel is noticeably broad. Average or standard feet: If your footprint shows a slight curve inward at the arch area, your feet are considered to have an average width. Your foot imprint can also be measured to see the exact width of your foot. Use the wet foot test to measure the width of your foot at its two widest points. Bonus tip: Do both feet. If one is wider than the other—which is common—then account for the wider of your two feet. The shoe size test The shoe size test is even simpler than the wet paper test. All you need is a current pair of shoes. Check the width size on your shoe label. Width sizes are typically marked as narrow (N), average (M or D), wide (W), or extra-wide (XW or E). As a rough guideline, a regular foot width is less than half your size. For example, if you wear a size seven shoe, a regular foot width would be ~3.5 inches. For those who are a size seven and have wide feet, expect more like 3.75-4.25 inches. For more details, see our complete guide on determining whether you have wide feet. Note: Your shoe size and your foot size are not the same. Different companies use different sizing for their shoes, so don't assume you're the same size in all shoe brands. Comfort/fit test The third test is more of a trial and error, but it is definitely the most accurate. Try on a few different pairs of shoes to determine which shoes fit best. Reflect on your experience with shoe shopping. If you frequently find shoes too tight in the forefoot, causing discomfort and sometimes requiring you to size up, this suggests you have wide(r) feet. What are the benefits of knowing your foot type? Now that you know the tests, it's important to understand why knowing your foot type is helpful. The shape and width of your feet can vary significantly from person to person. Identifying your foot type provides the following benefits: Proper footwear. No one shoe fits all. Knowing your foot type allows you to hone in on choosing shoes with the best support and comfort. Prevent discomfort. Reduce the risk of common foot issues by wearing shoes that match your foot width. Proper footwear for your foot type can help prevent discomfort, blisters, and other problems. Enhance performance. Knowing your foot type can narrow your perfect sports footwear, improving your performance and reducing the risk of injuries. Reduce foot and toe pain. If you have pre-existing foot conditions or pain, such as bunions or plantar fasciitis, understanding your foot type - specifically whether you have flat feet, normal arches or high arches, can help you find shoes that alleviate discomfort. With wider feet, opt for a shoe with a wider toe box for added room. Brands such as APEX, ASICS, Saucony, Anodyne and Clarks are known to have wider footwear options.

November 20, 2023

Unraveling the Mysteries: Skin Peeling on Feet and Effective Remedies

Skin peeling on the feet is a common issue many individuals experience at some point. The sight of flaky, peeling skin on your feet can be unsightly and uncomfortable, often leaving you wondering, how can I stop this? Well, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we delve into why skin peels on your feet and provide practical solutions to keep your feet looking and feeling their best. Understanding the mysteries behind skin peeling on your feet is the first step towards finding the right solutions, whether due to dryness, friction, or more complex factors. Why does skin peel on your feet? Dry Skin One of the most frequent culprits behind skin peeling on the feet is dry skin. The skin on your feet is naturally predisposed to drying out, and environmental factors like cold weather, low humidity, and insufficient moisturization can exacerbate the issue. Improper Footwear Uncomfortable shoes or excessive walking can lead to constant rubbing or pressure, causing the skin to peel. Blisters, corns, and calluses are typical consequences of this friction. Fungal Infections Athlete's foot and other fungi can trigger peeling of the skin between the toes and on the soles. Fungal infections thrive in warm, damp environments, often found inside sweaty shoes, locker rooms, and shared showers. Eczema or Psoriasis Chronic skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis, target the feet, resulting in peeling, redness, and itching. Effective remedies for skin peeling on feet Hydration is Key Start by ensuring your body is well-hydrated. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining soft, supple skin. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated to stave off dry, peeling skin. In general, it's recommended to drink about nine cups of liquid per day. Drinking liquids throughout the day is especially important for older adults. Moisturize Regularly Apply a nourishing foot cream or lotion daily, paying extra attention to dry areas. Seek products containing ingredients like urea, shea butter, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid for deep hydration. Exfoliation To remove dead skin cells and encourage skin regeneration, gently exfoliate your feet. A pumice stone or foot scrub can help, but be careful not to overdo it to prevent further irritation. The gentler, the better when removing dead skin cells, or you risk going too deep. Additionally, you can supplement exfoliation with soaking your feet in warm water to soften the skin and alleviate discomfort. Enhance the experience by adding Epsom salt, essential oils or a foot soak like Gehwol Fusskraft Herbal Foot Bath. Proper Footwear Proper footwear can help prevent blisters and skin peeling caused by ill-fitting footwear. A proper shoe should: fit properly, provide ample support, and not cause excessive friction. Foot Powders & Antifungals If a fungal infection is the cause of your skin peeling, you should see your chiropodist. They can recommend products, like foot powders to absorb excessive moisture, prescribe antifungal ointments, and provide proper foot care. If you have a fungal infection, it's very important to adhere to the treatment regimen recommended by your health care professional; fungal infections can take a long time to clear up, so consistency is key. Good Foot Hygiene Keep your feet clean and dry, especially in between the toes. Fungi thrive in damp conditions, so thorough drying is essential after bathing. Good foot hygiene also means protecting your feet from the sun. Regularly apply sunscreen, even if your feet are not in the sun. Your feet will thank you. Medical Pedicures As part of a medical pedicures, a foot specialist will safely (and gently) debride and remove any dry, hardened or peeling skin. They will also apply an intense moisturizer with high-quality medical-strength moisturizing products. Moisturizing strengthens the skin, restores elasticity and can help ward off several skin conditions. Prescription Creams If eczema or psoriasis is responsible for your skin peeling, consult a doctor for prescription creams or ointments to help manage these conditions. As you've learned, skin peeling on your feet can result from various factors, but identifying the root cause is the first step toward effective treatment. By adopting these remedies and practices, you can address the issue of skin peeling, restore the health of your feet, and confidently step forward towards a more comfortable and beautiful stride.

November 16, 2023

Medical Pedicure: What It Is and Why You Might Need One

When it comes to self-care and pampering, we often focus on treating ourselves to facials, massages, or spa days while neglecting one of our body's hardest working and overlooked parts: our feet. Enter the world of medical pedicures, a rejuvenating and therapeutic experience that goes beyond the typical nail salon visit. In this blog post, we look at medical pedicures and uncover the many benefits they offer for the health of your feet. Whether seeking relief from foot-related ailments or well-deserved self-care, a medical pedicure might be the secret to the happy and healthy feet you've been waiting for. What's a medical pedicure? A medical pedicure, also known as a medi-pedi, is a specialized foot treatment performed by a trained medical professional, typically a podiatrist or chiropodist. Unlike a cosmetic pedicure you might receive at a spa or nail salon, a medical pedicure focuses on the medical aspects of foot care - there is no nail polish or foot soaking. It ususally involves the following: Examination and consultation. Before the procedure, a chiropodist assesses your feet, discusses any concerns or foot-related issues you may have, and creates a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Nail and callus care. A chiropodist trims and shapes your toenails, carefully avoiding ingrown toenails. They will also remove calluses and corns to relieve discomfort and prevent further complications. Hygiene. A medical pedicure places a strong emphasis on hygiene. The instruments used are sterilized (or disposable) to prevent the risk of infection. Skin and cuticle care. Your provider will moisturize and care for the skin on your feet, paying particular attention to dry or cracked areas. They will also address overgrown or problematic cuticles. Why should I get a medical pedicure? Only you can decide whether you need a medical pedicure, but we want to lay out the benefits to help you make an informed decision. There are several reasons why you may need one: Treatment of Specific Foot Conditions Medical pedicures are not just about pampering but about addressing specific foot conditions. Whether you're dealing with fungal infections, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, or thickened and discoloured nails, your healthcare specialist can offer treatments and recommendations for future care. Proper Nail Care While traditional pedicures focus primarily on nail aesthetics, medical pedicures focus on nail health. Sure, they will properly trim and file your toenails, but they'll also go the extra mile in preventing ingrown toenails and addressing any nail conditions like toenail fungus. Healthy Skin The skincare aspect of a medical pedicure involves moisturizing and nurturing the skin on your feet. Dry, cracked, or rough skin patches will be taken care of. Plus, we can provide product recommendations to help you maintain healthy, soft feet between appointments. Education and Guidance A significant part of a medical pedicure is education. You'll receive valuable guidance on proper foot care practices. In addition, with conditions like recurring calluses or ingrown toenails, the chiropodist can determine whether there could be any biomechanical factors at play. These insights empower you to take better care of your feet daily, reducing the likelihood of future issues.

November 9, 2023

The Benefits of a Foot Bath: Relaxation and Beyond

What’s in a foot bath, really? A combination of comfortably warm water and medicinal ingredients (think herbal oils, camphor, urea, and more) from companies like Gehwol may be the perfect marriage. And not only is enjoying a foot bath one of the most relaxing experiences for your tired feet, but it can also take your foot health to new levels. Let’s explore everything there is to know about foot bath benefits. Photo credit: iStock Benefits of a Foot Bath Drawing up a foot bath is one of the best relaxation techniques around, but foot baths go beyond calming oneself; they can also address your foot health by fighting pre-existing conditions and preventing their development. Here are some of the top benefits: Improved circulation and pain management Exfoliation and skin health Swelling and inflammation reduction Photo credit: iStock Improved Circulation and Pain Management Bath salts and the thermal effects of hot water can boost circulation in your feet, ankles and lower legs. Furthermore, warm water is a vasodilator, meaning it expands the blood vessels, improving circulation and helping your muscles relax - all of which can reduce pain. Some conditions a foot bath can help include plantar fasciitis and osteoarthritis. Exfoliation and Skin Health Not only are foot baths an excellent hygienic practice, but the right foot bath products and bath salts can penetrate the skin, leaving it softer and more hydrated than ever before. Foot baths can also eliminate dead skin cells, remove dirt and bacteria, and reduce foot odour with ingredients like lavender oil. Camphor is also present in a lot of foot soak products, which naturally treats skin irritation. Swelling and Inflammation Reduction As we mentioned before, the blood vessels dilate when the feet are immersed in warm water. This allows more oxygen and nutrients to flow through the circulatory system, which reduces inflammation. Some foot soaks can also encourage lymphatic drainage, which helps the body eliminate excess fluids. Photo credit: iStock

November 6, 2023

Numb Toes: Common Causes and When to Seek Help

Have you ever experienced that uncomfortable sensation of numbness in your toes? It's a temporary disconnect between your brain and lower extremities and may leave you wondering, "What's going on?" Numb toes range from a minor problem to a potentially severe issue, and understanding the reasons behind this unique sensation is the first step toward finding relief. So, if you've ever wondered why your toes sometimes go on strike, keep reading to learn more about the leading causes of numb toes and when to seek medical attention. Numb toes: The most common causes There are several causes of numb toes. Below, you'll find some of the top contributors and their signs. Poor Circulation Reduced blood flow to the toes can lead to numbness. This can occur due to sitting or standing in one position for too long, wearing tight shoes, or sitting with your legs crossed. In these cases, the numbness is usually temporary and goes away once you change your position or remove any constricting clothing or footwear. Peripheral Neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the peripheral nerves, often due to diabetes, alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiencies, or other underlying medical conditions. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and pain in the toes and feet. Nerve Compression Conditions like sciatica or a herniated disc in the lower back can compress the nerves that supply sensation to the legs and feet, causing numbness and tingling in the toes. Frostbite or Frostnip Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing the skin and underlying tissues. Your skin becomes cold and red, then numb, followed by hardening and paleness. Depending on the severity, you may experience frostnip (the early onset of frostbite or superficial frost bite) or deep frostbite, which involves more severe stages of nerve damage. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Like carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, tarsal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the tibial nerve in the ankle, leading to numbness and tingling in the toes. The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space inside the ankle next to the ankle bones, through which the tibial nerve runs. A thick ligament covers the tunnel and helps contain its inner workings – veins, arteries, tendons, and nerves. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is the most common kind of nerve compression in the ankle. Underlying causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome include direct trauma to the tarsal tunnel, flat feet, fallen arches, growths in the tarsal tunnel, and varicose veins. Morton's Neuroma Another type of nerve compression, Morton’s neuroma, may lead to numbness in your toes. The most common site is at the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes. As this nerve is thicker than its surroundings, it’s at a greater risk of being blocked, which can cause numbness in the toes. You may feel a numbing sensation or like you have a pebble in your shoe. Raynaud's Disease Raynaud's causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict excessively in response to cold temperatures or stress. This can lead to numbness and discoloration of the affected digits. Injuries Trauma to the foot or toes, such as fractures or compression injuries, can cause temporary numbness. For instance, ankle or Achilles heel injuries can directly or indirectly impact the tarsal tunnel region. Infections or Abcesses Toe or foot infections can lead to numbness, mainly if they spread to the nerves. Circulatory Disorders Conditions like atherosclerosis or blood clot formation can reduce blood flow to the toes, causing numbness. Tight Footwear Shoes that are too narrow in width or too small in length can compress your toes and reduce blood circulation. Ensure you are correctly fitted with the right pair of footwear to allow enough space for your toes to move. You can even do a shoe sizing and fitting session here at Feet First Clinic, choosing from leading footwear. When should you seek medical help for numb toes? We recommend that you seek help for numb toes if any of the following apply: The numbness in your toes is persistent, recurring, or unexplained. You have diabetes - Numbness in the feet can be a sign of diabetic neuropathy, which requires proper management. You experience numbness, weakness, coordination loss, or other neurological symptoms. There is a sudden onset of numbness, especially after an injury or in combination with other concerning symptoms. It's crucial to remember that numbness in the toes can be a symptom of various underlying conditions. An accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider can be helpful when treating and ruling out any serious underlying issues.

November 2, 2023

Battling Fall Dryness: Essential Foot Care in Colder Months

As the leaves begin to fall and the air grows crisp, many of us look forward to the cozy comforts of autumn: sweaters, changing colours, and pumpkin spice. However, with the arrival of fall comes a less welcoming guest: dry feet. The air dries as temperatures drop, leading to dry, cracked skin, itchiness and other foot-related issues. This guide explores common causes of dry feet during the fall and offers practical tips and remedies to help you maintain soft, healthy feet as you navigate the season's challenges. Whether preparing for brisk walks through fallen leaves or cozy evenings by the fireplace, taking care of your feet is a crucial component of embracing the beauty of autumn without the discomfort of dry skin. Here are some tips to help you maintain proper foot care during the fall and winter months: 1. Stay hydrated While we often focus on external solutions, it's essential to remember that healthy skin starts from within. Staying well-hydrated is the foundation of soft, supple skin, including your feet. When your body is adequately hydrated, it helps your skin maintain its natural moisture balance. So, sip on those warm beverages synonymous with the season, and remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. 2. Use rich foot creams Autumn is the perfect time to upgrade your skincare routine, and your feet deserve special attention. Invest in a high-quality foot cream with nourishing ingredients like urea, shea butter, cocoa butter, or hyaluronic acid. Apply your cream daily to lock in moisture and protect your feet from the drying effects of the season. 3. Regularly exfoliate As the weather transitions, your skin may accumulate dead cells, making it harder for moisturizers to penetrate. To overcome this, indulge in a gentle exfoliation routine. Use a foot scrub or a pumice stone to remove dead skin, but be cautious not to overdo it – gentle is better. A medical pedicure can also help revive your dry skin in the fall, as the chiropodist will safely remove any dry, dead skin and then apply a medical-grade moisturizer during your treatment. 4. Soak your feet What could be cozier than a warm foot soak on a chilly evening? Soaking your feet in warm water relaxes you and helps rehydrate your skin. Enhance the experience by adding a lavender or tea tree for extra relaxation and antimicrobial benefits. 5. Pick the proper footwear Footwear plays a significant role in maintaining foot health. When heading out into the cool fall weather, opt for insulated, water-resistant footwear that protects your feet from moisture and potential frostbite. Ensure your shoes are also the right size to avoid constriction and discomfort, a common cause of dry, cracked skin. 6. Practice proper nail care Pay attention to your toenails. Trim them straight across, not too short, to prevent ingrown toenails. A good-quality nail clipper can make this task a breeze. 7. Ask a professional If you're dealing with severe dryness, deep cracks, or persistent foot problems, it's wise to seek advice from a foot specialist, like a chiropodist. They can offer personalized solutions and treatments tailored to your specific needs. 8. Keep moving Exercise is not only good for your overall health but also for your feet. Regular physical activity improves circulation, which, in turn, benefits your feet. However, make sure to choose appropriate footwear for your chosen activities. 9. Welcome and embrace indoor comforts Slip into soft, cushioned slippers to shield your feet from the cold, hard floors at home. It's a small change that can make a big difference. 10. Control your environment indoors If your home has central heating, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Centralized heating systems can dry out the air, which, in turn, can contribute to dry skin. By incorporating these ten practices into your autumn routine, you can prevent dry feet and embrace the season's delights with the comfort and confidence of healthy, moisturized skin.

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What are Corns and Calluses: Prevention and Treatment

Corns vs. Calluses

How to Prevent Corns and Calluses

Treatment Options for Corns and Calluses