Showing posts with label foot care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label foot care. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

How to Soften Dry, Callused, Cracked Heels the Easy Way

As we age, we're more prone to developing dry, cracked heels that can be painful as well as unsightly. There are many contributing factors, some within our control and others not. However, if you suffer from cracked heels, you know they can be challenging to treat effectively.

I've tried many different treatments for this annoying condition. In today's review, I recommend some simple tips that have helped me the most. Here's to healing our dry, cracked heels!

How to Heal & Soften Dry, Callused, Cracked Heels

Background photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What Causes Cracked Heels?

The helpful WebMD article "What to Know About Cracked Heels" explains that cracked heels can develop "When the skin around your heels becomes dry and thick...Extra pressure on the fat pad of your heels can cause dry, thick skin to form cracks, or heel fissures."

According to the article, contributing factors may include:

  • Wearing sandals, clogs, or other open-heeled footwear
  • Taking hot baths or hot showers
  • Using soaps with harsh ingredients
  • Standing for long stretches of time
  • Cold, dry weather
  • Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, athlete's foot, heel spurs, Sjögren's syndrome, or juvenile plantar dermatosis

How to Treat and Repair Dry, Callused, Cracked Heels at Home

After consulting multiple reliable sources, here are the at-home foot care steps I have followed to heal my dry, cracked heels successfully. I repeat these steps periodically, as needed, to prevent and heal my heel cracks.

The best time to do these steps is just before bed to allow the healing foot cream or ointment to soak into the skin and do its work while you're sleeping.

Caveat: The WebMD article explains that "Occasionally, severely cracked heels can get infected and lead to a skin infection called cellulitis" and advises talking to your doctor "if your heels are severely cracked or don’t improve after you’ve treated them for a week."

Step 1: Use a diamond foot rasp to remove the top layer of thick calluses.

If your calluses aren't too thick and your heel cracks aren't deep, you can use a pumice stone after soaking your feet in warm, soapy water (see step 2). However, if your heels are extremely dry and have thick calluses, use either a Diamancel Diamond Foot Buffer #11 Medium Rasp or, for even thicker calluses, a Diamancel Diamond Foot Buffer #22 Coarse Rasp followed by the #11 Medium Rasp.

These files are an investment, but they will last for many years and can be easily washed in hot, soapy water and then dried and disinfected with isopropyl alcohol after each use.

Note: I have tried but do not recommend the "cheese grater" style metal foot file. It removes a lot of skin quickly and has sharp "teeth" that make it easy to accidentally remove too much callus and possibly cut into your skin, which could lead to infection. This type of foot file also leaves the surface very rough and requires a lot of effort to smooth with a pumice stone or fine diamond foot buffer.

Step 2: Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 20 minutes.

Use gentle soap and warm, not hot water, in a tub or, if you prefer, a dedicated foot bath. Consider the affordable HoMedics Bubble Mate Foot Spa, a splash-proof, heated foot bath with water jets and raised massage nodes to pamper your tired feet. This is on my holiday wish list and would make a great gift, especially as part of a spa gift basket! 

(My mom had a heated foot bath many years ago that she used to bring with her to the nail salon when she got a pedicure since she was extremely conscious about good hygiene at the salon. She also loved using it at home to soothe her aching feet after a long day.)

After soaking your feet for 20 minutes, use a pumice stone to smooth away any calluses or, if you used a diamond foot rasp in step 1, to smooth any roughness left by the rasp(a).

Step 3: Towel-dry your feet well.

Use a clean, absorbent towel to dry your feet very thoroughly, especially in between your toes to help prevent athlete's foot.

Step 4: Apply a healing ointment or moisturizing cream.

I have tried numerous foot creams to heal dry, cracked heels. Based on my experience, if you have very dry, callused heels with fairly deep cracks, I highly recommend starting with the Kerasal Nighttime Intensive Foot Repair, Skin Healing Ointment for Cracked Heels and Dry Feet. I discovered this fantastic ointment thanks to the recommendation of a well-known and highly respected board-certified dermatologist on social media. I'm very grateful to her for introducing me to this miracle cracked heels treatment!

It contains 5% salicylic acid, 10% urea and soft white petrolatum to exfoliate, soften, and moisturize hard, dry, cracked, and callused heels, and is approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. It comes in a small tube, but a little goes a long way.

Another good option is Ebanel Urea Cream 40% plus Salicylic Acid 2%. It has a consistency that one Amazon reviewer likened to Elmer's glue, which helps it adhere to the skin while it does its work. It may not be the most cosmetically elegant formulation, but it's extremely effective!

Once your feet are in better shape and your cracks have healed, you can switch to something less heavy-duty and more economical for daily or nightly maintenance. Good choices include Dr. Scholl's Dry, Cracked Foot Repair Ultra Hydrating Foot Cream, Miracle of Aloe Miracle Foot Repair Cream for Dry, Cracked Feet & Heels, or Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Foot Magic Moisturizing Foot Cream. All of these are available on Amazon, and most can be found at a well-stocked drugstore.

Whichever cream or ointment you use, make sure to massage it in very well before putting on your heel socks or sleep socks.

Step 5: Put on heel socks or thin, breathable bed socks and wear them overnight.

I prefer wearing thin cotton or bamboo socks to bed if I'm applying my foot cream or ointment to the balls of my feet as well as my heels. Bamboo or cotton bed socks allow the skin to "breathe," and thin socks are less absorbent so your foot cream or ointment stays on the skin of your heels vs. on your socks.

My favorite socks for this purpose (and also my favorite summer or warm weather socks) are the SERISIMPLE Women's Bamboo Ankle Socks. They come in a pack of five pairs for less than $17 (at the time of this post's publication), so $3.40 a pair, and they are excellent quality! They are thin, soft, and lightweight and slip on easily over foot cream or ointment. They also come in a very large selection of pretty pastel, mid-tone, and dark color assortments.

But if my feet are in really rough shape and I'm applying the ointment just to my cracked heels, I'll put on toeless, silicone-lined heel socks before going to bed.

For the latter, I really like the ZenToes Moisturizing Fuzzy Sleep Socks. The outer shell is a soft, fleece material, while the heel is lined with a silicone gel infused with jojoba seed oil, olive oil, and vitamin E to add an extra layer of softening and moisturizing ingredients where they are needed most.

The silicone gel creates a warm, hydrating environment that helps your foot cream or ointment penetrate while you sleep. These open-toed sleep socks are also washable and reusable, and one size fits most. Even after the infused oils are used up, they still work perfectly with your preferred foot cream.

I also love that these are made by a small, woman-owned business based in Wisconsin. Although the socks are not manufactured in the USA, the company prides itself on doing three product quality checks before they are shipped out to customers: before they leave the factory, when they are received at the USA warehouse, and when they are packaged in that USA warehouse.

In addition, ZenToes uses individuals with diverse abilities who work for Opportunities, Inc. in Wisconsin, a Community Rehabilitation Program, to package their products "with dignity and purpose."

For a short-term quick fix, replace steps 4 and 5 with an intensive repair foot mask.

There are Kerasal Nighttime Intensive Repair Foot Masks that can be used instead of steps 4 and 5, although as single-use products they are less economical (and less environmentally responsible). But they're great if you want to try out the Kerasal Nighttime Intensive Foot Repair ointment to see how you like it before investing in heel socks or thin cotton bed socks.

Also, if you want to wear sandals, go to the beach, etc., and notice at the last minute that your heels are cracked, you can use the Kerasal Daytime Intensive Repair Foot Mask (pack of 2 pairs). These won't deliver the same results as steps 1–5, but they can definitely improve the way your feet and heels look and feel in less than half an hour.

To use them, start by washing and drying your feet thoroughly. Then, remove one pair of the foot masks and put them on. Put your feet up and relax (they're too slippery to walk around in) for 20 minutes, then remove the covers and massage any residue of the healing cream into your feet.

Helpful Tips to Prevent Heel Cracks

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To keep your feet and heels soft, smooth and healthy, here are some habits to adopt that can help prevent or reduce calluses and heel cracks:

  • Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces
  • Wear closed-heel footwear
  • Take warm, not hot, baths or showers
  • Use mild soaps
  • Dry your feet and in between your toes thoroughly to avoid athlete's foot
  • Keep your skin at a comfortable temperature and moisturize your feet daily and/or nightly with a foot cream after showering or bathing and drying the skin well

Disclaimer

I am not a medical professional and this article should not be construed in any way as medical advice. When in doubt, consult your doctor before attempting to treat your cracked heels at home.

How to Soften Dry, Callused, Cracked Heels the Easy Way by Margaret Schindel

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Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Medmassager Foot Massager Review: Therapy for Feet and Legs

Why We Bought the Medmassager Foot Massager

My husband suffers from numbness in his feet. I often have restless legs and muscle spasms in my feet. Last time we shopped at Costco, they were demonstrating the Medmassager Foot Massager. My husband sat down to try it out while I finished shopping. By the time I returned, his feet felt so much better he was sold. So we brought it home.

Medmassager Foot Massager Review: Therapy for Feet and Legs
Using the Medmassager Foot Massager

Using the Medmassager Foot Massager

The foot massager is very easy to use. Just plug it in, put your feet on it, and set the speed. The cord is long enough (8 ft.) to plug into a power strip beside my chair and still stretch as far as Hubby's chair with no problem. Makes it easy to share. He uses it twice a day or more. I use it when I feel I need to. 

One can massage one's feet with or without shoes or stockings. We feel most comfortable using it with shoes on. That seems to work best if one has sensitive feet. You can feel the vibration all the way to your knee. Technically, it isn't vibration. It oscillates rather than vibrates, making the massage more effective. I'm afraid I forgot the distinction when we made the video below.  

The massager has eleven speeds. Most people start at the lowest speed and work up until they find the speed that suits them best. Hubby prefers "3." Depending on how you move the massager around and where you position your feet or calves you may ease many different kinds of pain.

  • Calf pain
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Tired feet and ankles
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Heal and Bone Spurs
  • Neuropathy
  • Tense toes
Many of the above conditions may be associated with serious medical conditions, such as diabetes. These conditions may require medical treatment, and the massager was not intended to treat these conditions. 

Here's What Hubby Has to Say about the Foot Massager

I asked Hubby to offer his opinion while he was massaging his feet tonight. Here's what he had to say. 


I realize the bar is hard to see because it's black like the rest of the massager, but it helps one position one's feet to massage the heel. One can also wrap one's toes around it. One can also move one's arch over the bar slowly to relax the area. The oscillation has really helped restore Hubby's circulation to alleviate the numbness in his toes.  

man using the Medmassager Foot Massager


Our Recommendation 

If you suffer from sore feet, toes, or legs, this massager will probably offer you some relief. It does seem to help circulation in the leg and foot. When we first got to Costco that day we bought it, Hubby could barely walk. After sitting trying the massager in the store for a few minutes he was walking with much less pain. He didn't want to leave without taking it home. 

I don't have exactly the same kind of pain. I find the massage does help my feet relax, but even the lowest speed is fairly strong for me and also it feels good, I want to see my neurologist before using it too often. I have had neck surgery and was recently rear-ended, and I want to wait until I'm sure the oscillation is safe for me. Different conditions require different treatments. If the doctor gives his OK, I'll be using it more often. If you have reason to believe you have deteriorating disks in your spinal column, I'd consult a physician before using this. If you don't, I'd highly recommend it. 

The foot massager comes with a thorough instruction manual with hints on how to help different foot and leg problems and cautions where necessary for specific medical conditions. Read it thoroughly before using the unit for the first time. 

Also be aware that the unit is heavy when you put it on the floor and pick it up again. If you are unable to pick up things easily from the floor, you may need help using this. I  had to help my husband, who has had both hips replaced, at first, but he has since learned to use the machine by himself if I'm not around. He does have some trouble reaching the adjustment knob, and I turn off the machine for him if I'm in the room. 

You should not use the massager for periods of longer than 15 minutes at a time, so you also may want to pick up a Time Timer that shows you exactly how much time you left until the end of your massage. 

 MedMassager Foot Massager MachineCheck Price MedMassager Therapeutic Orbital Body MassagerCheck Price Penetrex Joint & Muscle Therapy – 2oz CreamCheck Price FIVE S FS8801 Shiatsu Neck and Back MassagerCheck Price

 






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Thursday, June 29, 2017

Profoot Plantar Fasciitis Orthotics Review

Feet hurt? Have heel pain first thing in the morning? You may need Profoot Plantar Fasciitis Orthotics. Learn how to solve your heel pain problem in this review.
If you dread getting up in the mornings because putting your feet on the floor elicits severe heel pain, and even the thought of walking makes you want to cry, then you may have a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Never fear, help is at hand. Let me tell you my heel pain story.

A few years ago, I began having foot pain with symptoms fairly typical of plantar fasciitis. When I mentioned it to my mother, she advised visiting a doctor right away. She had foot problems most of her adult life and she knew first-hand that having sore feet could absolutely ruin an otherwise good day and make a bad day worse.



Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and never played one on TV. The advice presented here is based on my personal experience as a plantar fasciitis sufferer. If you have foot pain that does not improve, take my mother's advice and visit a medical doctor for professional diagnosis and advice. 

I followed my mother's advice and consulted with my family doctor. He identified the problem right away and pointed out how I was allowing my right foot to roll inward. He also suggested some stretching exercises, and then wrote a prescription for medicine to help relieve the inflammation in my feet.

The anti-inflammatories helped and, having been made aware of the laxity in my right foot, I tried to do my best to correct the rolling habit on my own in order to strengthen that area. However, I figured that having a good arch support, and not only an arch support but support for that plantar fascia tissue that connects the ball of the foot to the heel and lends its name to this common condition, is what I really needed. After all, my feet aren't so young anymore.

ProFoot Plantar Fasciitis Insoles are available for both women and men.
ProFoot Plantar Fasciitis Insoles
Available for Both Women and Men
Now, I'm the first to admit that I don't like to spend money, so I tried a couple of inexpensive insoles first. It didn't take long to realize that I was simply throwing my money away on foamy pads that really didn't help. That's when I began looking again and found the bright green and black package containing a pair of plantar fasciitis orthotics (shoe inserts) that seemed very basic but exactly what I needed.

Even spending around $7 at that time hurt a bit, but didn't hurt nearly as much as my feet. And in a very short time, it was obvious that I had invested that money in the health of my feet and it was worth every penny.

I've been using ProFoot Plantar Fasciitis orthotics for a few years now and I wouldn't be without them. Recently I let time slip by and noticed that my old Profoot insoles were beginning to look a little ragged, so I ordered a new pair. Clearly, over time the insole "breaks down" (for lack of a better phrase) and needs to be replaced. This week my feet have felt even better with the new, very supportive orthotics.

As mentioned above, please don't take my advice as medical advice. If your feet hurt, you probably should visit a doctor. However, I can tell you that since my original diagnosis I haven't been back to the doctor, I no longer need an anti-inflammatory drug to keep my heel from hurting, and my feet feel great. The Profoot Plantar Fasciitis Orthotics get five stars from me.

ProFoot makes these in sizes for women and for men. Always wear them as a pair, making sure that the orthotic with the ProFoot logo is in your right shoe. These work in closed shoes, but may slip out of a sling-back shoe or sandal. I prefer closed, slip-on shoes and the insoles work great in those.

If you care about your feet, take care of them. And if you try the ProFoot Plantar Fasciitis orthotic, I'd love if you'd leave a comment to let me know how they work out for you. I hope they help eliminate your food pain as they have eliminated mine.

Two more quick things. One, inside the ProFoot package is an exercise guide pamphlet that shows how to do stretches to help improve your foot pain. This company actually cares about your foot health! Two, ProFoot is a family-owned company whose products are made in the U.S.A., Brooklyn, New York to be exact. Yet another reason to choose this excellent product.


~ Susan
Read more of my reviews here.









Posted by Susan Deppner

Susan Deppner

About the Author

Susan Deppner is a baby boomer, a cancer survivor, and a Southerner who believes in the Golden Rule. She enjoys writing about food, faith, and fitness; health, home, and holidays; people, places, pets, and patriotism, and more. Follow Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.




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Wednesday, August 17, 2016

It's National I Love My Feet Day (August 17th)

National I Love My Feet Day is a recent addition to the Calendar of Events for the Year.  August 17th marks that Day.

But, and I add this caveat with all seriousness, it should not be relegated to one day only.  Feet play an important role in everyone's life, everyday.  

foot skeleton diagram
Not only do our feet help us to move around, keep us upright, balance us, (even when we've partied a little too hard), but they also have the most bones, of any structure of our bodies.  

That's why when our feet hurt, everything else seems to hurt too.  Did you know that the foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments?  (wikipedia)

That's a lot of "stuff" happening down there.  Most people don't give a second thought to their feet, that is, until the foot or both feet are not working well.  Then all of a sudden we realize there is that body part down there, that needs some attention.

I know from my own experience that my feet would walk, run, help me dig in the garden, and a host of other activities that I took completely for granted, until one of the tendons in my feet started to act up.

Common Problems with Feet!

Yes, I'm talking about Plantar Fasciitis , the tendon the runs across the bottom of the foot from the toes to the heel, when that happened, all of a sudden, I became aware of my feet.  Every step I took reminded me that they were there.  The pain was enough to drive me to tears.  
bottom of the foot diagram

My Podiatrist/Chiropodist, made me some inserts to put into my shoes, to make it easier for my feet to walk, run and play again.  He also pointed out that I have not been taking care of my feet the way I should have been.  

My feet had very hard calluses that would crack and become uncomfortable.  He suggested to me that I should regularly soak my feet in warm soapy water(no longer than 10 minutes), scrub them well with a pumice  stone and then dry them off completely (especially between the toes) and at night, lather the heels with lotion high in Lanolin  or shea butter.   Do NOT lotion between the toes.....If you are using a very greasy cream, put on a pair of cotton socks at night,  make sure they are loose and don't bind at your ankle.

Through the day wear comfortable shoes that fit well. For me, I added my inserts into my shoes for better walking ability.  At my age(60+), flip flops are NOT recommended foot attire.  Oh if you are just sitting in the garden, bare feet and flip flops are okay, but not if you are planning a walk, hike or any kind of other "work" for your feet(like digging in the garden).

Athletes' Foot Fungus


If you have athletes' foot fungus, make sure that you are taking care of it.  There are many products that are natural that will help to keep this fungus under control.  The feet have hundreds of sweat glands and because they can excrete up to 1/2 cup of water a day, the feet become the perfect place for fungus to grow.  You may notice itching between your toes, or flaky skin under your feet, dry itchy patches along the sides or on top of your toes, these are all signs of Athletes' Foot.  There are many homeopathic remedies for this including Tea Tree Oil products, Vicks-vapor Rub, mint sprays and more.  Talk to your doctor or experiment with what works best for you.  Foot fungus will not cause damage if left untreated, but it is uncomfortable, and with a little extra work on your part, your feet can be fungus free.

Toe Nail Fungus


Toe nail fungus is also a problem for many people.  The nails of the feet become yellowed and thickened.  They may become deformed as the fungus under the nails grows.  Nails will become brittle and hard to cut.  If you suffer from toe nail fungus, it's best to see a doctor and follow his instructions.  Prescriptions for treating toe nail fungus are available, but they take a long time to do the job, in part because the toe nails don't grow that fast.  These drugs are also hard on other body parts, ask your doctor.  There are homeopathic remedies for toe nail fungus as well. One of the most important parts is keeping the whole foot clean and well maintained so that the chances of getting toe nail fungus are reduced.  Tea Tree Oil again with it's antibacterial properties is recommended many times for toe nail fungus.


Good Foot Care is mandatory for Good Foot Health.  


Once you get into the routine of taking care of your feet, you may find that you actually enjoy the relaxing nature of this exercise.  Sitting and relaxing with your feet in a tub of nice warm soapy water, while watching your favorite sports or reality show, can be a nice way to unwind.  Have all the tools you need together and enjoy the relaxing heat and whirlpool effects of a nice foot bath.  After 10-15 minutes, gently scrub with a pumice stone to loosen dead or callused skin! Then a quick rinse off and a warm towel to dry your feet (don't forget between the toes), and then some lotion for those heels and tops of your feet.  Nice cotton socks and then just relax and enjoy.  Total time required for good foot care 30 minutes (or more, if you really enjoy a foot massage).  




Feet if well taken care of, will keep you moving through the day, without too much trouble.

If you are Diabetic you must be extra careful with your foot care regime.  If you are under a doctors care, they could recommend a foot clinic for you to keep on top of any issues that may arise.  Because Diabetes can affect your circulation, the feet and hands can become much more prone to difficulties and with that, much harder to treat.  If you are diabetic please be under a doctors care, but especially for your feet because small issues can become very large issues for the diabetic with foot problems.

Please note:  This is meant as general information and not medical advice.  If you are having problems with your feet in any way, see your doctor.  He/She will give you advice for your particular problems.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just for fun: Feet are also a method of measurement!

Did you know:
The tallest man with undisputed credentials is  Robert Pershing Wadlow, (born 6:30 a.m. at Alton, Illinois, USA on 22 February 1918), who when last measured on 27 June 1940, was found to be 2.72 m (8 ft 11.1 in) tall, and wore a size 27 shoe.*   Can you just imagine having Feet Problems with these feet?  


* This bit of information was found in the 60th anniversary edition of Guinness' Book of Records.






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