What your podiatrist in Fairfax wants you to know

It’s common to have calluses on your feet. A callus is caused by repeated long-term friction from things like your shoes rubbing against your feet. There is a lot of conflicting information out there about whether you should shave calluses, cut them off, or just leave them alone. Dr. Steven Vetter at Oakton Foot and Ankle Center in Fairfax, VA wants to separate fact from fiction when it comes to taking care of your calluses.

Calluses can occur on your heel, big toe and the ball of your foot. Sometimes you won’t feel anything from a callus, but, in some instances, you may feel sharp or tingling nerve pain and pressure.

It’s important to remember never to cut your calluses off or shave them. You may injure the tissue of your feet by cutting too far down into the skin. You can also get an infection from cutting too deeply into your skin.

Instead of cutting your calluses off or trying to shave them, you can try:

• Soaking your feet to soften the calluses
• Using a pumice stone to scrub the calluses and remove dead skin
• Using moisturizing cream or lotion to keep your feet moisturized
• Wearing more supportive footwear instead of flip flops, sandals or high heels
• Wearing thick, comfortable, breathable socks
• Wearing shoe inserts to reduce or eliminate friction

For large, stubborn calluses, it’s best to visit your podiatrist in Fairfax. Dr. Vetter may suggest:

• Custom shoe inserts or custom footwear
• Surgical removal of bone spurs or growths that are causing your calluses
• Surgical removal of the calluses
• Medicated patches to control callus formation
• Cortisone injections around the callus to reduce swelling

Be careful when you are treating calluses at home. Over-the-counter callus treatments containing salicylic acid and other chemicals can cause chemical burns on your feet. The best way to treat calluses is to visit your podiatrist. Dr. Vetter can develop a custom treatment plan to remove calluses and keep them from recurring.

If you have calluses, visit an expert. Call Dr. Vetter at Oakton Foot and Ankle Center in Fairfax, VA. Don’t let annoying calluses keep you off of your feet! Call today!