When I think about sports such as soccer or football, I am reminded of how rough those hits on the lower extremities can be and wonder how intense the pain must be for two players when they smack into each other. Beyond the excitement the match brings, I feel sorry for those who play on a regular basis.
But yes, whether you play rough sports or just like to enjoy a brisk morning walk, among those parts of the body that suffer the most are, without a doubt, the feet.
Perhaps our feet are the part of our body that receives the least care, even though they are very important for our mobility.
Not only sports, but wearing high heels, using synthetic fiber socks, insufficient hydration, lack of exfoliation, shoes that are too tight and worn for many hours, and sweaty feet are some of the factors that can cause problems, and if the feet don’t receive proper attention, signs of damage and neglect begin to appear.
Calluses form in various areas on the feet, but especially on the heels, the sides of the big or little toes, on top of the toes, or on the soles. At first, they are bothersome, and then, if they don’t receive proper care, they become increasingly painful. If you’ve had calluses, then you know just how unbearable and uncomfortable they can be all day long.
Conversely, if you haven’t developed calluses yet, then it’s important to prevent them. Use moisturizing foot cream every time you get out of the bath. Once a week, massage your feet with a few drops of olive oil, fully-refined petroleum jelly, or mashed bananas. Also, make sure your shoes are comfortable enough—not too tight, not too loose, with good padding. If your shoes are new, put a bandage on any areas where you know blisters or calluses might form and don’t wear the shoes for extended periods. When you get home, it’s important to take off your shoes and socks and soak your feet in a basin of warm water with herbs to help them relax.
If you already have calluses, you can use a pumice stone every time you get out of the shower, as your skin will be softer and more pliable. However, you must use it very carefully to avoid injury. You can also use a foot file to remove roughness from your heels, soles, and toes, but don’t do this for more than three minutes at a time, and always apply a moisturizing cream afterward.
Always wear comfortable shoes and pay attention to any discomfort or pain that may arise.
Here are some home remedy suggestions for calluses on the feet.
Calluses Home Remedies
- Onion
Onions are healing and anti-inflammatory. Cut an onion in half and gently rub it on the affected area. Repeat this every night before bed. There’s no need to rinse your foot; just try to let the onion juices penetrate your skin. Sleep with socks on.
- Garlic and Olive Oil
Crush a clove of garlic and mix it with olive oil. Cover the callus with the paste, cover with gauze or a cloth, and leave it on overnight. Remove it in the morning without rinsing. Repeat every day until the callus disappears.
- Nettle and Water
Take a handful of nettle stems and flowers, blend them with a tablespoon of water, and apply the paste directly to the callus. Cover the area with gauze or a cloth and leave it on for at least three hours before removing it.
- Calendula and Water
The procedure is the same as for nettle. Apply it every night before going to bed.
- Fig
This fruit has anti-inflammatory properties, and it also provides a cooling and soothing effect. Cut a fig in half, remove the pulp and apply it to the callus before going to bed. Cover the area with a bandage and put on socks to avoid making a mess. Leave it on overnight and soak your feet in warm water in the morning. Then, gently file the callus with a pumice stone and apply a moisturizing cream.
- Baking Soda and Water
Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water. Apply the paste to the callus using circular motions, as if you were exfoliating. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes and remove it with warm water. Gently file or use a pumice stone over the area and moisturize with cream.
- Chamomile and Water
Make an infusion with 4 tablespoons of dried chamomile herb and 1 quart of boiling water. Cover and let it steep for a few minutes, and then soak your feet in the water. This will soften your calluses, allowing you to use the pumice stone without any problems. Always finish these treatments with moisturizing cream.