December 26, 2014 Finding relief from calluses and corns Calluses and corns are areas of hardened, sometimes yellowish skin on the foot. They form on pressure points or around bony areas. Calluses usually appear on the bottom of the feet and corns on the top, usually around the toes. Although they aren't necessarily welcome, calluses and corns develop to protect the foot from further damage. The cause is often poorly fitting shoes, but how you walk (your gait) or the bone structure of your feet may make you more prone to these foot issues. Get your copy of Foot Care Basics Do your arches ache or your heels hurt? Got gout or battling bursitis? If so, you are among the three out of four Americans who will suffer some kind of foot ailment in their lifetime. This Special Health Report covers the most common foot problems and helps you prevent and treat them. If you develop corns or calluses, cushion the affected area with moleskin, cotton, or lambswool to relieve pressure. Many pharmacies sell over-the-counter products to cushion corns and calluses, which you may find helpful. Custom shoe inserts that redistribute your weight and take pressure off the affected areas are another option. Better-fitting shoes will reduce the irritation that caused the problem in the first place, and over time, the corns or calluses will shrink on their own. But don’t expect overnight results; the process can take weeks or even months. To get rid of corns and calluses faster, you can use a pumice stone, which will gently remove the top layers of skin. Soak your feet in warm water first, to soften the corn or callus. Dry your feet, then rub the pumice stone gently over the corn or callus. Afterward, moisturize the area with skin lotion. The key word is gentle. Don’t overdo it, or you could hurt your skin. Pharmacies sell various chemical peels and acid disks, but use such products with caution. Most of them contain salicylic acid, which can damage healthy tissue unless you follow the instructions exactly. Some foot care specialists advise against using these products at all. For larger corns and calluses, consult a foot care specialist. Although some pedicurists may offer to remove corns and calluses, it’s safer to seek help from a trained medical specialist, like a podiatrist. For more information on caring for your feet, buy Foot Care Basics: Preventing and treating common foot conditions, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. Share this story: Foot massage: The pause that refreshes and is good for you! Your feet work hard for you every day. Especially at this busy time of year for many people — shopping, get-togethers with family, friends, and co-workers, and school events — there is no shortage of time spent on one’s feet. Just like your neck, back, and shoulders, your feet can also benefit from a regular rubdown. Foot massage improves circulation, stimulates muscles, reduces tension, and often eases pain. It also gives you a chance to check out your feet so you can get a jump on treating blisters, bunions, corns, and toenail problems. A professional foot massage is a treat, but not necessary to get the benefits. Here is a guide to a do-it-yourself foot massage: Sit in a comfortable chair. Bend your left leg and rest your left foot gently on your right thigh. Pour some skin lotion or oil into your hand. Rub it gently into your foot and massage your whole foot, including the toes, arch, and heel. Do a deeper massage. Press the knuckles of your right hand into your left foot. Knead your foot as you would bread. Or work the skin and muscles by holding a foot with both hands and pressing your thumbs into the skin. Using your hands, gently pull the toes back and forth or apart. This stretches the muscles underneath. Repeat on the other foot. Massage devices in local drugstores or health stores can also help relax and restore your feet. Foot rollers are low-tech devices that can provide fast foot massages at home or at work. Simply remove your shoes and roll your feet over the massagers for a quick pick-me-up. More than three out of four Americans will suffer some kind of foot ailment in their lifetimes. To find out how to keep your feet fit and healthy and how to treat problems when they occur buy, Foot Care Basics, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. Share this story: Featured in this issue Foot Care Basics Featured content: • The fantastic foot • Your age in miles • Special section: Keeping your feet healthy • Heels that hurt • Arches that ache and flat feet •  ... and more! Click here to read more »