Shoe inserts to prevent calluses

Shoe inserts can be used to prevent hardening of the skin or simply, calluses. Any constant pressure or rubbing on the skin may result skin toughening. Even though they are not generally painful or health risk, calluses are not good to look at and you can be uncomfortable when you see or touch them.

Knowing what causes the calluses can help in pointing out which kind of insoles needed to prevent recurrence and to avoid further complications. After identifying the source of callousing, a careful examination of a person’s daily activities involving the feet should be done.  For example, calluses on the heel can be caused by pronation, while calluses beneath the foot, can be caused by being flat-footed.

The right kind of insoles can be beneficial when it comes to preventing calluses. Insoles should not be too loose or too uptight to avoid calluses and other deformities such as nail ingrown and bunions. If the person is heavy, insoles with extra cushion and more durable should be purchased to avoid pressure and rubbing. Comfortable and soft socks can also help. It is also important to avoid shoe inserts for a different purpose that what they are originally customized for. Such as, insoles for ballet dancing should not be used for running. In other words, there should be different insoles for different foot problems.

Many shoe inserts can be purchased at shoe stores, pharmacies and even clinics. These are intended to avoid, not treat calluses. Thus, it is important to use them regularly to avoid the calluses form getting harder. Metatarsal sleeves and forefoot pads are also common options to avoid skin deformities.