In daily life, individuals who stand for long periods or walk frequently may experience a variety of skin issues related to keeping their feet constantly in shoes. Among the most common problems are calluses and heel spurs.

How Do Calluses Form on Feet?

The main reason for calluses on the feet is choosing shoes that are not suitable for foot health. Particularly wearing high-heeled or uncomfortable shoes frequently, shoes that do not fit perfectly, and shoes that exert pressure on a point of the foot are factors that contribute to the development of calluses.

Callus formation is also common on feet that are left in shoes for long periods during the day and sweat. Regardless of shoe choice, individuals who walk barefoot for long durations are at an increased risk of developing calluses due to friction and dryness. Additionally, continuous pressure on a specific area of the foot, rubbing accessories, and walking disorders are factors that trigger callus formation.

What is a Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a sharp bony growth that forms below the heel bone due to calcium deposits. These calcium deposits in the area medically referred to as the "calcaneus" can be observed on an X-ray film as projections approximately 1 - 1.5 cm in size. However, in some cases, visible evidence may not be obtained through X-ray; in such scenarios, the term "heel spur syndrome" is used.

A heel spur can appear as an independent condition or be associated with various health problems. It can generally form in front of the heel, just below the arch of the foot, or behind the heel. Heel spurs developing behind the heel are often related to inflammation of the Achilles tendon (Achilles tendinitis). Achilles tendinitis increases sensitivity when pressure is applied to the front part of the foot, leading to heel pain. Heel spurs in the front part of the heel are generally linked with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation in the plantar fascia region, the fibrous connective tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes.

How to Get Rid of Calluses?

There are some simple home remedies for callus treatment that can provide relief and help prevent their recurrence. First, soaking the callused area in warm water for about 10-15 minutes helps soften the callus. After this process, gently rubbing the softened area without irritating the skin allows for the removal of dead skin layers.

Moisturizing the area where the callus is located helps maintain the softness of the skin and reduces the risk of recurrence. Using a pumice stone to gently file the softened callus helps remove dead skin cells, but it is important to perform this action gently. Callus plasters can be applied over the callus to speed up the healing process. Additionally, choosing the right shoes, using insoles, and preferring pads that reduce friction will decrease the likelihood of callus recurrence.

How to Get Rid of Heel Spurs?

The general goal in treating a heel spur is to reduce pressure on the foot to control pain and inflammation. Treatment methods that can be applied towards this goal are as follows:

• Rest: Supports the alleviation of pain by reducing pressure on the foot.
• Ice Therapy: Recommended to reduce swelling and pain in the heel.
• Orthotic Use: Ring-shaped insoles relieve pain by taking pressure off the heel.
• Stretching Exercises and Physical Therapy: Help reduce pain by increasing the flexibility of the plantar fascia.
• Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Reduce pain by suppressing inflammation.
• Shock Absorbing Athletic Shoes: Help relieve the foot and lighten the pressure on the heel.
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): Promotes tissue healing with high-energy sound waves.
• Prolotherapy and PRP Applications: Speed up the healing process with injections into the damaged tissue.
• Acupuncture: Uses needle or laser treatment to stimulate the body's healing mechanisms.
• Steroid Injections and Surgery: Strong treatment options preferred in severe cases.
  
  

In most cases, these methods are sufficient and surgery is unnecessary. If a heel spur is thought to result from another underlying condition such as inflammatory arthritis, it is important to treat that condition first.

Why is Choosing the Right Shoe Important?

One of the most effective ways to prevent foot problems like heel spurs and calluses is to choose shoes suitable for foot health. When selecting shoes, models that support the natural structure of the foot, have orthopedic features, and are breathable should be preferred.

Narrow-toed, high-heeled, or hard-soled shoes may apply excessive pressure to the feet throughout the day, leading to friction on the skin and strain on foot bones. By prioritizing comfort and support features in shoe selection, especially for those who work standing all day, potential future health problems can be largely prevented.

Breathable shoes are also important for foot health. To prevent issues like fungal infections and bad odors resulting from sweating, shoes made from breathable materials should be chosen. 

The Importance of Foot Hygiene and Regular Care

Regular cleaning and care should be done to keep feet healthy. Washing and moisturizing the feet at the end of the day play a preventative role against both callus and heel spur formation.

Sweaty feet pose a risk for both fungal infections and skin hardening due to friction. Therefore, wearing cotton socks and ensuring shoes are breathable is crucial. It is also advised to occasionally clean dead skin on the soles and control any hardening noticed on the feet at an early stage.

Use of Insoles and Orthotics

The use of custom insoles in callus and heel spur treatment helps distribute the load on the foot correctly, providing relief. Orthopedic insoles support the arch of the foot, reducing pain and preventing the formation of new problems. Special orthotics prepared after foot strike analysis can correct imbalances during walking and provide long-term permanent healing.

Supportive Alternative Methods in Foot Disease Treatment

Supportive alternative treatment options in foot disease treatment can also speed up the healing process. In the treatment of conditions like heel spurs, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections are a frequently used method. PRP accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissue, helping to reduce pain and inflammation. Additionally, other injection methods like prolotherapy can trigger the body's self-healing process, providing long-term effective results.

Acupuncture is another alternative treatment method effective in reducing pain in foot diseases. By increasing nerve stimulation through the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body, acupuncture can alleviate pain. In cases like heel spurs, it can help control pain and improve circulation.

Alternative treatment options should always be applied under expert supervision and personalized for each individual. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an orthopedic insole necessary for heel spurs?

Yes, using an orthopedic insole is quite beneficial to reduce heel spur pain and improve daily life quality.

Do callus patches work?

A callus patch is used to treat the hardened dead layer of the callus. The selection of the patch should be made carefully based on the size of the callus to avoid damaging healthy skin. The callus patch should be removed after 2 or 3 days after application.

Is surgery mandatory in heel spur treatment?

No, treatment is usually possible with physical therapy, medications, and supportive applications. Surgery can be preferred in advanced cases.

What exercises are good for heel spurs?

Plantar fascia stretching, calf stretching, and rolling the foot over a ball exercises may benefit heel spurs. However, it is important to consult a specialist to determine exercises for heel spurs. The treatment program is personalized based on the severity of the heel spur and the symptoms it causes.