Feet extras ?

[OzAnnie]

A couple of weeks out from next Camino

I was going to book with podiatrist who usually scrapes etc all hardened/callousy skin on feet. Having 2nd thoughts that this may render my tootsies a little tender so close to a long walk . Any experience ?


Also, has anyone tried the soft gel heel cups that you can buy and insert between heel and shoe/boot? Or are these another thing that would move about and end up thrown away.
Annie

 

[t2andreo]

I have serious problems with thick calluses on both my feet. My podiatrist made custom insoles to custom fit my hiking boots. But the callus problem persists. Here is the solution I found that works for me.

I use a product called "Callex" to lubricate my feet. It has a petroleum jelly base, but has ingredients that work to exfoliate as well.

Next, I put on the silicone pads that I bought in Spain on my first Camino in 2013. The ball of the foot pad extends under all the toe joints. The top is a fine nylon material not unlike women's nylon stockings.

I also put a similar silicone pad on each heel, the heel cup is silicone and covers the heel completely. It is held in place by two nylon bands that go around the ankle and instep. The top material is the same as for the ball of the foot pads.

I cannot remember the brand. However the pads come in sets of two (left and right) in a flat box. The box is Aqua colored.

I put my liner socks on over the pads being careful not to dislodge them. Finally, I put my thick Smart Wool socks over the liners.

Just FYI, it takes me 15-20 minutes every morning just to "dress" my feet.

I hand wash the pads every night. While I have a spare set at home, the first sets of ball of foot, and heel pads have now done three Caminos. The pads are not cheap. But they literally saved all three of my Caminos.

For the really tough jobs I carry a rasp I bought in a Spanish pharmacy. It is far more aggressive that what I can find in the US.

I hope this helps.

 

[OzAnnie]

It is very helpful. I thinks the heel cups I saw were in same colour pack you mention . Also helps reading how you keep them from moving / that is , cover or held in place by the liner socks. Clever.

Yes prep of feet AM takes time , worth it

Thank you

 

[Xandrae]

Hello Ozannie, regarding with your concern maybe a petroleum jelly well works, for my own experienced I have done it for my self everyday and the result is amazing and I was impress because I don't need to visit my doctor for treatment. Home remedy works as long as not worse.

Foot Care Vancouver

 

[OzAnnie]

Hello Ozannie, regarding with your concern maybe a petroleum jelly well works, for my own experienced I have done it for my self everyday and the result is amazing and I was impress because I don't need to visit my doctor for treatment. Home remedy works as long as not worse.

Foot Care Vancouver

Thank you xandrae for your kind help.
I do like the product you mention. My concern was more directed to whether it would be silly to have the hard skin removed so close to starting the walk which would leave feet tender (like a babies feet) and whether that may put one more open to developing blisters - than leaving it alone. Still use the product etc though.

Annie