Dr. Jennifer Feeny

PedEgg...Is this a potential hazard?



Posted: Thursday, May 28, 2009

by Dr. Jennifer Feeny
Shenandoah Podiatry

The warm weather has finally arrived and we are showing off our sandals and ladies want to show off their new nail color. But here is the dilemma, your feet are not in the best shape since winter and they need a little attention. You want to whisk away the calluses on the soles of your feet so they can be smooth for their summer debut.

There is a new product that has recently gained a lot of popularity in the past few months and has been all over the media and television...the PedEgg. This little gadget has become quite the star in temporarily removing calluses on the feet. But how safe is it? When using any foot care product, there are some precautions that one should take and questions that you should ask yourself before using. First, examine our feet to be sure that there are no conditions that may be exacerbated by rigorous callus removal. How thick are your calluses? Do you have a preexisting conditions that may cause unforeseen or unusual complications that may not be present in normal healthy patients? Should you seek advice from your doctor before using?

Although calluses are unsightly and can cause some distress, you still want to be careful before attempting any type of skin removal procedure, even minor ones. Diabetic patients need to be particularly cautious in using this product, especially if they are neuropathic or insensate, meaning they lack the ability to detect sensation, pressure, or pain, as an injury or shaving the callus too close may cause injury leading to more serious medical issues. While the PedEgg seems like a great device to use, injuries and cuts can occur if too much pressure is applied, even in healthy patients. If you are a diabetic, that could definitely potentially mean a trip to the emergency room or and extended hospital stay from the injury.

Calluses are areas of skin that thicken due to increased friction in the area. There are many causes of calluses, such as ill fitting shoes or socks, socks bunching up, or bony prominences on your feet. If your calluses are troublesome or painful, seek professional podiatric care for advice on how best to treat them. There many inexpensive, effective, less hazardous treatments that can be safely done at home and without the risk of injury that can provide some temporary relief.

Here are some helpful hints and easy home treatments that may be helpful lessening the formation of calluses:

1. File away any calluses with a pumice stone that may be forming after a shower, as your skin has softened and the skin is easier to remove.

2. Wear socks that have extra padding in the heel, ball and toe areas, as these areas are commonly where calluses occur.

3. Apply lotions or moisturizers generously to your feet daily, particularly after showering. Doing this increases the moisture in your skin to help prevent callus formation. Also applying Vaseline and socks after a bath or shower can help soften the skin on your feet.

4.Try not to wear high heeled shoes on a regular basis. High heels place the foot at an angled position causing the foot to push forward in the shoe box, causing callus formation on the ball of the foot due to the increased pressure.

Following these simple tips may improve the overall appearance of your feet. Remember, not every foot care product is not appropriate for use by every patient. There are many determining factors in deciding if an over the counter product is safe to use. Be an advocate for your foot health.

Copyright (c) 2009 Dr. Jennifer Feeny

--------

Dr. Jennifer Feeny is a board certified podiatric surgeon, with practices in Blacksburg, Lexington, and Troutville, VA. To see more of what Dr. Feeny is saying, visit her blog, Roanoke Foot Doctor, or website, Roanoke Foot Doctor, or website, Shenandoah Podiatry
This Article has been viewed 734 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.