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Blisters and Hard Skin: An Overlooked Link
This is another video all about feet. I mentioned in a previous video some of the most common reasons for getting blisters, but today I want to talk about one that’s possibly less common – something a bit more unusual – and that’s to do with hard skin on our feet.
Where Hard Skin Builds Up and Why It Matters
We often develop areas of hard skin on our heels, the ball of the foot, or the big toe – usually on the inside of those areas. Our body forms harder skin where there’s more rubbing or uneven pressure, especially if there’s some asymmetry in your foot.
For example, one of my big toes is starting to drift slightly due to years of wearing pointy shoes in the ’90s and early 2000s. That’s caused me to get more hard skin on the outside of the ball of my foot and the big toe, as I compensate with my gait.
The Problem with Hard Skin and Movement
The challenge with hard skin is that it’s not flexible or pliable. Normally, our skin moves freely – it’s elastic and designed to stretch and move with our body and joints.
But when we have a patch of hard, immobile skin next to soft, mobile skin in high-pressure areas like the feet, the softer skin ends up doing all the work. It’s being asked to move more to compensate for the hard skin, which creates extra torsion. This extra movement can cause the skin layers to separate, leading to torsion blisters.
How to Manage Hard Skin and Prevent Blisters
It’s a really good idea to keep on top of hard skin. A pedicure is a great way to manage this – even if you’re not interested in getting your nails painted. A professional can remove built-up skin, but regular maintenance is just as important.
Personally, I do a little bit of skin care after nearly every shower. I keep a pumice stone by the shower and spend a few moments working on the areas where I know my feet build up hard skin.
Like many things in life, it’s much easier to do something little and often as a preventative rather than wait until it becomes a bigger problem.
Final Thoughts
Keep an eye on any developing patches of hard skin. Regular, light maintenance will help support foot health and reduce your risk of torsion-blisters.
Hope that’s useful – happy running!
