BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet

Subject: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Cluin
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 10:52 PM

As soon as sandal season starts, I've gotta rasp the thick callouses of my heel and the side of my big toe before they crack and start to rip away in deep painfull strips like hangnails. I can't believe the amount of grinding away I have to do on the soles of my feet regularly.

It never used to be like this.

Of course I used to run around barefoot a lot more. My soles were thicker then (I could run over gravel with no pain) but they never cracked and peeled and hurt like this.

Getting older sucks but I guess it's better than the alternative...

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Peace
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 10:54 PM

"Getting older sucks but I guess it's better than the alternative..."

Getting younger?



Moisturize, lad, moisturize.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Peace
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 11:03 PM

I have that problem with the heels and cracking when they get calloused. Best way I've found to handle it is apply moisturizer to the heels at night. It is painful when they dry and crack, but the moisturizing has helped prevent that.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 11:03 PM

Running around barefoot was what created much of the problem.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Little Hawk
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 11:03 PM

Actually, there comes a point in many lives where it isn't better than the alternative. But I digress...

Maybe you could soak your feet in meat tenderizer? (Chongo's suggestion. He's being a bit flip tonight. As usual.)

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Cluin
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 11:04 PM

I've got a flipping suggestion for Chongo, too.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Little Hawk
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 11:14 PM

Yeah, I bet... ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Peace
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 11:16 PM

Lemme guess. Would it have anything to do with a novel place to store the bananas?

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Little Hawk
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 11:58 PM

Chongo's heard it all by now.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Ebbie
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 12:25 AM

Women have frequently rubbed some sort of cream - or even vaseline - into their hands and then gone to bed with cotton gloves on. Supposedly it works.

Could you do the same to your feet and wear white cotton socks to bed? If it works, that would be a painless, if slow, solution.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Peace
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 01:15 AM

LOL

WHAT a picture.

LOLOL

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Peace
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 01:21 AM

And one of these--in white of course--wouldn't want to clash . . .

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Peace
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 01:25 AM

And for the well-dressed man, evening attire that

says, "Hey."

In white again. Don't want to be gauche.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Peace
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 01:27 AM

You are startin' to look good there, Cluin.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: sneeble
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 02:57 AM

I have suffered from thick cracking feet for years, recently I rolled my ankle and spent 2 months with sports tape on it. After the first two weeks the skin on my foot was softening, where there was sport tape softened and came away leaving clean skin underneath.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 03:15 AM

Have a good long soak in a warm bath, with a good moisturizing bath product - Dove make some great ones. When your feet are nice and pruney, give the rough bits a good rubbing with a pumice stone and make sure you dry between your toes.

Once your feet are dry, rub more moisturizer in and buff with a soft cloth.

I wear sandals every day and have a similar problem with my heels, big toes and the ball of my foot. A good soak once a week and a rub down with a damp edition of the Sporting Life works a treat.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: GUEST,PMB
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 03:24 AM

Faced with the same problem, I got hold of some large sheets of plastic pan scourer, cut some insoles for my trainers, and wore them without socks. Not all day, I didn't want raw flesh on the soles of my feet, but for the evenings. I now have feet like the mother's hands in the Fairy advert.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Llanfair
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 03:49 AM

I had cracking heels for ages, until I was diagnosed as diabetic, and footcare is now a priority. After a bath, scrape off the softened skin. I use the scissor blade, then rub in one of the creams you can buy at the chemist for cracked heels, then put clean socks on. I do this once or twice a week, and my heels look almost normal now.

Of course, the diabetes has damaged the nerves in my feet, and I feel as though I've got socks on all the time, but it MAKES me take care of them.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 06:02 AM

her in Oz we have a great product for cracked feet & a google search on 'cracked feet' gives lotsa' references to products & hints.

I'm sure you could find a similar product locally & lots more good advice.

my hint - daily soaking feet while showering, rubbing feet with Heros chiropody sponge (made in Holland) & covering feet with moisturiser. I find the Heros block better than pumice.

sandra



description from http://www.thesoapbar.com/index.html
The Heros Chiropody Sponge is the best foot scrubber we've ever used! This amazing piece of porous material is actually a pure raw glass product to which carbon and hydrogen sulphide is added during the manufacturing process. You're sure to save lots of money on those expensive pedicures. This is a must try for summer!

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Noreen
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 06:27 AM

Sandra, that Aussie Heel Balm has made its way to the UK and I am a great fan- it actually works as it shows on the packet! After daily use for a few days hard and cracked patches are smooth, pink and comfortable once more.

I would definitely recommend this product, Cluin, if you can get hold of it.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Crystal
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 07:29 AM

I use a cheep moisturiser on my feet, just squidge a big dollop on and rub in when they feel dry. I cannot stand my feet or hands feeling dry, ugh! Remember to do between your toes too, and well up over the foot.
My feet have never cracked, despite never wearing shoes much when I was younger.

Of course it might be a sign of a fungal problem, might be an idea to see your dosctor. Athleats foot dosn't always itch!

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 07:36 AM

I was going to recommend Aussie Heel Balm too, with one caveat: it's made with synthetic urea (wee was used to soften leather, after all) and though it is fragranced, I always feel like I smell like bathtime at the geriatric ward when I use it.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: bobad
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 07:43 AM

Any lotion containing at least 20% urea will be effective due to it's hyrdophilic property.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Alice
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 09:41 AM

Cracked foot skin can be caused by something more than just dryness. You could have it checked out to see if it is a fungus.

There is a product called Pretty Hands & Feet that is a lotion you rub on and it rolls the dead skin off immediately.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Cluin
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 01:42 PM

It's not fungal (had athlete's foot before) because it's only a problem during sandal season. Doesn't occur during winter and was no problem last summer because I didn't wear sandals much then (not part of the dress code on the job I was working at).

And it's not Diabetes. I am checked for that yearly by my doctor because it's in my family history (isn't it in everyone's?).

Moisturizing is the solution, I know. I'll just have to get over my aversion to it.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: kendall
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 02:59 PM

Now you know why men wear socks with sandals.

That picture of a woman going to bed with gloves on brings up a memory.
There was a boy back home whos Mother made him wear sandpaper mittens.NO, IT WASN'T ME!

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Becca72
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 03:19 PM

Please DO NOT resort to wearing socks with your sandals. I know of a great product called Bach's Rescue Cream made from all natural flower extracts. It's a bit pricey here in the US (it's made in England) and you have to get it at the natural foods store, but it is well worth it. My heels are an unsightly mess but just a couple of days using Bach's regularly and they are smooth as a baby's...well, heels...

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 11:14 PM

A search for Aussie Heel Balm here in the US brings up a forum that says Boots (a UK establishment) has both that cream and something called CCS Foot Care Cream. I doubt either is sold here (though some Boots products have made it into Target and CVS Pharmacy).

I thought I'd conquered that problem this year, but with wearing sandals a lot in summer, it comes back. I've been using a pumice stone in the bath, but I'll have to start the cream and put on socks in the evening. [sigh]

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 01:32 AM

Thing is.... feet were never designed to wear shoes and certainly not the shoes designers think we ought to wear! They're also different shapes
depending on your pre-historic origins.

Feet don't like being cooped up in nasty nylon socks or sweat-inducing synthetic shoes - and don't get me started on high heels! They evolved to carry us for miles a day over rough terrain and so tend to keep getting tougher the more we use them 'au naturel'. Good, healthy feet will naturally have several tougher, thicker skinned spots, but shouldn't have cracked skin. You need to go to a chiropodist or podiatrist to get it checked out for fungal or yeast infections. Cutting down on the sugar in your diet will help, especially if you have a furry tongue most days. Use a Ph neutral cream or emolliant such as E45cream and use it often. Let your feet breathe often during the day, avoid wearing your socks or shoes for longer than 12 hours and try to walk barefooted around the house.

I'm still convinced that having "deformed" and soft, tender feet is a fashion statement that we can live without. It all goes back to the days when having soft, delicate feet proved you were a member of the aristocracy and didn't need to walk around - you had servants to do that for you! The more deformed your feet from inappropriate footwear, the less walking you had to do, so the more important you were. The old Chinese custom of foot-binding has its origins in this social class distinction.

Having foot shaped feet with tough, hardened soles pointed out your humble working origins and inability to afford shoes. Mine point out my inability to conform to stupid fashion statements and my working origins in occupations where high heels were just plain stupid! (I wasn't always a desk jockey, I waitressed/cooked for 8 years in all - VERY hard on the feet!)

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 01:39 AM

"containing at least 20% urea"

... ooooooooooo ...

No, I'll be good....

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 01:51 AM

After the 'au naturel' compost conversation in the Chat last night and now this... is it time to start a new thread? Things I learned from Mudcat about uses of urine....?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Llanfair
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 03:53 AM

I've used the Aussie stuff and the Boots' own, and the Aussie is the best.

Hi, Noreen, How's things?

Cheers, Bron.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 04:03 AM

I had to say it didn't I... and someone took me up on it.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Noreen
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 04:10 AM

Good to hear from you, Bron :0)

I have recommended the Oz Heel Balm to (and used it on!) several people who have all been very impressed. This has again led to me having to buy myself another lot as my daughter wants to recommend it to her friend who has 'dancer's feet'.

I should be on commission!

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: kendall
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 09:54 AM

I see nothing wrong with wearing socks with sandals.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 10:32 AM

Two reasons there Kendall....

1. You're a guy.

2   You're an old guy!

LTS (who still loves you, ya old fart!)

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Cluin
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 11:35 AM

How high do you wear your belt, kendall?

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 12:25 PM

I'm with Kendall. I think all men should wear socks under their sandals!

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Peace
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 12:30 PM

I have never cared who wore socks with sandals and who didn't wear socks with sandals. I happen to most of the time. Today I'm not.

A few years back on a day I was wearing socks with sandals, a fellow said, "I'd sooner be caught dead than caught wearing socks with sandals." I replied, "It can be arranged." We moved onto other subjects.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 01:12 PM

Taking a belt sander to one's feet might work, but there's a danger of it setting a precedent. Some moron would wind up thinking that if a belt sander works for callouses a hammer-drill might work pretty well for ear wax or navel lint. And those pesky fingernails? A band saw should take care of 'em. Need a haircut? They've got nice Echo string trimmers on sale at Home Depot.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 01:32 PM

Who knows what people would think of for a weed whacker. . .

Ducks and runs for cover

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Peace
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 01:37 PM

The belt sander idea needs some rethink, Cluin.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Cluin
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 06:02 PM

From the Jim Morrison Transvestite Collection, I ween.

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: GUEST,Barnacle
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 08:24 PM

Please, please, please don't wear socks for bed ... it sooooo puts me off!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 09:06 PM

I really tried to resist accessing this thread. I should have known better. Now another keyboard is utterly ruined!

But no one has recommended spraying WD-40 on their heels!

Wow! Look at the ads below of belt-sanders!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 09:14 PM

I don't want to sand my belt -= if it gets too smooth my pants will fall down!

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Jul 07 - 03:39 AM

I once knew a guy who thought taking one of those hand-held orbital sanders to his corns was not an icky thing.

Trouble is, it was always my hand-held orbital sander he wanted to borrow. We bought him his own sander in the end... it was cheaper than replacing the sanding discs very 6 weeks.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 20 Jul 07 - 04:42 AM

In one of my parallel lives I went to an 'Ideal Home' exhibition on the Costa Del Sol. Countless thousands of British expats queuing to see how to make their Spanish bungalows just that little bit more like Surbiton, and every one of the men had socks with their sandals (or Crocs).

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Jul 07 - 04:47 AM

Well I can understand socks with Crocs. Crocs are made of a plasticy, rubbery material that doesn't absorb sweat. Socks are necessary with them if you have hot, sweaty feet, unless you don't mind slipping around, sticking to the shoe or getting blisters and other foot-type nasties. I wore a pair for a whole 10 minutes before they were slick with sweat and starting to rub.

Sandals should be made of natural, absorbent materials like leather.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: I wanna take a belt sander to my feet
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 20 Jul 07 - 05:03 AM

The gradual increase in foot callosity with age is probably mostly just a normal part of growing up, but can also be one of the first symptoms of problems with circulation in the lower extremities.

This often occurs at about the same age as when people discover that they're subject to Type 2 diabetes. It's generally a little worse - and progresses more rapidly if you are developing an insulin immunity, but if you notice this symptom, it might just be a good time to have a good general physical and to look specifically at sugar levels.

In serious cases of thick callouses, some people get real benefit from a paraffin bath used on a regular basis, although it's a pretty messy process and requires some time to setup, warmup, apply, cool down, and put away the apparatus. (Note that the link was at random - lots of fairly inexpensive tubs available and no brand recommendation implied.)

Some people have more problems with callous buildup than others, but any significant progressive increase - even if gradual over a few years - should prompt a check on the circulation, and of course the usual blood pressure, lipids, etc. routines.

John