Calluses on Hands and Feet

[TorqPenderloin]

This subject was brought up on another forum I'm on. One member seemed to have strong feelings that I was putting myself at significant risk.

Im a former college baseball player and powerlifter. Consequently, I've had calluses on my hands and feet for about 20 years straight (quite literally).

I was under the impression that neglect, poor hygiene, and open sores were the biggest things to worry about, but others seem to think differently.

I put this in the exercise section because I wanted to see what other weightlifters and runners think.

Of note: I am not neglecting the proper footwear. That is certainly one thing I do not cheap out on.

 

[tim2000s]

Errrr. I have callouses on my hands from weights. If anything I've found the grip work from weights to be good for my hands rather than bad. It's not something I have worried about.

But then, if you aren't well managed then you run the risk of not repairing properly, whereas if you are, there shouldn't really be issues. You should certainly keep an eye on them both, but I've never been told to outright avoid callouses. As far as I was aware they are part and parcel of many jobs, let alone exercise forms. The main reason that someone will be concerned is the risk of infection when they are damaged.

It's a bit like my toes. I spent 15 years being a fast bowler playing cricket. My left big toe took the brunt of me hammering it into the end of a cricket boot. I have next to no sensation around it now (which is common for most fast bowlers). You just have to make sure you keep an eye on any areas that may be of concern and be aware of any issues that might arise.

 

[TorqPenderloin]

Thanks Tim, that's exactly what I was thinking too.

I can see how trauma could cause issues, but the calluses I have are basically "extra padding."

Since I was diagnosed very recently, I still have excellent nerve function and I do monitor things consistently. It just seemed a bit unrealistic to avoid calluses all together.

 

[Lamont D]

I have had operations and injections to both my hand and I have arthritis in my thumbs and middle figure, due to working on a production line most of my life.
The thing I have grown use to in all them years, is that calluses are not a problem until the skin is broken. It's a natural reaction to using tools on softish skin and builds up to protect the dermis levels.
I have had many football and cricket injuries, that have had me not being able to run, much, because of the pain in my knee. So if I don't run it doesn't hurt.
If it hurts, treat it, if It doesn't, then it should be ok!

 

[ElyDave]

callouses on hands OK,
callouses on feet not OK according to my sport injusry specialist - it's an indication of poor running technique/muscle imbalances and once they start they promote that continued defective movement. Also think about the pain and discomfort of a blister underneath a thick callous.

I and many other runners try and keep them filed down for that reason if nothing else