Podiatry rasps for various applications at HELLMUT RUCK

Podiatry rasps are among the most important tools used by podiatrists and foot care professionals. They are used to remove calluses and different types of thickened skin on the feet. Removing rough, thick or calloused skin can improve not only the appearance of the feet but also the wearer’s well-being. Excess calluses, as well as a range of different podiatric issues such as corns, can be painful and may even restrict the mobility of those affected. Using podiatric rasps, the underlying causes of such problems can be well lifted away.

There are various types of rasps, each serving different purposes. Longitudinal and transverse rasps are the most commonly used. Their use – like that of all podiatric instruments and tools – requires specialist learning and a certain degree of experience. For this reason, rasps should only be used by qualified podiatrists and foot care professionals.

The difference between longitudinal and transverse rasps

So-called longitudinal planes are used to remove calluses from the feet in a longitudinal direction. Their long, narrow blade is positioned with an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the skin. The longitudinal plane is suitable for removing calluses from the heels and the sides of the feet. Longitudinal planes are especially useful for treating corns, calluses and other skin conditions that can form on the foot. When using the longitudinal plane, gentle pressure is applied; however, it is essential to ensure that the blade does not cut too deeply into the skin to avoid injury.

The cross-cut file, on the other hand, is used to remove calluses in a crosswise direction. It has a wider blade than the longitudinal file and is positioned at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the skin.

The transverse plane is especially suitable for removing calluses on the balls of the feet and under the toes. Calluses, for example on the edges of the sole of the foot, can also be effectively treated with a transverse plane. As with all podiatric instruments furnished with blades, the cross-plane must be used with carefully controlled pressure. This prevents the blade from penetrating too deeply and injuring healthy skin.

Before any podiatric treatment, the feet must first be thoroughly cleaned. Before using a planing instrument, the skin of the foot must be correctly dried. Prior cleaning and disinfection or sterilisation of the treatment tools ensures that no germs or fungi are transmitted. The foot file is then guided over the callused areas with controlled pressure. This allows them to be gradually filed without damaging the healthy skin. It is important to ensure that the foot file is held at the correct angle and not to apply too much pressure, as this can cause injury. It is also important to use only sharp blades, as rasps with blunt blades compromise successful outcomes and also increase the risk of injury. As the blades are single-use items, regular blade replacement is therefore of immense importance for the safety and successful outcomes of a podiatric treatment.

The cleaning of podiatric planing instruments, like that of all nail instruments and tools used for treatment, is of the utmost importance. Adherence to a strict disinfection routine minimises the risk of infection. For this reason, you should always clean and disinfect all instruments used correctly. Immersion baths are one option, instead, where the instruments are placed in a special soaking solution for instrument disinfection. A different option is to sterilise your instruments. Then you can reserve a safe working environment for both you and your patients at all times.