Foot Calluses

What is a Foot Callus?

Calluses are a thickening of the surface layer of the skin. This usually occurs in response to pressure. Calluses often form on the ball of the foot, the heel, and the underside of the big toe.

Calluses are more common in women than men.

How is a Foot Callus formed?

The formation of calluses is caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells that harden and thicken over an area of the foot.

Symptoms of a Foot Callus

The most common symptoms are:

• A hard growth usually on the ball of the foot
• Pain on weight bearing, relieved by rest
• Increased discomfort in thin soled and high heeled shoes

What Causes a Foot Callus?

Calluses develop because of excessive pressure at a specific area of the foot.

The most common causes of calluses are:

• High heeled shoes
• Mal-allignment of the metatarsal bones
• Shoes that are too small
• Abnormalities of gait
• Flat feet
• High arched feet
• Excessively long metatarsal bone
• Obesity
• Bony prominence
• Loss of fat pad on the underside of the foot
• Short Achilles tendon

Can Calluses be Treated?

Yes. Treatment will depend on the cause of the callus. Applying non-medicated pads around the callus will relieve pressure

Do not try to treat the callus by cutting or trimming it with a razor blade or knife. This is dangerous and can worsen them.

Apply non-medicated pads around the callus to relieve pressure
Apply moleskin over areas that tend to callus.

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