Foot Health Guide - Calluses

Simple irritation to feet can cause calluses on the foot. A Callus presents itself on a foot at as thick hard skin usually found on the ball of the foot, heel or over any area of bony prominence.

Calluses form on feet as a result of a process called hyperkeratosis, the thickening of the skin due to friction and pressure.

Calluses do not present a long-term or serious health risk, but they can be painful. If changing your shoes and other treatments do not alleviate symptoms, you may want to see a podiatrist for additional treatment.

What causes calluses on the feet?

Simple foot irritation can cause a callus, which forms as the result of chronic friction. Ill-fitting shoes or socks are the most common culprits.

Other causes of foot callus include:

- Prolonged standing
- Shoes with narrow toe boxes
- Toe friction inside shoes or socks
- Pressure of high-heeled shoes
- Obesity
- Flat feet
- Feet with high arches
- Bunions

What are symptoms of foot calluses?

A callus can be as large as an inch across. While calluses on feet are not dangerous to health, they can be uncomfortable and appear unsightly.

Recognize a callus:

- small patch of excess skin on the ball of your foot
- an area on your foot that feels hard or rough to the touch
- skin patches on feet higher than the smooth skin surface

Relief & Prevention

NEVER TRY TO CUT OUT A CALLUS USING A RAZOR OR PAIR OF SCISSORS

The best way to beat calluses is to start wearing properly fitted shoes that provide good shock absorption for the sole. That means stop to wear shoes that inflict pressure or irritation on your feet.

To eliminate discomfort caused by calluses, you can also try the following:

- Use a callus remover product on tough calluses
- Limit the length of time you wear high heels, or stop wearing them altogether
- Use insoles and inserts in your shoes at pressure points and rubbing points
- Apply softening cream to the callus and entire foot. To see faster results, apply the cream to the callus twice daily
- Use a callus file or other pedicure file to soften and smooth down rough callus skin

Information on foot pain, leg and lower body health conditions taken from FootSmart.com and provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on muscoskeletal health.


    

The Comfort Shoe Store is affiliated with FootSmart.com Experts in keeping feet moving in comfort