Calluses: Causes and Treatment

Calluses are hard, thickened areas of skin that form as the result of rubbing or pressure on the skin. Calluses can be small or large. They may be painless, or you may experience burning or throbbing in the area of the thickened skin.

Calluses are usually formed on the sole of the foot and are an area of thickened skin that is an accumulation of the skin’s epidermis. Calluses will especially develop over a bony spot of the foot as the body’s natural way of protecting the area. Discoloration of the thickened skin can also occur. Calluses are not always painful, but usually, the pain will be felt with direct pressure, and at times, the underlying tissue can become generally painful.

Studies have been done to show that callus patterns on the foot are often related to types of gait. Whether one has a flat arch or high arch and how they walk will tend toward calluses in certain areas of the foot. At times, identifying callus patterns can help determine the exact gait type a person has.

Calluses can occur with two ingredients: pressure and friction. 

Sustained pressure and friction on one part of your foot will cause the skin to toughen and form a callus. There are two main causes that lead to this sustained pressure and friction:

• Repetitive movement
• Improper footwear

Repetitive Pressure From Movement

Often, the body creates a callus on the foot to protect the underlying structure from extensive pressure and stress. If there is a lot of rubbing on a certain area of the foot, generally a callus will form. Calluses are often made worse with walking or standing because of the increased and repetitive pressure, and certain athletic activities can accelerate the forming of a callus for certain gait types.

Pressure From Improper Footwear

Another common cause of calluses is shoes that are too small, too tight, or too narrow. High-heeled shoes, dress shoes, or shoes with narrow toe boxes are culprits of calluses. This is especially the case if you work in person and wear these shoes for sustained periods throughout the day.

Fortunately, calluses can be quite easy to treat at home. We recommend you try the following:

• Wear proper footwear
• Try over-the-counter products
• See a doctor in extreme cases

Wear Proper Footwear And Insoles

There are things that you can do to reduce calluses, but it is important to determine what is causing the callus. If your shoes are causing the callus, wear different shoes. Be sure to choose shoes that have a wide toe box to allow plenty of room for your forefoot. Insoles made of shock-absorbing materials that redistribute pressure on the foot equally can prevent calluses or allow them to heal over time.

Over-the-Counter Products

There are also some over-the-counter products for the treatment of calluses. Soaking your feet in warm water and then filling the callus with a pumice stone will soothe thickened skin. Be very careful to not file off too much or it will become overly sensitive. Non-medicated callus pads placed around the callus can relieve pressure. Pads containing salicylic acid can help dissolve the thickened skin.

See A Doctor

Calluses are often painless, but there are times when a doctor’s advice may be needed. 

If you experience pain or the surrounding area around the callus becomes inflamed, it’s time to seek medical attention. Your doctor may remove the callus or prescribe another treatment. It is important that you never try to remove a callus on your own.

Selecting the right insoles is crucial when you’re dealing with calluses, as they can provide much-needed relief and prevent the development of new calluses. Here’s what to focus on:

• Cushioning in high-pressure areas: Look for insoles with extra padding in areas where your calluses typically form, usually under the ball of the foot or heel. 
• Metatarsal padding: If your calluses are under the ball of your foot, seek insoles with a metatarsal pad or dome that helps spread the pressure across a wider area.
• Moisture-wicking properties: Insoles that keep your feet dry will help reduce friction, which can contribute to callus formation. Look for materials with good moisture management.
• Custom cut options: Some insoles can be trimmed to provide targeted relief to specific areas where calluses form.
• Smooth surface: The top layer should be smooth and seamless to prevent additional friction points that could worsen existing calluses or create new ones.