A callus is a concentrated, hard, thick skin build-up on the foot caused by recurring pressure and friction. It can be located anywhere on the foot where there is excessive pressure or rubbing. Calluses can develop over the metatarsal area in response to a loss of the protective fat pad in that part of the foot. There can be other conditions below a callus, such as plantar warts or foot ulcer. Some calluses have a deep-seated core, called nucleation that can be painful to pressure.
Management of callusing is especially important for diabetics. Calluses that thicken create openings into the sub dermis of the foot. Germs and bacteria easily enter into the body in these areas and are especially difficult to treat in a diabetic should an infection develop.
It is believed that some who have chronic callusing have a long term Vitamin A deficiency and that embarking upon a regime to bring the levels up will cause the callusing to reduce and disappear over time.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Hyperkeratoses
- Thick skin
- Sometimes plantar warts or foot ulcers are below callus
Symptoms:
- Thick skin build up
- Pain in the callus area
- Planter wart or ulcer below the callus
Signs to look for:
- White/yellowish thick dry skin, usually round in form
- Evidence of a loss of the fat pad in the metatarsal area of foot
- Places on shoe where there is excessive wear
Possible Causes:
- Biomechanics (overpronating or oversupinating)
- Excessive pressure at the point of the callus, caused by shoes or by walking
- Loss of fat pad beneath metatarsal heads
- Shoes that fit tightly at the area of the callus
- Shoes that are too large, small, wide or narrow, causing shearing and friction on the foot
- Regular wearing of high heels
- Plantar warts
Goals:
- Balance pressure across entire foot while walking to stop callusing
- Take pressure off areas where there is callusing
- Reduce and eliminate callusing
- Moisturizing program for those with diabetes or dry feet
- Prevention
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotic exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotic exercising support
- If diabetic, use plastazote cushion in shoe if necessary
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Attention to correct size and shape of shoe to the foot to avoid rubbing and friction
- Smart footwear, such as heel to toe rockers, negative heel shoes or shoes with titanium springs
- If regular flip-flop wearer, wear only the Orthaheel, Aetrex or Alegria brands
- Wear pumps and high heels only as long as absolutely necessary
- Wear sandals sparingly if diabetic or if feet are naturally dry
Other:
- Regular callus filing with pumice device (leaving cutting of calluses to a physician only)
- Regular moisturing program, such as Heel-so-Smooth, or other products that soften skin and make exfoliating easier.
- Diabetics need to avoid putting any moisturizer between the toes
- Avoid too much sandal wear as it creates and maintains excessively dry conditions on the foot
- Vitamin A therapy
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2011 Carole Romig
Sources Image: 2003 Drew Shoe Catalog Text: B. Meanwell, CPed, J. Vonhof, Fixing Your Feet, D. Janisse, CPed, Editor, Introduction to Pedorthics, J. Wright, MD, healthiertalk.com