What are Foot Calluses?
Afoot callusis an area of hard, thickened skin that can occur across the ball of the foot, on the heel, or on the outer side of the big toe. While many consider them a skin problem, they actually are systemic of a problem with the bone.
Calluses have painful nerves and bursal sacs (fluid-filled balloons that act as shock absorbers) beneath them, causing symptoms ranging from sharp, shooting pain to dull, aching soreness.
What Causes Foot Calluses?
Calluses form from repeated friction and pressure, as the shoe (or ground) rubs against a bony prominence (bone spur) on the toe or foot. The skin thickens in response to this pressure. Small amounts of friction or pressure over long periods of time cause a corn or callus. A great deal of friction or pressure over shorter periods of time can cause blisters or open sores. Calluses typically develop under a metatarsal head (the long bone that forms the ball of the foot) that is carrying more than its fair share of the body weight, usually due to it being dropped down or due to its longer length.
Foot Callus Removal Options
Calluses can be treated with over-the-counter callus removers that have strong acids that peel this excess skin away after repeated application. You should be careful with these products as they can cause chemical burns when not used correctly. Non-medicated corn pads or moleskin (a thin fuzzy sheet of fabric with an adhesive back) can also relieve calluses, but should be removed carefully to avoid tearing the skin.
If you need assistance removing foot calluses, contact our office and schedule an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Ramiro Manzano. Calluses can be trimmed down in-office and comfortable padding can applied to these painful areas. In addition to medication to relieve inflammation, cortisone may also be injected into the underlying bursal sac to rapidly reduce pain and swelling.