Foot Callus - Causes & Treatment

If you have thick hardened skin on the bottom of your foot, then more than likely you have a foot callus.

There are many causes and treatment for a foot callus. A foot callus can form due to friction or pressure. When a foot callus forms this is the body's way of protecting the tissue from further injury. If a callus did not form as a protective measure, an ulcer could develop which can be more painful and damaging. A foot callus can cause foot pain. The thicker the callus the more painful it can be. A callus normally forms under the metatarsal heads; these are the bones behind the toes.

One of the causes for a foot callus can be feet with a high arch. With high arched feet you will normally get a callus on the bottom of the foot behind the first and fifth toes. Feet that flatten are another cause for foot callus on the bottom of the foot. With flat feet a callus would be present behind the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th toes. Feet with bunions will often have a callus below the 2nd metatarsal head. Shoes with hard insoles, like most dress shoes, are much more likely to cause calluses.

There are several foot callus treatments. One of the first treatments for foot callus is wearing shoes with a soft insole such as running or walking shoes. These types of shoes should be worn as much as possible. If you cannot wear athletic shoes, then at a minimum wear shoes with soft insoles.

Wearing custom made orthotics with soft extensions to cushion the bones on the bottom side of the foot can also help treat a foot callus. This is generally used most often with individuals with flat feet.

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Another foot callus treatment is trimming the callus. With trimming a sharp instrument is used to trim the callus tissue. By trimming the callus tissue, the pressure over the bone is greatly reduced giving temporary pain relief. This type of treatment should only be done by your doctor. If conservative foot callus treatments fail, surgery may be required. This can eliminate the pressure over the bone.

A foot callus can cause discomfort and pain. There are several causes for a foot callus. By determining the ultimate cause of the foot callus, you can work with your physician to deal with the specific cause of the foot callus in hopes of preventing further reoccurrence.