Welcome to Smart Feet!

CALLUSES (HYPERKERATOSES)

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.

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 so that the foot slides, 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
• Prevention

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Bio-Orthotics Winstep or Sundance exercising support with metatarsal lift

• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support

• If diabetic, use Plastazote cushion in shoe

• Extra depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and steel shank

• If calluses on toes, use toe-only rocker sole

• Wear pumps and high heels only as long as absolutely necessary

• Avoid going barefoot or on a minimal basis only

Other: 

• Regular callus filing with pumice device (leaving cutting of calluses to a physician only)

• Regular skin care program to include exfoliating and moisturizing