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Calluses
Calluses formation is an accumulation of dead skin cells that harden and
thicken over an area of the foot. This callus formation is our bodies
defense mechanism to protect the foot against excessive pressure and
friction. Calluses are normally found on the ball-of-the-foot, the
heel, and/or the inside of the big toe.
Some calluses have a deep seated core known as a nucleation. This
particular type of callus can be especially painful to pressure. This
condition is often referred to as Intractable Plantar Keratosis.
Calluses develop due to excessive pressure at a specific area of the
foot. Some common causes of callus formation are high-heeled dress
shoes, shoes that are too small, obesity, abnormalities in the gait
cycle (walking motion), flat feet, high arched feet, bony prominences,
and the loss of the fat pad on the bottom of the foot.
TREATMENT & PREVENTION
Many people try to alleviate the pain caused by calluses by cutting or
trimming them with a razor blade or knife. This is not the way to
properly treat calluses. This is very dangerous and can worsen the
condition resulting in unnecessary injuries. Diabetics especially
should never try this type of treatment.
In order to relieve the excessive pressure that leads to callus
formation, weight should be redistributed equally with the use of an
orthotic. An effective orthotic transfers pressure away from the “hot
spots” or high pressured areas to allow the callus to heal. The
orthotic should be made with materials that absorb shock and shear
(friction) forces. Women should also steer away from wearing
high-heeled shoes.
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