Calluses

Callus formation is an accumulation of dead skin cells that harden and thicken over an area of the foot. This callus formation is our body’s defence 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.

Symptoms of calluses include:

• A small patch of excess skin on the ball of your foot
• An area on your foot that feels hard or rough to the touch
• Patches of skin on your feet seem higher than the smooth skin surface.

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.

Visit us in store to see our range of callus relief products. We’ll give you a free fitting and free digital foot assessment while you’re there.

In order to relieve the excessive pressure that leads to callus formation, weight should be redistributed equally with the use of an insert. An effective insert transfers pressure away from the “hot spots” or high pressured areas to allow the callus to heal. The insert should be made with materials that absorb shock and shear (friction) forces. Women should also steer away from wearing high-heeled shoes.

Do not treat calluses by cutting or trimming them with a razor blade or knife. This is very dangerous and can make the condition worse, resulting in unnecessary injuries. Diabetics in particular should never try this type of treatment.