Calluses

Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Symptoms

The formation of calluses is caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells that harden and thicken over an area of the foot. This callus formation is the body’s 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.

Causes

Calluses develop because of 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

Our professionals at FHP Group will remove the hard skin with a scalpel/drill or foot file, regular appointments of 6-8 weeks may be required, and a treatment plan advised.

Correct shoe wear/orthotics will be required to relieve the excessive pressure that leads to callus formation, weight should be redistributed equally to avoid recurring issues.