Calluses on the Feet: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Hello, A callus on the foot can be painful and can affect how a person walks. The definition of a callus is the build-up of extra layers of skin from friction. Just like a carpenter can get calluses on the hand from constant use, some feet develop the same.
Calluses on the Feet
The first step we take when evaluating what might be a callus is determining if this skin build-up isn’t something else. The two most common things a callus can be mistaken for are a wart or a foreign object. A wart is a virus seen commonly on the bottom of the foot that creates extra layers of skin just like a callus does. A foreign object refers to a splinter or piece of glass in the foot that commonly leads to layers of skin forming.
Once we’ve determined that in fact we are dealing with a callus, we’d like to know the cause. Your foot type leads to how your feet function. We can predict where a person might get a callus based on their foot type. For instance, a high-arched foot is prone to calluses on the ball of the foot under the big and small toes. A flat foot is prone to calluses under the 2nd and 3rd toes. A foot with toes that curl downwards (hammertoes) is prone to calluses on the tips of the toes.
Knowing the correlation of foot type to callus formation allows us to devise a plan to treat the problem. Recommending the shoe brands specific to the foot type is a good starting point. In addition to that, influencing the feet to function ideally can potentially eliminate the problem. We do this by making custom orthotics specific to a person’s foot type.
Something so simple as a callus can lead to chronic pain. Even worse, a painful callus can cause knee, hip, or back pain from compensation. And even worse yet, a callus on a diabetic’s foot can get infected potentially leading to fire consequences. Some calluses are minor nuisances and need little attention. Other calluses cause tremendous pain and affect how a person walks.
Over-the-counter products and “bathroom surgery” aren’t the answer. Having us make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment plan is a much better option. Being slowed down by any foot problem isn’t good for your physical or mental health. Whether it’s a callus or something else, we are here to keep your feet functioning optimally.
To Healthy Feet,
Flagstaff Foot Doctors
421 North Humphreys Street
(928) 774-4825