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Callus

Updated: June 2021

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Overview:

Callus is caused by pressure or friction on the skin and makes the outer layer of the skin thicker to help protect the skin. A callus is usually larger than a corn. Callus commonly occurs on the ball of the foot and around the edge of the heel. Once removed a callus may reoccur if the pressure or friction causing the callus is not removed.

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Signs or symptoms you may experience:

  • Under the ball of the foot: painful, yellow, thickened skin especially when walking barefoot or on a hard surface.

  • Around the edge of the heel: thickened skin which may also be cracked (fissures).

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If it's not a callus, what else might it be?

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What causes a callus?

  • Claw or hammer toes: callus under the ball of the foot behind toe.

  • Bunions: callus inside of big toe, big toe joint, ball of foot, usually 2nd metatarsal head

  • High arched feet: callus under ball of foot, usually 1st and 5th metatarsal heads

  • Flat feet: callus under ball of foot, usually 2nd, 3rd and 4th metatarsal heads

  • Open footwear such as thongs, scuffs, mules and open heel sandals: callus around edge of heel. 

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Treatment options:

The aim of treatment is to remove your callus, reduce pressure, friction and address any related issues.  Usually a combination of treatments will be required. While the aim of treatment is to resolve symptoms, some individuals may have no benefit or increased symptoms from some treatments. Cease these treatments and contact Inform Podiatry.

  • Callus debrided (removed) by Inform Podiatry, we do not recommend the use of beauty salons or home callus removers (blades, graters or electric foot files).

  • Footwear advice to reduce pressure/friction causing the callus.

  • Padding in shoes or on feet to reduce pressure/friction causing the callus (made and fitted by Inform Podiatry during your consult).

  • Moisturising cream to soften the callus. Inform Podiatry recommends and sells Walker's urea 15 foot lotion.

  • Hand file to reduce the callus. Inform Podiatry recommends and sells 20cm stainless steel nail and skin files.

  • Prefab or custom orthoses to improve foot function to reduce pressure/friction causing the callus.

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Disclaimer:

Inform Podiatry provides these webpages for general advice.  Please book an appointment at Inform Podiatry for individual assessment and treatment of your foot or lower leg condition.

Key words:

Callus

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