Calluses

Callus is a rough, hard and thickened area, usually found in feet or hands, which are always a result of friction and pressure. Since Calluses are dispersed and localized, their shape and size are variable. Calluses are of two types, diffuse-sharing types and discrete-nucleated types. Besides being found in ball of the foot and in plantar area, callus may also found on palms of hands.

They may appear due to some internal or external factors. A few internal factors are bony prominences, hammertoe deformities, foot types like high arch & flat foot, or even obesity. External factors include improper footwear & accessories or shoe fit, high levels of activity, or abnormal gait.

Calluses are, actually, natural defenses formed by skin to compensate for the pressure developed by abnormal mechanical stresses or activities. So, if you fail take adequate steps to control the stress causing calluses, they may be subjected to further irritation and lead to complications.

Callus Treatment:

First identifying and determining the fundamental problem is the preliminary step in the treatment. Then, simple and reasonable remedies could be found by taking soothing measures. Carefully paring down of the hardened skin with pumice stone or other abrasives, after soaking the foot in warm water would give some relief. This conservative treatment provides almost complete treatment.

The general preventive method is to modify your shoes for a correct shoe fit. Even other internal weaknesses like improper stitching can add to the problem by causing abrasion, you must not fail to attend to such defects. Generally, low-heeled shoes with a roomy toe box and a soft upper are recommended for calluses.

Pressure or friction, which causes calluses, may be eliminated and dispersed by using therapeutic pads and adhesive felt. Metatarsal pad help to relieve pain from plantar calluses. The design of such pads is significant and should include a wide anterior part to support the ball of the foot and a small anti-slip posterior. In case of complicated calluses, you may resort to surgery but you must see that importance is given to correcting the underlying offending bone.