CALLUSES – Removing Calluses

Calluses develop on the hands after a particularly repetitive activity such as shoveling, raking, or swinging a tennis racket. On the feet, calluses are often found on the soles just behind the base of the toes, the undersurface of the great toe, and around the edge of the heel. If the great toe is shorter than the adjacent toe (sometimes referred to as Morton's foot), a large callus often forms in the middle of the forefoot behind the base of the second toe. Usually, the other foot is similarly affected.

Calluses may be painful on pressure if they become large, and may precede the development of corns, which are more tender and painful. Callus build-up occurs around and over warts, and may cause much discomfort.

If a callus is shaved down, the normal fine ridges of the skin remain intact. No blood vessels or "seeds" are present and the callus does not exhibit a central core, unlike warts and corns, respectively.

Several factors are prominent in the development of calluses. Faulty weight distribution, whether due to foot problems or ill fitting shoes, is a common denominator. Shoes that are too narrow, have high heels, or soft, flexible soles can produce undue stress. Structural and functional deformities of the feet and toes can also be causal.


Removing Calluses

Calluses are usually less bothersome than corns and may not require much attention. Shoes must fit properly. Chiropody felt, moleskin, or foam rubber pads can be applied to minimize friction and pressure. These pads vary in thickness from 1/16 to 3/16 of an inch and often have adhesive backings. Such pads can be cut into strips and placed parallel to the callus, on either side, and held in place with rubber cement or glue. Often they will remain in place for days, even if wet at times. Large sections of padding can be cut to the shape of the callus to fit the shoe or to apply directly to the foot. Either method shifts pressure from the callus onto the surrounding pad and skin.

Insoles made of neoprene can be used under the forefoot. Devices such as metatarsal bars or orthotic inserts can be designed and used to correct imbalances in weight distribution; a podiatrist must fit the feet for orthotics.