A Podiatrist’s Guide to Callus Concerns
Calluses on your feet can be more than just a cosmetic concern. When neglected, they can cause significant pain, with the potential to harm your walking gait over time.
The team at Advanced Foot Care of NJ knows how irritating, unpleasant, and underrated calluses can be. Read on to learn how we can help you identify and treat calluses before they go from bad to worse!
What is a Callus?
A callus is a thick, hardened area of skin caused by repeated friction.
- They can result from ill-fitting shoes, the biomechanics of certain foot types, or activities that put stress on specific areas of your feet.
- Just like a carpenter develops calluses on their hands from constant tool use, some areas of your feet may develop calluses in response to pressure.
Diagnosing Calluses
During a podiatric evaluation, we’ll differentiate between a callus and other potential causes of thickened skin, such as warts or foreign objects. We’ll also consider your foot type, as this can influence where calluses are likely to develop.
Foot Type and Callus Formation
- High-arched feet: Prone to calluses on the ball of the foot, under the big and small toes.
- Flat feet: Prone to calluses under the 2nd and 3rd toes.
- Hammertoes (curled toes): Prone to calluses on the tips of the toes.
Understanding foot types allows us to create personalized treatment plans, which might include:
- Recommending appropriate footwear: Specific shoe brands cater to different foot types and can help reduce friction.
- Custom orthotics: Orthotics molded to your feet can improve function and distribute pressure more evenly.
Why Choose a Podiatrist for Callus Treatment?
Ignoring calluses can limit mobility and cause chronic pain in your knees, hips, or back due to abnormal gait patterns.
- Over-the-counter products and DIY callus removal can be ineffective or even dangerous.
- For people with diabetes, calluses pose a particular risk of infection.
Does the above sound familiar? Take care of your calluses today! We’d be delighted to assist.
At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, our doctor and staff look forward to resolving all of your family’s podiatric healthcare needs. We proudly serve the communities of Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Albion Place, and Great Notch. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!