That rough, thickened patch of skin on the bottom of your foot? It’s probably a callus. While they’re often harmless, calluses can sometimes cause pain and discomfort, especially if they become too thick or develop in high-pressure areas. Below, Advanced Foot Care of NJ will explain what calluses are, why they form, and how to care for them at home, with extra tips included to help you learn when you should seek help from a podiatrist.

What is a Callus, Exactly?

A callus is essentially your body’s way of protecting itself. It’s a build-up of extra skin that forms in response to repeated pressure or friction. Think of it as a natural “shield” your skin creates to prevent blisters and other injuries. The two most common places to find calluses on the ball of the foot are under the second and fifth toes.

Why Do Calluses Form?

Several factors can contribute to callus formation:

Foot Structure and Biomechanics: Your foot type – whether you have flat feet, high arches, or a “normal” arch – can influence how pressure is distributed across your feet. Certain foot structures can create high-pressure points, leading to calluses.
Gait Abnormalities: The way you walk (your gait) can also play a role. If you’re compensating for pain in your knee, hip, or back, you might be unconsciously putting extra pressure on certain areas of your feet.
Ill-Fitting Shoes: Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or have inadequate cushioning can cause friction and pressure, leading to callus development.
Age: As you age, the fat pads under your feet can thin, making calluses more likely.

Now that you understand the problem, we’ll cover corrective steps you should (and shouldn’t!) be taking.

Home Care Do’s and Don’ts

DON’T use sharp instruments to cut or shave a callus yourself! This can lead to serious injury and infection.
DO use a pumice stone! After soaking your feet in warm water (or after a shower), gently rub the callus with a pumice stone to reduce its thickness.
DON’T be too aggressive with your scrubbing. The goal is to gradually smooth the skin, not remove it all at once!
DO moisturize regularly! Apply a thick moisturizing cream to your feet daily, especially after bathing, to keep the skin hydrated and prevent further thickening.
DO make sure your shoes fit properly and provide adequate cushioning. Your foot size can change over time, so don’t assume you’re still wearing the right size.

When to See a Podiatrist

While home care can manage many calluses, it’s important to seek professional help if you notice signs of infection: redness, swelling, pus, or increased pain means you should be seeing a podiatrist. Individuals with diabetes or poor circulation are at higher risk of complications from calluses and should always have them evaluated by a podiatrist.

Our team can offer a range of treatments for calluses, including:

Safe Debridement: We can safely and painlessly remove the excess callus tissue.
Biomechanical Assessment: We’ll examine your foot structure and gait to identify the underlying cause of the callus.
Custom Orthotics: Custom-designed inserts can redistribute pressure, alleviate pain, and prevent future callus formation.
Surgical Options: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to correct underlying structural issues.

Calluses are a common foot problem, but they don’t have to be a source of constant pain! Schedule an appointment and keep calluses under control with an expert’s help. Relief is just a call or a click away.

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!