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Callus
A callus is a thickened area of hard skin that often develops around the heel, the ball of the foot, or the toes. Callus has a rubbery feel and often appears with a yellow colour. If the skin is dry, the callus can feel very hard, have a white appearance, and may even develop cracks.
Callus can vary greatly in size and may span your entire heel, or just a small area on the side of your toe. Callus are formed from a build up of dead skin cells. Areas of callus contain no nerve endings, meaning they have no feeling. Any sensations you experience when touching a callus is from the healthy underlying skin, though this sensation is dulled by the overlying callus.
Disclaimer: This is an informative guide only and is not a tool for diagnosis or a replacement for a consultation with a Podiatrist. If you are concerned about your callus or it is causing you discomfort, we recommend that you see your Podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate management plan. Referrals are not required to see a Podiatrist. The images used do not necessarily reflect the condition, symptoms or treatment being discussed and are intended for illustrative purposes only.
Capital Sports Podiatry
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of callus is the presence of hard, dry, rubbery skin that lacks sensation and can be uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful, to walk on.
What causes a callus to develop?
Callus develops in response to both repeated friction and excess pressure. By developing thicker and firmer skin in a high-impact area, your body is protecting itself from further damage like skin breaks, which would otherwise leave you vulnerable to infection. Some examples of causes include:
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Poorly fitting footwear that rubs against the skin
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High heels
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Any high-impact activities that load up the feet such as in running and jumping
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The way the foot itself functions (that places greater loads through certain areas of the foot)
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Increased weight
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Loss of protective fat pad in the feet
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Dry skin can be a predisposing factor to callus formation
Managing callus at home
When only a small amount of callus is present without any symptoms, most people will not require treatment as the callus is serving a protective function and is not causing them any problems. Try to identify the cause of your callus and adjust these accordingly. For example you may need to change your shoes to a lower heel if you are developing callus on the ball of your feet when wearing high heels. Look for a shoe with more cushioning that will help redistribute pressure and reduce the rate at which the callus develops.
Treatment is indicated when the skin beneath the callus becomes painful, uncomfortable, or limits your ability to comfortably wear shoes or carry out activities. This occurs when the callus becomes too thick and starts irritating the healthy underlying skin.
Under no circumstances should you try to cut the callus off by yourself using sharp instruments. Improper techniques can damage the healthy surrounding skin, resulting in cuts and the development of infection. If you have diabetes or any conditions that impact your ability to feel or heal, it is also important that you seek help from your Podiatrist.
How a Podiatrist can help
Your Podiatrist will be able to safely, effectively and painlessly remove the bulk of the callus in clinic, during your appointment. A small layer should be left intact to continue to protect your skin as per its original intent. Your Podiatrist will also help to determine the causes of your callus and advise you on how to reduce the rate of its formation in the future.
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