Do you find that one or both of your feet are regularly covered by calluses in certain areas? A callus is your body’s way to providing a little extra protection to an area that is on the receiving end of extra stress or friction. This thickened skin can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable and unsightly, which leads many people to want to get rid of these formations. But how can you get rid of ever-present calluses? First, you need to understand why they are developing and attack the problem from there.
In today’s blog, we explain why you may regularly have calluses and how to treat them.
Chronic Callus Formation
The frequent presence of a callus isn’t usually a cause for grave concern, but it can tell you that a specific area of your body is handling more stress than normal. Learning why these calluses form can help dictate the best path forward if you hope to help the callus resolve. Here’s a look at why calluses may be forming, and how to alleviate them.
Poorly Fitting Shoes – First and foremost, check your shoes. If you’re wearing shoes that are too tight, that aren’t up for the physical demands of your day or that aren’t the right shape for your foot, it could be causing calluses to form. Think about what shoes you wear regularly when calluses form, and see if swapping to a more supportive pair takes care of your calluses.
Varying Individual Stress Patterns – Every person has a slightly different gait and way in which stress is dispersed across their feet. If you have higher arches, flat feet, bunions or hammertoes, stress may end up being channeled across your foot in different ways, and certain spots can end up being overloaded. Adding a generic or custom orthotic insert can work to shift how stress is displaced on your foot so that certain areas aren’t overloaded with stress.
Too Much Standing – It’s also possible that you put too much stress on your feet because you’re constantly up and moving. If you work a manual labor day, you may put a lot of stress on your feet throughout the day. Wearing the right shoes for the job and adding custom orthotic inserts can help comfort your feet throughout the day. If you’re regularly on your feet for an extended period, consider giving your feet a break when you can. That’s not to say you should be inactive, but consider pursuing some low-impact activities or exercises instead of running or doing a workout with a lot of jumping or pushing off with your feet. Limit stress on your feet when possible.
Manage Your Weight – As we’ve noted, calluses tend to form when an area if overstressed, and when you’re heavier, your feet an inherently handling more stress when you’ve moving. Working to shed a little weight can be beneficial for your health in many ways, but it may also help to resolve your calluses.
Dry, Bare Feet – Finally, if you walk around barefoot, your feet will not have the extra layer of protection offered by a shoe, and it may force the foot to add some natural protection of its own. Similarly, dry skin can contribute to callus formation, so wearing socks and shoes can help prevent against callus formation.
If you’re concerned about a painful or uncomfortable callus, or you have questions about a different foot issue, consider connecting with Dr. Silverman or clicking around on other helpful blogs on the site.