• Dead skin cells that build up and harden

• Commonly occur on the ball of the foot, heel, and the big toe

• Like poor tread wear on automobile tires, callus is often an indicator of structural foot problems

What causes it?

• Occurs as the body's natural response to excessive friction and pressure
• High-heeled and poorly fitting shoes, abnormal gait (the mechanics of how one walks), flat feet, high arched feet, bony prominences, being overweight, and deterioration of the fat pad on the bottom of the foot can all cause callus formation

Signs and Symptoms

• Buildup of dry, hard skin on the big toe, heel, and ball of the foot
• Can become painful

Prevention and Treatments

• Prescription custom orthotics to help correct the structural foot problems causing the callus
• Special padding to offload specific problem areas of the foot, and cushioning of the callused area
• Callus reduction using a surgical scalpel is an effective method to eliminate buildup
  Note: never try removing callus yourself with a razor blade or sharp instrument. Serious injury or infections can occur. See your Chiropodist for safe, effective callus treatment, especially if you have diabetes
• Possibly prescription custom footwear, depending on the severity of the problem
• Avoid wearing high-heeled and poorly fitting shoes. For an illustration of what to look for in footwear at your local shoe store for your type foot, click here. Your Chiropodist can provide further footwear advice

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