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Calluses are rough, thickened areas of skin that often appear on the feet. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists, with offices in Elgin, Schaumburg, Huntley, and the Montclare neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, the board-certified podiatrists treat calluses and ensure they don’t compromise your foot health. Call the location nearest you or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about calluses.
Calluses are thickened areas of skin that frequently develop on the hands or feet. On the feet, calluses often affect weight-bearing areas, such as the heels, toes, and balls of the feet. Areas of friction also commonly develop calluses.
While calluses typically aren’t dangerous, they can be a health risk for individuals with diabetes.
Thick, rough skin on the feet is also uncomfortable and can be a cosmetic concern for many adults. Over time, calluses can crack, making them difficult to treat on your own.
Common signs of calluses include:
Many people with calluses also get corns. These small, raised bumps have a hard center with surrounding inflamed skin. Corns typically take up a smaller surface area than calluses, but they can be sore and painful.
Any type of pressure and friction can raise your risk of calluses and corns. Common causes of calluses include:
Many foot deformities, including bunions, hammertoe, and bone spurs, can cause your feet to rub against your shoes.
Wearing tight, narrow, or uncomfortable shoes can put pressure on certain areas of your feet. Alternatively, wearing shoes that are too loose increases friction against your skin.
Socks form a tight seal around your feet. They provide a soft barrier between your skin and shoes. Not wearing socks removes this protective barrier and increases your risk of calluses.
Your podiatrist at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists may recommend a combination of treatments for calluses, including:
Using a surgical blade to remove a callus is another safe, nonsurgical treatment your podiatrist may perform.
There are many adjustments you can make to prevent new calluses in the future. After removing your existing callus, your podiatrist may recommend:
To learn more about calluses, call Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.