Callus on The Bottom Of The Foot: What Are They & How To Prevent One

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Did you know a callus on the bottom of the foot is called a plantar callus? These tough, thickened pads of skin form on the surface of the bottom part of your foot which is called the plantar side. Plantar calluses commonly occur along the plantar fascia. Fascia is the thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes and the ball of the foot.

Your body weight is more or less equally distributed between your two feet. If any intrinsic (flat feet, bone deformities etc) or extrinsic (shoe, socks etc) factors disrupt body weight distribution and shift pressure to areas not used to that pressure (such as the ball of the feet), it causes the skin to harden as a defensive measure. The body responds by creating a callus on bottom of the foot.

This hardened thicker skin is called a plantar callus. These are generally more uncomfortable as opposed to calluses on the hands or at the dorsum of the foot. It is important to treat these to prevent them, as once they are fully formed they do have a tendency to recur.

how to get rid of callus on ball of foot

How To Remove Calluses From The Bottom Of Feet

To prevent a callus on the bottom of the foot, it’s good to have an understanding of what causes them. These medical conditions are often directly linked to thick, hard and sometimes painful patches of skin forming on the base of the foot:

Bunions
Flat feet (Pes Planus)
Big toe is not aligned and is pointing outward from the center of the body (Hallux valgus)
Mal-union of fracture (a previous fracture of a leg or foot bone that did not heal properly, leading to abnormal weight distribution)

In a lot of cases these conditions can, and do directly cause plantar calluses. The best way to get rid of them is by working out what is causing the irritation in that area first. Once you know the why, you can work out the best method of how to remove calluses from the bottom of feet. If you think you might have any of the above conditions, then it could be a good idea to visit your nearest podiatrist for professional help to correct these issues first.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Plantar Callus?

When you look closely, you can see the skin of a plantar callus is either a gray or yellowish color. The skin may also feel hard, rough, dry, and flaky to touch. It may feel painful when direct pressure is applied to the area.

They Can Grow Big

Plantar calluses can grow to quite a large size, covering a wide span of the heel or the ball of the foot. If you have unusually large ones, you would be best to see a professional to work out an effective plan of action to treat them.

Repetitive Actions Are A Cause

Plantar calluses can also be brought on by daily repetitive activities, such as standing, walking or running (mostly because of poorly fitting shoes). Here are some steps you can take to avoid calluses in the future:

Tips To Preventing A Callus on The Bottom Of The Foot

Buy callus cushions such as Dr Scholl’s round callus cushions you can wear inside your shoes to prevent pressure points

Wear comfortable shoes which fit properly – no pinching or squeezing- that ensure equal weight distribution

Regularly care for your feet using a good moisturizer after a soothing foot bath

Use a callus remover gel

Regularly use a large pedicure rasp. Rasping off dead skin every week goes a long way to stopping calluses forming in the first place and keeps the skin nice and smooth

How to Get Relief From The Symptoms
Reduce any stress on feet by walking less, or temporarily pausing high weight demand activities such as running, walking or hiking. Apply a pressure relieving band aid Moisturize the foot to relieve dryness Get a foot massage

Find The Source Of Pressure Or Friction That’s Triggering Callus Formations
Eliminate the source of pressure Change your shoes to more suitable ones that ensure equal weight distribution Purchase callus pads that are you can insert in the shoe

Easy At Home Treatment Methods For Treating A Plantar Callus On The Ball Of The Foot
Gently file away dead skin in the shower every day with a pumice stone Choose one of the most popular electric callus removers Callus removing cream or gel Callus shaver Callus Peels

Consider Getting Help From A Podiatrist If All Else Fails In Getting Rid Of Your Callus on The Bottom of The Foot
It’s definitely worth going to see your nearest podiatrist if you have unsuccessfully tried some of the methods above consistently for at least 2 weeks. Just as they take time to build up, it does take time and patience to remove them. The doctor will most likely use a super sharp scalpel to carefully trim away the dead skin. This procedure is called paring and is the most effective method. However, this should be used as a last resort (because of cost) and most cases are best treated using any one or a combination of the suggested methods above to remove a callus on the bottom of the foot..

Consider Getting Help From A Podiatrist If All Else Fails In Getting Rid Of Your Callus on The Bottom of The Foot

It’s definitely worth going to see your nearest podiatrist if you have unsuccessfully tried some of the methods above consistently for at least 2 weeks. Just as they take time to build up, it does take time and patience to remove them. The doctor will most likely use a super sharp scalpel to carefully trim away the dead skin. This procedure is called paring and is the most effective method. However, this should be used as a last resort (because of cost) and most cases are best treated using any one or a combination of the suggested methods above to remove a callus on the bottom of the foot..