Calluses

You might develop calluses if your skin regularly rubs against your shoes or socks. At Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, in Marrero, Louisiana, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons, Catherine Hudson, DPM, Denise Elliott, DPM, and the team offer specialized treatment for calluses, including in-office callus removal and prescription moisturizing cream. Call Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, today to receive treatment for calluses, or book your appointment online. 

What are calluses?

Calluses are rough, thickened areas of skin that form because of friction. They can occur anywhere on your body, but are most common on the weight-bearing areas, like your heels, big toes, or balls of your feet.

Almost everyone gets calluses occasionally. Often, they heal on their own, but if you have diabetes or another medical condition that affects your circulation, it’s important to get professional help.

How do calluses form?

Calluses form due to repeated pressure, irritation, or rubbing on or against your skin. It’s a defense mechanism your body uses to protect the underlying skin and soft tissues from damage. 

Who is at risk of getting calluses?

Anyone can develop calluses, but several factors can increase your risk, including:

• Wearing tight or narrow shoes
• Smoking 
• Abnormal alignment of the bones in your feet
• Walking without socks

Your hobbies or favorite activities may also contribute to calluses. For example, runners, hikers, and athletes are particularly susceptible to calluses.

Do calluses require medical care?

Make an appointment at Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, if you have calluses on the heels or balls of your feet and they occur alongside pain, redness, or blisters. That’s especially true if your symptoms affect your mobility or keep you from things like work and exercise. 

How are calluses diagnosed?

Your Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, provider reviews your medical records and examines the skin on your heels, toes, and soles of your feet. They gently press on the calluses to identify sensitive areas and ask about your job, hobbies, and how much time you spend on your feet. 

Next, your provider asks you to walk back and forth. They assess your gait and posture, checking to see if those factors contribute to the callus growth.

How are calluses treated?

The Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, team treats calluses using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. They may recommend:

• Soaking your callus in warm water several times daily
• Using a pumice stone or emery board to remove the callus
• Applying moisturizing cream to prevent dry skin
• Wearing larger or more comfortable shoes

If you have diabetes or another medical condition that affects blood flow to your feet, don’t try to treat calluses on your own. The Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, team can coordinate treatment with your primary care physician and develop a personalized plan that keeps your blood sugar levels in check while reducing your risk of slow-healing diabetic ulcers.

Call Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, today to explore the treatments for calluses, or make your appointment online.