Foot Calluses
The skin protects our body from all kinds of exterior threats and stresses. In places where the outer layer of skin is exposed to stress (especially pressure and shear force or friction), the body adapts itself by forming a callus – a thickened area of skin that protects the exposed location. Importantly, foot calluses can be prevented with preventive foot health practices.
"Corns" are essentially the same as calluses - thickening of the skin in response to pressure or friction. Calluses are more common on the toes, but can form in the ball and heel areas of the feet. Calluses generally occur over a larger area of the skin than corns. Corns are usually thicker and are more concentrated in a smaller area – most commonly on the tops and sides of the toes. "Soft" corns often occur on the sides of toes that adjoin other toes where friction or pressure is present. Corns can also occur under calluses or can be surrounded by them. Also called "hyperkeratosis," "clavus," "heloma" and "tyloma," corns and calluses are often preconditions to ulcers in the diabetic foot. Although callus formation is a natural reaction of the body to pressure and friction stresses, it is important not to allow them to become too large or painful; and proper preventive foot health practices can help keep this from happening.
| Cause |
 Why do I get calluses on my feet?
- During any activity the feet are under stress and trauma, largely because of poorly designed and fitted shoes, and the inherent problem of a dynamic foot in a static shoe. The body’s response to the repetitive pressure and shear forces between certain areas of the dynamic foot and static shoe is to create calluses to protect the skin from the repetitive pressure and shear forces occurring.
- Anomalies of the feet create unusual pressure points that contribute to the formation of calluses (for example, hammertoes expose the skin on the top of the toes to pressure and friction that results in calluses, and bunions also expose the skin to pressure and rubbing in the protruding area).
- Risk of calluses increases with participation in vigorous activities, such as running, tennis, basketball, hiking and other activities.
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| Prevention |
The Integrated Comfort Solution™ (consisting of Thorlos engineered padded socks, an insert or orthotic as necessary, and properly designed and fitted shoes or boots) is the only clinically proven method to date that provides proactive protection against calluses and corns:
- The Thorlos engineered padded sock component of the Integrated Comfort Solution is the only clinically proven engineered sock that,
when fitted properly using the ICS method, to date provides proactive protection against calluses and corns. The acrylic fibers provide moisture wicking properties that help maintain an optimal environment (warm and moist) for the skin of the feet (not too wet, but also not too dry). Thorlos also help prevent blisters, which often precede the formation of calluses.
- Inserts that provide cushioning and proper arch support help reduce stress on the feet to reduce the possibility of abnormal pressure points and overstress in areas where calluses may form. In serious cases of diabetic neuropathy where people are at high risk of ulceration, custom orthotics may be necessary to help prevent calluses and damage to the skin of the feet.
- Properly designed and fitted shoes or boots will have few seams and raised areas that can cause pressure points or rub the skin and cause calluses to form.
- As always, proper fitting of the three components, as a system, of the Integrated Comfort Solution helps assure minimal pressure, friction and shear on the feet.
- Check the feet at least a few times a week to see if any red or rough areas have formed. If there is indication of unusual or severe pressure points, consider getting fitted with a new Integrated Comfort Solution.
- Do not try to cut or remove a callus on your own. Gentle paring with a pumice stone or an emery board may help reduce the callus if it is enlarged; but people with diabetes should NEVER try to cut, file or debride a callus. It is always preferable to see a medical professional such as a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) or a dermatologist.
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| Medical Issues |
What are the dangers of calluses?
- Corns and calluses typically are not a serious issue; however, they can precede ulceration in people with diabetic neuropathy or other forms of neuropathy and insensitivity in the feet.
- Calluses may also be the result of other more serious issues like foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or of improper weight bearing in walking or running gait. In such cases it is advisable to see a DPM or your physician.
Remember, ALWAYS consult your physician if you have pain, redness or other indications of problems in any area of your feet that persist for more than a few days.
Read more about calluses and corns here:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001232.htm
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| Socks for Calluses |
We recommend these socks for preventing calluses:
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Two years ago I purchased 6 pair as part of a breast cancer walk promotion. Recently I found I was wearing them so often that sometimes I would have to wear other socks because all six of my pink thorlos were in the hamper. So, I ordered another 5 pair. It wasn't that they were worn or anything, but being 2 years old, I was kind of expecting that new ones would be fluffier. Well, when the new ones arrived, I saw that the 2 year old socks were ju... read more
I have bad feet. I tend to have corns and calluses as well as very tender skin. I needed a supportive sock to enable me to walk long distances without my feet hurting. I have been wearing Thorlo socks for the past ten years. Needless to say, I am very satisfied with their durability and comfort. 
