Calluses are a common foot condition, characterized by thickened, hardened patches of skin that often appear on the heels or soles. While they may seem like a minor cosmetic nuisance, calluses can cause significant pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking if not properly managed.
Left untreated, they may even signal underlying foot issues, such as improper footwear or excessive pressure, that could lead to more serious complications. Understanding why calluses form and how to prevent them is key to maintaining healthy, comfortable feet.
What Causes Calluses on Your Feet?
A foot callus is when the skin on your feet (typically around the heel area) thickens in response to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. While they serve as a protective mechanism, persistent calluses can lead to discomfort and signal underlying issues.
So, why do you get calluses? Below, we explore what causes calluses on the bottom of your feet, with practical examples and tailored solutions to prevent and manage them.
Friction From Shoes
Ill-fitting footwear, such as tight shoes, high heels, or loose sandals, creates constant rubbing against the skin. This friction prompts the skin to thicken as a defense mechanism, forming calluses, often on the heels, toes, or sides of the feet.
For example, wearing narrow high heels can rub against the toes, while flip-flops allow the feet to slide, causing friction on the soles.
Choose properly sized shoes with ample cushioning and support. Opt for breathable materials like leather to reduce friction.
Use padded insoles or silicone shoe inserts to minimize rubbing, and alternate shoe types to avoid repetitive friction on the same areas.
Pressure Points
Certain areas of the foot, such as the heel or the ball of the foot, endure more pressure during walking or standing, especially in activities like running or prolonged standing. This excessive pressure compresses the skin, triggering callus formation.
Long periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces often lead to a callus on the bottom of the foot, especially under the heel or ball, where pressure is greatest.
Wear supportive shoes with arch support and cushioned soles to evenly distribute pressure. Consider custom orthotics for high-pressure areas.
Take breaks to rest your feet during long periods of standing, and use padded socks to absorb impact to avoid a painful callus on your foot.
Foot Deformities
Structural foot conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or high arches alter how pressure is distributed across the foot. These deformities create uneven contact with the ground, leading to calluses in areas of abnormal stress, such as:
For example, a bunion can lead to a callus on the side of the big toe, while other deformities, like hammertoes, may cause a callus on the big toe itself or on the tops of bent toes due to uneven pressure.
Consult a podiatrist to assess foot deformities and explore corrective options, such as custom orthotics or specialized footwear. Use protective pads or toe separators to reduce pressure on affected areas, and avoid tight shoes that exacerbate deformities.
Improper Gait
An abnormal walking pattern or gait, such as overpronation (rolling the foot inward) or supination (rolling outward), can place uneven pressure on specific parts of the foot. Over time, this imbalance promotes callus formation in areas that bear excessive strain.
For example, someone who walks heavily on the outer edges of their feet may develop calluses along the sides.
Visit a podiatrist for a gait analysis to identify and correct improper walking patterns. Orthotic inserts can help stabilize the foot and promote even weight distribution.
Practice exercises to strengthen foot and ankle muscles, and wear supportive shoes designed for your gait type.
Lack of Foot Hygiene or Moisture
Dry, cracked skin on the feet, often due to neglecting regular foot care, makes the skin more prone to thickening and callus formation. Without adequate moisture, dead skin cells accumulate, and the skin becomes less flexible, exacerbating callus buildup.
For instance, skipping moisturizer after long days of walking can lead to hardened patches on the heels.
Moisturize daily with a thick, hydrating cream or lotion containing urea or glycerin to soften skin and promote natural shedding. Exfoliate regularly with a pumice stone or foot file to remove dead skin.
Soak feet in warm water with epsom salts or vinegar weekly to hydrate and loosen calluses.
Heel Callus: Why It Forms and How to Treat It
Managing and preventing calluses requires a combination of consistent self-care and, when necessary, professional intervention. By incorporating simple daily habits and using the right tools, you can keep your feet smooth, comfortable, and callus-free.
Below are actionable steps for treating existing calluses and preventing new ones, along with professional treatment options for stubborn cases.
Home Remedies for Callus on Feet
Incorporate these simple steps into your daily routine to treat calluses and keep your feet smooth and healthy.
Soaking and Exfoliating
Soaking softens thickened skin, making it easier to remove. Fill a basin with warm water and add ½ cup of Epsom salts or ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar to hydrate and loosen dead skin.
Soak your feet for 10–15 minutes, then gently exfoliate with a pumice stone, foot file, or exfoliating scrub. Focus on callused areas like the heels or balls of the feet, but avoid over-scrubbing to prevent irritation.
Do this 2–3 times a week. Over-the-counter pumice stones or metal foot files are affordable and effective.
Moisturization
Dry skin exacerbates callus formation, so keeping feet hydrated is crucial. Apply a thick, hydrating foot cream or lotion containing urea, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid nightly to lock in moisture and soften skin.
For extra hydration, apply cream after soaking, then wear cotton socks overnight to seal it in. This promotes natural skin shedding and prevents cracks that lead to calluses.
Proper Footwear
Wearing the right shoes reduces friction and pressure that cause calluses. Choose footwear with adequate cushioning, arch support, and a wide toe box to prevent rubbing.
Avoid high heels or tight shoes for prolonged periods, and opt for breathable materials like leather or mesh. For sandals, use cushioned inserts to minimize sliding.
Rotate shoes daily to avoid repetitive pressure on the same areas.
Professional Treatments for Painful Callus on Foot
For persistent or painful calluses, professional care can offer more effective solutions tailored to your needs.
Podiatric Care
If home remedies aren’t enough, consult a podiatrist for expert treatment. They can perform debridement, safely removing thickened skin with sterile tools to relieve discomfort. Professional callus removal performed by a podiatrist ensures that thickened skin is safely and effectively eliminated without damaging healthy tissue.
Podiatrists may also recommend custom orthotics to correct gait issues or redistribute pressure, preventing callus recurrence. For underlying conditions like bunions or hammertoes, they can suggest specialized footwear or corrective measures.
Foot Care Tools
Professional-grade tools can enhance at-home care for stubborn calluses. Medical-grade pumice stones or callus removers, like those from brands such as Tweezerman or Amope, are designed for tougher skin and are available at pharmacies or online.
Electric callus removers offer a convenient, powerful option for smoothing calluses. Always follow product instructions and avoid overuse to prevent skin damage.
Daily Prevention Tips
- Inspect Feet Regularly: Check for early signs of calluses or dry skin and address them promptly with moisturizer or exfoliation.
- Wear Supportive Socks: Choose cushioned, moisture-wicking cotton or wool socks to reduce friction and keep feet hydrated.
- Alternate Footwear: Switch between shoe types to vary pressure points and avoid overuse of sandals or heels.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain overall skin hydration, which supports healthy skin shedding.
By combining these home remedies, professional treatments, and preventive habits, you can effectively manage calluses and maintain comfortable, healthy feet. For tailored advice or stubborn calluses, a podiatrist can provide the expertise needed to keep your feet in top shape.
Callus on Heels: Prevention and Removal Tips
Preventing calluses requires a proactive approach to foot care that addresses the root causes of their formation. By focusing on proper footwear, consistent foot care routines, and healthy habits, you can keep your feet smooth, comfortable, and callus-free.
Below are key strategies to maintain long-term foot health and minimize the risk of calluses.
Proper Footwear
Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes is one of the most effective ways to prevent calluses. Shoes that are too tight, loose, or lack proper support can cause friction and pressure, leading to thickened skin.
Choose shoes with adequate arch support, cushioning, and enough room for your toes to move freely. For example, athletic shoes with padded insoles or leather dress shoes with a wide toe box can reduce stress on your feet.
Avoid prolonged use of high heels or flimsy sandals, which increase friction and pressure.
Consider custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist to redistribute pressure evenly across your feet, especially if you have high arches, flat feet, or other structural issues. Orthotics can correct alignment and prevent calluses by minimizing excessive pressure on specific areas.
Regular Foot Care
A consistent foot care routine is essential to prevent dead skin buildup and maintain soft, healthy skin. Exfoliate your feet 1–2 times a week using a pumice stone, foot file, or gentle scrub to remove dead skin before it hardens into calluses.
Follow up with a thick, hydrating moisturizer containing ingredients like urea, glycerin, or shea butter to lock in moisture and keep skin flexible. For an extra boost, soak your feet weekly in warm water mixed with Epsom salts or a splash of vinegar to soften skin and promote natural shedding.
Keep exfoliating tools clean and replace them every 1–2 months to avoid bacteria buildup. Apply moisturizer at night and wear cotton socks to help the cream penetrate deeply while you sleep.
Healthy Habits
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can significantly reduce the likelihood of callus formation.
- Stretching: Incorporate daily foot and ankle stretches to improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and promote healthy blood flow. Simple exercises like toe curls, ankle rotations, or stretching the Achilles tendon can relieve tension and prevent uneven pressure on the feet.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces excess pressure on your feet, particularly on the heels and balls of the feet, which are prone to calluses. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you achieve and sustain a healthy weight, easing the strain on your feet during daily activities.
When to See a Podiatrist
While many calluses can be managed at home with proper foot care, such as moisturizing, exfoliating, and wearing well-fitted shoes, some cases require professional attention. Persistent, painful, or recurring calluses may indicate underlying issues that need a podiatrist’s expertise.
Knowing when to seek help can prevent discomfort and potential complications.
- Persistent Pain or Discomfort: If calluses cause ongoing pain, tenderness, or difficulty walking despite home treatments, a podiatrist can assess for deeper issues, such as abnormal pressure points or foot deformities.
- Recurring Calluses: Calluses that keep returning in the same spot, even after proper care, may signal structural problems like bunions, hammertoes, or improper gait.
- Signs of Infection: Redness, swelling, warmth, or pus around a callus could indicate an infection, especially if the skin is cracked or you have conditions like diabetes.
- Thick or Large Calluses: Excessively thick or widespread calluses that resist home exfoliation may need professional removal to restore comfort.
- Underlying Foot Conditions: If you suspect conditions like high arches, flat feet, or abnormal gait are contributing to callus formation, a podiatrist can provide tailored solutions.
A podiatrist will thoroughly examine your feet, assess your gait, and evaluate your footwear to identify the root cause of your calluses. Common treatments include:
- Professional Debridement: Safely removing thickened skin with specialized tools to relieve pain and restore smooth skin.
- Custom Orthotics: Prescribing inserts to correct pressure distribution and prevent callus recurrence.
- Footwear Recommendations: Advising on shoes that reduce friction and support your foot structure.
- Treatment for Underlying Conditions: Addressing deformities like bunions or hammertoes with padding, bracing, or, in rare cases, corrective surgery.
- Preventive Care Plans: Providing personalized strategies, such as specific moisturizers or exercises, to maintain healthy feet.
Take Charge of Your Foot Health, Call Dr. Elizabeth Auger, DPM
Calluses may be a common occurrence, but they don’t have to become a persistent problem. By addressing their causes—such as friction, pressure, or neglect—with proper footwear, regular moisturizing, and proactive foot care, you can keep your feet smooth, comfortable, and healthy.
For stubborn or painful calluses, seeking a podiatrist’s expertise can provide lasting relief and prevent complications. Prioritize your foot health today by taking simple steps to care for your feet and addressing issues early.
Don’t let calluses slow you down—schedule an appointment with a trusted podiatrist like Dr. Elizabeth Auger in Salt Lake City. Contact us today at (801) 396-9743 to step confidently toward healthier feet.
If you’ve never injured an ankle, broken a toe, or found yourself unable to put your weight on your feet in the morning, well then, you’re lucky. At some point in our lives (be it while joining in group sports or dealing with multiple health issues as a senior) not having healthy feet will prevent us from doing what we’ve always assumed was going to be possible.
The first depictions of high heels date all the way back to ancient Egypt. Initially made popular by Persian male equestrians in the 1400’s (to help them stand up in their straps and aim firearms). They later became a fashion statement (for men), crossing over into Europe in the 1500’s and adopted by aristocratic men who felt that standing higher than others would be intimidating – and sort of scary. It was all about nobility, rather than comfort or mobility.