|
A Callous is formed from a build up of dead skin on the foot. Generally found on heels, on the ball of the foot or the side of the big toe, the appearance may be bulbous and red, or flaky and dry. Callouses are caused by uneven pressure on the part of the foot affected and develop over time, often months and even years.
|
|
A callous can develop for two main reasons. The first of these is attributed to irritation caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes which often rub against certain parts of the foot when walking. The other reason in callous formation is uneven pressure to certain areas of the foot.
When we walk or run, the feet will adapt to each situation by evenly distributing the body weight over the surface of the foot. When this mechanism is imprecise or ineffective, some parts of the foot come under more pressure than others resulting in callous formation on these parts.
While the symptoms of a callous are easily treated by abrasion with a pumice stone they will almost certainly return of the underlying cause is not addressed. Often the answer is to wear well-fitted footwear and minimise the time spent in other footwear designed for fashion rather than function. A well fitted shoe will shift the weight distribution in the foot naturally over the surface of the foot, resulting in less hard skin and callous formation.
|
|
When callouses are formed as a result of a particular walking style or gait, this can often be corrected with orthotic devices which can be worn in the shoe to correct the problem and equalise the weight distribution. Orthotic devices can be custom made for each individual's specific problem. If you are prone to callouses Glossop Chiropody will be happy to assess the likely causes and offer the necessary course of treatment.
|
|
|
