Foot Calluses

What Is A Foot Callus?

Callus is a thickened and hardened area of skin that develops in response to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. Unlike corns, calluses are generally larger and occur in weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as:

Calluses are typically not painful but can become uncomfortable if they grow excessively or if cracks develop in the thickened skin.

How Do You Get Calluses On Your Feet?

Calluses form on the feet due to:

Repetitive pressure and friction: This occurs from walking, running, or standing for prolonged periods.

Improper footwear: Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or have thin soles can cause pressure points on the foot.

Abnormal foot mechanics: Uneven weight distribution, flat feet, or high arches can increase pressure in specific areas.

Barefoot walking: Regular barefoot activity on hard surfaces can stimulate callus formation.

Occupations or activities: Jobs or hobbies requiring prolonged standing or walking can contribute to calluses.

How To Treat A Callus

Our foot health practitioner will examine the affected area to confirm it’s a callus and not another condition, such as a wart or plantar keratosis.Your practitioner will also be able to identify the underlying cause, such as ill-fitting footwear or gait abnormalities.

Treatment Summary:
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Debridement

We start by gently removing the thickened skin using a sterile scalpel. This is painless because calluses are composed of dead skin.
This will immediately reduce pressure and discomfort in the area.

Moisturisation

Following debriding the callus, we’ll apply a urea-based moisturiser to soften and hydrate the skin, helping to prevent future hardening.

Padding and Insoles

We’ll suggest the use of cushioning insoles, offloading the area, or referral for custom orthotics to redistribute pressure across the foot.

Footwear Recommendations

We advise wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes with cushioned soles and wide toe boxes.
If possible, please avoid high heels or shoes with hard, inflexible soles.

Aftercare Advice

Avoid cutting or peeling calluses at home, which could cause injury or infection.
We recommend wearing comfortable socks that reduce friction.
Daily foot checks, and urea based moisturiser.

Foot Care For Everyone

Book An Appointment To Treat Your Foot Callus

If left untreated, a foot callus can become painful or inflamed and cracks in the callus may lead to infection. If you have diabetes or circulatory problems, your foot health care becomes a high priority. With regular care, calluses can be effectively managed and prevented from recurring.

Book an appointment at The Barefoot Clinic for just £35 and our friendly practitioner will help you put your best foot forward.

Not Sure What You Need?

If you’re unsure what treatment you need, we’ll be able to uncover your symptoms and recommend the required treatment during your appointment. You can also send us a photo via WhatsApp to see if we can identify the issue in advance.