What is callus?
Callus is an area of thickened, hard skin that may appear yellowish in colour. It can occur in a number of places on the foot, commonly on the heel area.
What causes callus?
There are a number of causes for callus to form, these include; excessive pressure over bony areas, poorly-fitting shoes and excessive walking or running. However, some people have a naturally excessive production of callus for no obvious reason.
What should I do if I have callus?
If you have callus formation then you should arrange an appointment with us.
Podiatry treatment for callus
Callus can easily be reduced in a treatment session by your podiatrist using a scalpel blade. This pain-free treatment aims to reduce pain or discomfort, restore normal appearance and improve skin function.
Callus is a symptom of underlying problems so self-treatment should only be attempted once a diagnosis of the underlying condition and advice on how to best manage it, is gained from a podiatrist.
Over the counter callus remedies treat the callus but do not treat the cause.
Podiatric management of callus at our Podiatry clinic includes:
- A thorough assessment to determine the cause of the callus
- Implementation of a management / treatment plan
- The management plan could consist of:
- Maintenance appointments to keep the callus reduced
- Use of padding to prevent the pressure
- Footwear fitting advice
- Provision of foot orthotics or supports to relieve the pressure under the foot.
- It is especially important that those with diabetes or poor circulation see a podiatrist for the management of callus.