The formation of calluses is caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells that harden and thicken over an area of the foot. This callus formation is the body's defense mechanism to protect the foot against excessive pressure and friction. Calluses are normally found on the ball-of-the-foot, the heel, and/or the inside of the big toe.

Some calluses have a deep seated core known as a nucleation. This particular type of callus can be especially painful to pressure. This condition is often referred to as Intractable Plantar Keratosis.

Calluses develop because of excessive pressure at a specific area of the foot. Some common causes of callus formation are high-heeled dress shoes, shoes that are too small, obesity, abnormalities in the gait cycle (walking motion), flat feet, high arched feet, bony prominences, and the loss of the fat pad on the bottom of the foot.

Computer Gait Analysis showing feet with calluses.

Treatment Overview

To relieve the excessive pressure that leads to callus formation, weight should be redistributed equally with the use of an orthotic. Our orthotics transfers pressure away from the "hot spots" or high pressured areas to allow the callus to heal. Our orthotics are made with materials that absorb shock and shear (friction) forces.

Correct footwear can be one of the keys to preventing, recovering from, and preventing the reoccurrence of, calluses.