Should I Worry About My Calluses?

Calluses can be unsightly and even uncomfortable, but are they anything to worry about? Your Pennsauken and Turnersville, NJ podiatrists at Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC share some information that will help you decide if it's time to talk to your foot doctor about your calluses.

Why do I have calluses?

Friction causes calluses, which explains why they often occur on your feet. If your shoes don't fit well or your feet rub against the sides or bottoms of your shoes, your skin thickens in an attempt to protect your foot. Wearing shoes without socks also tends to increase friction. Although anyone can develop a callus, they're more likely to occur if you're female, particularly if you wear high heels or tight shoes regularly.

Can calluses cause problems?

Calluses can be uncomfortable, but they're usually just a minor annoyance. If you want to get rid of them, try softening them by soaking your feet in warm water for about 15 minutes every day. After you dry your feet, use a pumice stone to gently remove the excess layers of skin. Remove a small amount every day to avoid injuring your skin.

Are your calluses cracked? Ignoring them could cause painful infections. Any break in your skin, such as crack, can allow germs to enter your skin. Removing calluses promptly can help you avoid cracks, but home care isn't recommended if you have diabetes. Foot infections are more difficult to treat if you have diabetes and are slower to heal. If you have diabetes and want to get rid of calluses, let your foot doctor take care of the problem for you. A visit to your podiatrist is also a must if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, red streaks around the callus or a fever.

How can my foot doctor help?

Your podiatrist will reduce the depth of your calluses by shaving them down. They'll also perform a thorough examination to determine what factors may have contributed to your problem, such as an uneven gait or other foot issue. Often, correcting underlying issues can prevent future calluses.

Are you concerned about a callus? Call your Pennsauken and Turnersville, NJ, podiatrists at Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC to schedule an appointment.