Calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that form as a response to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation.

They’re your body’s natural way of protecting skin from further damage. Calluses usually turn up on our hands and feet, but can also form on other areas of the body, such as on the elbows and knees.

If a callus has become painful or irritated, it’s important to take appropriate measures to reduce the discomfort. Identifying the cause of the callus is a crucial first step in providing the right treatment. Here, we’ll look at calluses on the feet, providing information on the signs, causes, and treatments.

What are Calluses?

Calluses are areas of skin that have become thicker due to prolonged pressure or friction. They typically develop on the hands and feet, forming on the palms, knuckles, fingertips, and toes. Sometimes, they form on the feet’s soles, heel, and edges.

Calluses range in size from pea-sized to much larger depending on the area of the body affected and the degree of pressure/friction involved. They’re usually painless, but some people experience discomfort due to tenderness in the area.

Calluses on the Feet

The feet are a common place for calluses to form due to the pressure they endure from walking and standing. Some of the most common areas for calluses to develop on the feet include the big toe, the heel, and the balls of the feet.

Painful Calluses on Feet

The most common symptom of calluses on the feet is discomfort. If a callus is painful, it may be caused by the underlying pressure or friction that generated the callus in the first place. Foot calluses most often cause discomfort when individuals attempt to walk or stand without proper footwear support or when pressure is placed directly on the callus.

Callus on Big Toe

Calluses on the big toes are common due to the constant pressure these areas experience. Friction from the top of the shoes can make your skin thicken in an effort to guard itself from further injury. These areas may become painful when walking or standing and can cause significant levels of discomfort.

Callus on Bottom of Foot

Calluses on the bottom of the foot often cause pain when walking, often due to their size and shape. These calluses are usually wider than calluses on other parts of the foot and can be more difficult to examine. As with all calluses, proper footwear and regular foot care can help reduce the formation of calluses on the bottom of the foot and relieve discomfort caused by existing ones.

Treatment for Calluses

There are several ways to treat calluses on the feet. Home remedies might include soaking the feet in Epsom salts or other mild solutions, exfoliating the area with a pumice stone, or regularly using moisturizing lotions or creams. In some cases, over-the-counter salicylic or lactic acid pads may help reduce the thickness of the callus.

If home remedies don't provide relief, a podiatrist is the best option. Podiatrists are able to examine the area and recommend the right course of action. They may prescribe additional medications or suggest the use of orthotics to reduce.