What Are Plantar Calluses?
Calluses are thickened, hardened areas of skin that develop on the soles of the feet due to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. They often cause discomfort and can lead to pain if left untreated. While common among older adults, anyone can develop calluses from ill-fitting shoes, walking abnormalities, or underlying health conditions.
Why Do Plantar Calluses Form?
Calluses occur when the skin tries to protect itself from excessive pressure or friction. Common causes include:
– Wearing tight, small, or unsupportive footwear.
– Abnormal foot structure (e.g., bunions, flat feet).
– Walking habits that unevenly distribute weight on the feet.
– Medical conditions like diabetes or nerve damage.b
– Aging (reduced fat padding on the soles).
Why Do Plantar Calluses Form?
– Thick, rough, or yellowish skin patches.
– Tenderness or pain when pressure is applied.
– Dry or flaky skin around the affected area.
Effective Callus Treatment and Plantar Callus Removal
1. Soak and Exfoliate:
Soak your feet daily and use a pumice stone to gently remove plantar calluses. Learn how a pumice stone works to safely exfoliate your skin.
2. Moisturize Regularly:
Apply a callus softener homemade or urea-based cream to soften hardened plantar calluses.
3. Use Medicated Products:
Salicylic acid pads can aid in callus treatment and plantar callus removal.
4. Wear Proper Footwear:
Opt for cushioned shoes to prevent plantar callus heel pressure and reduce discomfort.
5. Medical Interventions:
Severe cases may require medical interventions to provide proper callus pain relief.
How to Prevent Plantar Calluses
- Opt for Comfort: Wear shoes that fit well and match your foot shape.
- Fix Your Walk: Correct walking/posture habits to distribute weight evenly.
- Check Your Feet Daily: Especially if you have diabetes or nerve issues.
- Use Orthotics: Custom insoles can reduce pressure points.
Callus Pain Relief: When to See a Doctor
Consult a healthcare provider if:
- The callus becomes painful, inflamed, or infected.
- You have diabetes or poor circulation (self-treatment risks complications).
- Home remedies fail to improve the condition.
FAQs About Plantar Calluses
How to get rid of plantar callus?
You can get rid of plantar calluses with regular soaking, pumice stone exfoliation, moisturizers, and callus treatment creams.
What is callus?
A callus is a thickened skin area, often found on feet. Plantar calluses form due to friction and pressure.
How does pumice stone work?
A pumice stone gently removes dead skin layers, making plantar callus removal easier.
How to stop getting calluses on feet?
Wear proper footwear, use cushioned insoles, and maintain daily foot hygiene.
How to remove calluses at home?
Soak your feet, use a pumice stone or callus softener homemade, and moisturize regularly.
