Fact Checked
Plantar callus on the bottom of the foot or the ball of the foot is a thickened and hardened skin that develops between the heel and toes that cause severe pain. It causes pain when performing activities such as walking difficult and uncomfortable. Generally, the skin that develops into a callus can be grayish or yellowish and can be dry, hard and flaky.
A callus develops due to excessive pressure placed on one area of the foot that results to an abnormal distribution of weight.
Causes of a plantar callus
- Repeated friction or pressure on the area
- Wearing poorly fitting shoes or socks
- Bone deformities
- Bunions
- Excessive running or walking
- Flat feet
- Hallux valgus of the big toe
- Fracture of the foot that result to an abnormal distribution of weight
Treatment
- At first, soak the feet in warm water and mild soap foot bath to soften the skin and for easy removal of the callus. Generally, avoid using hot water to prevent drying out of the skin and cause irritation. If suffering from diabetes, wash the affected area using lukewarm water and a mild soap. Dry the feet very well and then moisturize the area using lotion, petroleum jelly or a baby oil. Another alternative is soaking the area in lemon juice for at least 10 minutes to soften and easy removal of the callus.
- After soaking the feet, use a pumice stone or a foot file or an emery board in removing dead skin the calluses. In addition, another alternative is using a wash cloth to scrub the dead skin. Dry the skin and apply moisturize the area to keep the area soft and flexible.
- Use over-the-counter unmedicated pads for the shoes to protect other areas of the feet.
- Use the prescribed callus-removing medication such as patches that has a 40% salicylic acid solution to soften the area and for easy removal of the callus.
- Wear custom-made inserts for the shoe to fix deformity of the foot and lessen the chance of developing a callus.
- Apply moisturizers on the feet every day to maintain softness of the skin before going to bed at night.
- Massage the affected feet to increase blood circulation in the area.
- Make a foot mask by mixing 1 tablespoon of Vaseline or other similar products and the juice of 1 lemon. Generally, mix them together in a bowl and then apply the mixture on the affected area and wear a sock on the feet when sleeping at night. Wipe off excess Vaseline using a towel in the morning.
- Lastly, avoid crossing the leg when sitting or resting to prevent problems with circulation and worsen the condition.
Tips
- Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose. In addition, wear padded shoes with open toes.
- Wear thick socks that absorbs pressure and avoid wearing stockings or tight socks
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/plantar-callus
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/symptoms-causes/syc-20355946
https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/dermatologists-share-tips-for-treating-corns-and-calluses