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NEWS
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New
Balance, Brooks, Saucony, Finn Comfort Sandals, JUST A FEW
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Calluses
Definition
Callus formation is an accumulation of dead skin
cells that harden and thicken over an area of the foot. This callus
formation is our bodies 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.
Cause
Calluses develop due to 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.
Treatment
and Prevention
Many people try to alleviate the pain caused by calluses by cutting or
trimming them with a razor blade or knife. This is not the way to
properly treat calluses. This is very dangerous and can worsen the
condition resulting in unnecessary injuries. Diabetics especially
should never try this type of treatment.
In order to relieve the excessive pressure that leads to callus formation,
weight should be redistributed equally with the use of an orthotic.
An effective orthotic transfers pressure away from the “hot spots”
or high pressured areas to allow the callus to heal. The orthotic
should be made with materials that absorb shock and shear (friction) forces.
Women should also steer away from wearing high-heeled shoes.
As
always, surgery should be the very last resort. If the problem persists,
consult your foot doctor.
Back
to List of Foot Conditions
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