Redmond Physical Therapy Calluses

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Redmond Physical Therapy
Symptoms & Pathologies

Calluses:

Calluses are areas of accumulated dead skin found on the bottom of the feet. The most common calluses are found on the balls of the feet. These areas of hard dead skin can be diffuse, and spread over a broad area, or they can be localized to a small area, and be very deep. Both types can be very uncomfortable. Caluses

Causes: Calluses are the result of an underlying problem which exists in the foot. The normal foot can carry our weight comfortably, without the formation of calluses and pain. When a callus occurs, it signifies a change is occurring in our metatarsals (the long bones of our feet to which our toes connect). We have five metatarsals, and they each carry a portion of our body weight as we walk. When one or more metatarsals carry more weight then they are supposed to, the skin under these bones becomes thick, hard, and painful.

Treatment:

To provide relief from callus pain, the abnormal weight the callused area is carrying must be reduced and re-directed to the rest of the foot. Therapists agree that the easiest and most cost effective way to accomplish this goal is with the use of Orthotics. These are comfortable, long lasting, medical devices which are made from molds of your feet. Orthotics with proper footwear can alleviate callus pain by performing the following functions:

Adjusting and accommodating for any abnormal walking patterns you have, such as pronation (a twisting of the foot outward, so that as you walk you apply more weight on the inner border of your foot). Pronation, and other biomechanical defects such as intoeing, outtoeing, high arches, etc... affect the way weight is distributed across the balls of our feet when we walk. Orthotics allow the feet to function in a normal (neutral) position when they strike the ground, rather than in a twisted (malaligned) position, thus removing the excessive weight and pressure from painful calluses. The same pair of orthotics can be used in your dress or athletic shoes (you will need only one pair to provide you with comfort in all of your activities).

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Disclaimer: This website is an information and education resource for health professionals and individuals with foot problems. It is not intended to be a service for patients and should not be regarded as a source of medical or diagnostic information, or used as a substitute for professional medical instruction or advice. Not all conditions and treatment modalities are described on this website. Any liability (in negligence or otherwise) arising from any third party acting, or refraining from acting, on any information contained on this website is hereby excluded.