Why Do We Get Foot Calluses?

Foot calluses are a common ailment for many.  Caused by the accumulation of dead skin cells, a callus usually occurs in areas of the foot where excess pressure occurs.  The most common areas for calluses to form include the heel, the underside of the big toe and the ball of the foot.

The formation of calluses is a normal function of the body, as it is a way for the skin to protect itself in areas of extreme pressure.  As the callus hardens and thickens it can become very sensitive to pressure.  As such, the weight bearing areas of the foot are the most common and painful spots for calluses to form.  

There are many causes of calluses, including over-pronation due to flat feet, high arches, wearing improper shoes such as high heeled shoes or shoes that are too small, biomechanical abnormalities, as well as obesity.  The build up of a callus is normal, but eventually it becomes too large and results in the body treating it as something foreign.

Calluses are only caused by pressure, or more accurately, excessive pressure, most often coupled with friction.  That is the only cause.  As such, calluses can really be viewed as a symptom of an underlying cause as opposed to an actual condition.  

What is the underlying cause? Often it is disfunction in the foot.  Flat feet caused by over-pronation results in undue pressure on the ball of the foot.  This excess pressure every time you take a step can cause the build up of a callus.  Eventually that callus gets so thick it starts to become painful.

Luckily, there is a simple way to take the pressure off of the ball of the foot and even correct the over-pronation.  Orthotic Arch Supports are designed to give support to the arch of the foot and to provide cushioning at critical areas of the feet which serves to minimize over-pronation.    It should be noted that over-pronating of the foot almost always leads to many other ailments both in the feet and other joint areas of the body.  
Calluses are a signal that there is foot imbalance.  If you are find yourself faced with painful calluses, a great solution is to consider using Orthotic Arch Supports.  Spenco Orthotic Arch Supports have been awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association and are available at TheInsoleStore.com.

TheInsoleStore features several brand Orthotic Arch Supports, Insoles and Cushions.  From the podiatrist recommended Spenco Insoles, to Superfeet Premium Insoles and Sof Sole Performance Insoles and others.  

Calluses are more common in women, possibly due to the use of high heeled shoes.  Apara has found a solution for those tender spots with their clear Gel Heel Cushions and Forefoot Cushions designed especially for woman.

Having a callus can be normal, but it should not be a source of intense pain.  With the proper sized footwear and the important addition of a quality foot orthotics or gel cushion, calluses will be minimized and foot pain avoided.