Calluses

A callus is an area of hard, thickened skin that can occur across the ball of the foot, on the heel, or on the outer side of the big toe. While many consider calluses a skin problem, they actually are systemic of a problem with the bone.

Calluses have painful nerves and bursal sacs, fluid-filled balloons that act as shock absorbers beneath them, causing symptoms ranging from sharp, shooting pain to dull, aching soreness. Calluses form from repeated friction and pressure, as the shoe or walking surface rubs against a bony prominence or bone spur on the toe or foot. The skin thickens in response to this pressure.

Small amounts of friction or pressure over long periods of time cause a callus. A great deal of friction or pressure over shorter periods of time can cause blisters or open sores. Calluses typically develop under the long bone that forms the ball of the foot that is carrying more than its fair share of the body weight.