Calluses

Calluses services offered in Louisville, Leitchfield, Elizabethtown and Shepherdsville, KY and Clarksville, Corydon and Jeffersonville, IN

You can develop calluses and corns when you have constant friction on your skin. As a callus thickens, it can cause pain. If you have calluses, turn to Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists. The podiatry team has the expertise to address your condition and provide effective treatment. They have convenient locations — Louisville, Leitchfield, Elizabethtown, Shepherdsville, Fern Creek, and Jeffersonville, Kentucky — so call the friendly office staff nearest you or book an appointment online today.

What are calluses?

Calluses are thickened and toughened areas of skin that develop in response to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. They’re a natural defense mechanism that the skin uses to protect itself from excessive stress.

Calluses often form on the hands, feet, or any other part of the skin that experiences repetitive friction or pressure.

Are calluses the same as corns?

Calluses and corns are related conditions, but they’re not exactly the same. While calluses are broad areas of thickened skin, corns are more focused and have a central core, often resembling a cone.

Corns usually develop on the tops or sides of toes, and they can be more painful than calluses.

How do calluses develop?

The development of calluses results from the skin’s response to repeated stress or irritation. Common causes include friction from:

Ill-fitting shoes
Prolonged periods of standing or walking
Repetitive use of tools or instruments without proper protection
Playing musical instruments that involve pressure on specific areas of the fingers

No matter how they form, calluses can be treated and managed.

How are calluses treated?

Treatment for calluses can alleviate symptoms, reduce the thickness of the callused skin, and address the underlying cause of friction or pressure. Approaches to managing calluses include:

Proper footwear

Wearing well-fitted shoes with sufficient cushioning and support can help reduce friction and pressure on your feet.

Pumice stone or file

Gently using a pumice stone or file can help smooth and reduce the thickness of callused skin. Be sure to soak the affected area in warm water first to soften the skin.

Moisturizers

Regular use of moisturizers can help keep the skin soft and prevent the development of calluses. This is particularly important for areas prone to dryness and cracking.

Orthotic inserts

Shoe inserts or orthotics can help distribute pressure more evenly on your foot, reducing the likelihood of callus formation.

Padding

Using protective pads or cushions can provide a barrier between the affected area and sources of friction, helping to prevent further irritation.

In more severe cases or when conservative measures aren’t effective, book an appointment with the Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists team. They may recommend more advanced treatments, such as custom orthotics, corticosteroid injections, or, in rare cases, surgical intervention to address underlying issues and provide long-term relief.

If you have concerns about your calluses, call Louisville Foot and Ankle Specialists now or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment.