Experiencing the rough skin on your feet that is caused by a callus can be uncomfortable and unsightly and can make it difficult to walk without extreme pain and discomfort. Small calluses can often be treated by shaving the hardened skin with a pumice stone or file. This will also allow moisturizers to penetrate more deeply.
Since safely removing the dead skin of large calluses on your feet can be hard to do without causing an injury, see your podiatrist to properly remove this cracked and hardened skin.
Treatments for calluses on your feet include the following:
- Custom orthotic shoe inserts—Custom made inserts can be created to fit to your precise foot shape to direct pressure away from the heel and ball area where calluses are frequently a problem.
- Shaving the skin (debridement)—Your podiatrist will carefully remove the dead skin using a special tool without causing any unnecessary bleeding.
- Acid peeling chemicals—Prescription formula salicylic acid solution can be used to soften the skin and make it easier to remove the callus. These stronger acids are much more effective than the kind available at retail establishments. Your foot specialist can combine this treatment with the debriding procedure for more complete removal of the calluses.
- Surgery—For severe cases such as in situations where an underlying toe abnormality like a bunion is causing the callus, your foot surgeon may need to correct the toe abnormality first. Large calluses or heel fissures may also require a surgical procedure to provide relief from pain and discomfort.
If you need help treating calluses on your feet, see your foot doctor for the proper care. The foot specialists at ETL Podiatry in Briarwood and Melville, NY, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle problems. Our team of doctors is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Melville, NY (631)-549-8637 and Briarwood, NY (718)-657-8921.
