Three Ways To Prevent Calluses On Your Feet

Calluses are thickened areas of skin, and they can be caused by friction on the foot. They can be unsightly, and calluses on your feet can also cause pain and discomfort. If you have calluses, you may want to consider a visit to your podiatrist. There are also a few things you can do to help relieve this issue. Here are just a few options to consider.

Proper Footwear

In some cases, calluses can be caused by improperly fitting shoes. Work with your podiatrist to see if your shoes may be the cause of the problem, and work together to find the correct shoes for the way you walk. It's also possible that you may be wearing shoes that are too large or too small, so consider having your feet properly sized for shoes so you can purchase the correct size for your feet.

Orthotics

If the calluses on your feet are caused by the way you walk, you may be able to correct your gait with the assistance of orthotics. Your podiatrist can make a cast of your feet to create custom orthotics shaped just for you. You can also purchase insoles to put in your footwear to help keep your feet more comfortable as you walk. If you are an athlete, be sure to invest in orthotics that can be specifically worn with your athletic shoes, and use your regular pair for everyday walking.

Surgery

For severe issues with calluses, your podiatrist may recommend having them surgically removed. This may be the case if you are diabetic, as some calluses can result in open sores or ulcers on your feet. Talk to your podiatrist if you have painful calluses or if you are diabetic to ensure you get the proper treatment to prevent serious issues. The surgery may be done in conjunction with other work, such as bunion removal. Talk to your doctor if your calluses don't go away or if they come back regularly to see if you are a candidate for surgery or other in-office procedures. 

Your podiatrist can work with your primary care physician to help care for your foot health and your whole-body health. If you have difficulty walking due to calluses on your feet, or if your calluses are causing pain or sores, talk to your podiatrist about the different options available to fix the issues. With proper care, you can work to prevent calluses and keep your feet looking and feeling great. Check out websites like http://www.advancedfootclinic.org to learn more.