Do foot calluses hurt?

Why does a foot callus hurt?

Calluses develop naturally to protect the skin underneath from repeated friction or pressure. Shoes that rub, shoes in the wrong size, high heels and wearing shoes without socks can cause them. Problems with the bones in your feet and losing cushioning fat under your feet as you get older can also contribute. A callus is usually a larger, rough patch; a corn is a smaller lump of hard skin.23

Foot shape can keep pressure concentrated in the same places. High arches put more pressure on the ball, heel and outer toes, where corns and calluses can develop. Bent toes called claw toes can press into the soles of shoes or rub against the upper part. The toe problem itself can also hurt, so pain near a callus is not necessarily coming only from the hard skin.14

How can you ease a painful callus?

Home treatment is not suitable if you have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system, or if you are an older person. See a doctor or foot specialist instead. Otherwise, start by reducing rubbing and pressure rather than only removing the thick skin.5

1. 1Change into wide, supportive shoes with low heels and soft soles, and wear thick, cushioned socks. Use soft insoles or heel pads where needed.
2. 2Soak the callus in warm water for five to 10 minutes, or until the skin softens.
3. 3Wet a pumice stone and gently file the softened skin using circular or sideways movements. Do not remove too much skin, which can cause bleeding and infection.
4. 4Apply a moisturizing lotion or cream daily. Urea, ammonium lactate or salicylic acid can help gradually soften hard skin.

Shop for shoes at the end of the day, when feet can be slightly swollen, and have your feet measured. Shoes need the right size and shape for your feet, even if the box has made more ambitious promises.2

For cushioning during activity, place two crescent shaped pieces of moleskin around the callus. Padding can reduce pressure on the painful area, giving shoe inserts a more useful job than simply occupying the shoe.25

Do not cut a callus off yourself. Avoid long walks, prolonged standing, high heels and tight, pointed shoes while managing it. A pharmacist can help you choose pads, insoles, callus treatments or pain relief.5

How long does it take to improve?

Most calluses gradually go away when the friction or pressure causing them stops. See a doctor if home treatment has not helped after three weeks. Do not wait that long if pain is severe, stops your normal activities, or the area bleeds or has pus or discharge.23

What if you have diabetes?

Get medical care for a foot callus even if it seems minor. With diabetes, thick skin can break down or develop deep cracks, creating a risk of serious infection. Check your feet every day, including the soles and between your toes. Get immediate medical care for signs of infection, including swollen, discolored skin or a wound leaking fluid.6

What can a foot specialist do?

A podiatrist, or foot specialist, can remove hard skin, use softening treatments and fit pads or insoles to relieve pressure. If high arches cause pain or instability, get them assessed. If your toes are becoming difficult to bend, seek care early; claw toes can become permanently stiff without treatment.145