Everyone will experience calluses on their feet at some point in their lives. These patches of hard, dried skin are the body's way of protecting the foot from excessive pressure. While calluses are not always a cause for concern, they can be a sign of bigger problems and cause severe injuries down the line.
Why Do I Have Calluses?
Calluses are usually located on parts of the body that bear weight, like the heels and balls of the feet. They can also build up on areas that suffer repeated friction, such as the tips of toes, tops of the toe joints, or the sides of the foot where the skin rubs against the shoe.
Common Causes of Calluses on Feet
- Daily activities. Standing or walking for long periods places weight-bearing pressure on feet that can cause calluses, particularly if a patient is overweight or wears the same shoes from day to day.
- Sports injury. Running and playing team sports can place undue pressure on certain parts of the feet, while added bathing and showering can dry out the skin. These can cause calluses to form, especially if you don't have a foot care regimen to control friction and replace lost moisture.
- Diabetes. Calluses are always a concern for people with diabetes. Patients with neuropathy may not notice a callus developing on their feet—or feel any pain when the callus splits open into a diabetic foot ulcer. If not treated quickly, the wound may become infected or gangrenous, leading to the need for amputation.
- Systemic problems. Many different conditions can cause dry skin that encourages calluses to form, such as psoriasis, eczema, thyroid problems, natural aging, and medication side effects.