A callous is a protective thickening of the skin that develops as a result of abnormal recurrent friction and pressure.

Location:

Most callouses are found on the ball of the foot or on the heel of the foot.

Causes:

Callouses are the body’s natural protection mechanism to insulate and protect the ball of the foot and other areas on the foot against abnormal bony pressure. Footwear is commonly blamed for the formation of callouses but more often than not, callouses are usually caused by inherent traits, which effect how the bones in our forefoot are formed and how they bear our body’s weight. When one or more of these bones are mis-formed, other bones are forced to bear an excessive amount of weight. Mother Nature reacts by creating a shock absorber (callous) to protect the under part of the bone. Often the callous is the cause of a "burning sensation" in the ball of the foot area.

Treatment:

Callouses can be treated in the same way as corns, by a Chiropodist. For slight callouses regular use of a pumice stone may solve the problem.

The following Green Cross products are suitable for Callous relief:

• Chiropody Plaster
• Curex Callous Pads
• Adhesive Moleskin Plaster
• Felt Callous Pads
• Ball of the Foot Pads
• Softi Half Insoles
• Corn and Callous Reducer File
• Corn and Callous Plane
• Softi – Gel Metatarsalband
• Softi – Gel Callous Pads