What Are Calluses?
Calluses are thickened, hardened areas of skin that occur as a natural defence mechanism against friction and pressure. However, when calluses get too thick or persistent, they can be uncomfortable, irritating, and, occasionally, problematic.
Calluses most commonly develop on the soles of the feet, especially on the heels and balls of the feet. These are the areas where we put the most pressure and movement. While calluses are not painful, they can become uncomfortable if they build up and crack, get tender, and in some cases, lead to skin infections if neglected.
There are plenty of ways on how to remove foot calluses. At home, such as foot callus removers, pumice stones, or exfoliating creams. These only give temporary relief and don’t address the root cause of the callus formation. A podiatrist will ensure that callus removal is done safely and effectively and identify the biomechanical imbalances that cause them to return.
Causes and Symptoms of Calluses
Anyone can get calluses, as there are so many different causes. Daily activities like walking or standing for long periods can cause them. Wearing tight or poorly cushioned shoes may also put more pressure on the feet and cause callus formation.
Active lifestyles like running or playing sports also play a role as more pressure and friction are placed on the foot. Certain conditions like psoriasis and eczema can make the skin prone to calluses. Hormonal imbalances and the natural ageing process can also contribute to this.
Calluses appear as rough, dry patches of thickened skin. Due to their hardened layers, calluses are less sensitive to touch. While they are often asymptomatic in the early stages, persistent pressure or friction can irritate over time. This can lead to tenderness or discomfort during walking or standing. In severe cases, cracks or fissures may develop within the callus, causing pain and increasing the risk of infection.
Foot calluses can vary in size, location and structure. A discrete nucleated callus is a localised, painful lesion with a central keratin plug. This type of callus can be quite uncomfortable, especially during prolonged activities. A diffuse-shearing callus appears as a larger lesion, more than 1cm, and can be uncomfortable. A plugged callus has a dense, hardened core that presses into the foot, causing pain.
How Does a Podiatrist Remove A Callus?
When managing calluses, podiatrists take a holistic approach beyond simple removal. Understanding how you move, the pressure on your feet, and the type of shoes you wear are all key components of podiatric intervention.
Safe Foot Debridement
A podiatrist will use precise instruments to gently remove the thickened layers of skin, restore comfort, and prevent further complications. Unlike over-the-counter callus removers, professional foot debridement is done in a controlled environment. There is no excessive skin removal, which can cause soreness or infection when done at home. A foot file can also be used for gentle exfoliation to maintain smooth skin.
Medical Pedicure for Callus Management
For those with persistent callus build-up, a medical pedicure done by a podiatrist is a safe and hygienic alternative to traditional cosmetic pedicures. This specialised foot care service removes calluses and improves overall foot health, reducing the risk of bacterial or fungal infections. A manual foot file is often used for safe and effective callus removal.
Biomechanical Assessments and Gait Analysis
One of the best ways to prevent calluses from coming back is to understand why they formed in the first place. To identify biomechanical imbalances, a podiatrist will assess foot structure, gait mechanics, and weight distribution. Issues like flat feet, high arches, or improper walking patterns can cause excessive pressure on specific areas and lead to recurrent calluses. By your podiatrist addressing these imbalances, long-term relief can be achieved.
Beyond Removal: How To Prevent Calluses
Podiatric intervention goes beyond just callus removal. It focuses on long-term foot health. The best way to manage calluses is to address the factors contributing to their formation.
Footwear Assessments
Poor-fitting or unsupportive footwear is one of the leading causes of persistent callus formation. A podiatrist will assess if your shoes contribute to the problem and, if they do, recommend more ergonomic, pressure-distributing footwear. Properly fitted shoes with adequate cushioning and arch support can minimise friction and reduce callus build-up.
Orthotic Solutions
Custom orthoses can be prescribed to correct biomechanical issues causing excessive foot pressure. These tailored inserts help redistribute weight evenly across the foot, reducing stress on high-pressure areas and preventing callus recurrence. A well-designed orthotic provides comfort and long-term protection against foot strain.
Skin Care and Hydration
Keeping the skin on the feet moisturised and healthy plays a big role in preventing callus formation. Dry skin is more prone to hardening and cracking, so using podiatrist-recommended creams and emollients can help maintain skin elasticity and resilience. Products with salicylic acid are effective in exfoliating dead skin and managing calluses. Combined with regular podiatric care, this ensures feet remain soft and free from excessive callus build-up.
Physical Therapy and Strengthening Exercises
Calluses sometimes form due to muscle imbalances in the foot and lower leg. Weak foot muscles can lead to improper gait patterns, placing excessive pressure on certain areas of the foot. A podiatrist may recommend exercises to strengthen the foot and lower leg muscles to reduce callus recurrence.
Why Professional Callus Removal with a Foot File Matters
Many try to manage calluses on their own, but without proper care, at-home removal methods can be risky. Excessive scrubbing or harsh chemical foot callus removers can cause irritation, increased sensitivity and even skin damage. More importantly, these treatments do not address the root cause, so recurrence is inevitable.
A podiatrist ensures the removal is done safely and with overall foot health in mind. Professional intervention allows for detecting underlying foot conditions that may not be apparent but contribute to callus formation.
Is A Podiatric Callus Removal Right for You?
If you experience discomfort, excessive hard skin build-up or recurrent calluses despite home care, seeking professional help is the way to go. Callus removal in Singapore at The Foot Practice ensures the process is done safely and effectively and identifies potential gait or footwear issues contributing to the problem.
Those who are at high risk, such as those with diabetes or circulation issues, should be extra cautious with at-home callus removal procedures, as poorly managed hard skin can lead to wounds and serious complications. Podiatrists offer specialised foot care for high-risk individuals so that you can be assured of optimal safety and health.
Consult a podiatrist today if you have persistent calluses or want to improve your foot health. Podiatrists can provide solutions to keep your feet comfortable, healthy, and callus-free by addressing the underlying biomechanical imbalances and providing expert foot care interventions. Contact The Foot Practice today for callus removal in Singapore.
