Thick Calluses on Feet: Causes and Solutions - Rehabilitation

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Thick calluses on the feet, particularly in areas such as the outer side of the big toe and beneath the big toe joint, can be a common issue, especially for individuals who engage in regular walking or have specific footwear habits. In your mother's case, the development of thick calluses over the past year could be attributed to several factors, including mechanical stress, friction, and pressure from her walking routine and shoe choice.

Calluses, or hyperkeratosis, are a natural response of the skin to repeated friction or pressure. They form as a protective mechanism to prevent damage to the underlying skin layers. In your mother's situation, walking the same route daily in the same type of shoes may have led to increased pressure on specific areas of her feet, resulting in the formation of these thickened areas of skin. This is particularly common in individuals who may have foot deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes, which can alter the distribution of pressure on the foot during walking.

Additionally, factors such as age, skin hydration, and overall foot health can influence the development of calluses. As people age, their skin may become drier and less elastic, making it more susceptible to callus formation. If your mother has any underlying conditions, such as diabetes or peripheral neuropathy, these could also contribute to changes in foot structure and skin integrity, leading to callus formation.

To address the issue of thick calluses, several solutions can be considered:
1. Footwear Assessment: It may be beneficial for your mother to evaluate her footwear. Shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning can help reduce pressure on specific areas of the foot. A podiatrist can recommend appropriate footwear or orthotic inserts that can help redistribute pressure more evenly.

2. Regular Foot Care: Regularly moisturizing the feet can help keep the skin supple and may reduce the thickness of calluses. Using a pumice stone or foot file to gently exfoliate the callused areas can also be effective, but care should be taken not to remove too much skin, which could lead to injury.

3. Professional Treatment: If the calluses are particularly thick or painful, consulting a podiatrist may be advisable. They can provide professional debridement of the calluses and assess for any underlying foot conditions that may need to be addressed.

4. Monitoring for Changes: It's important to monitor the calluses for any changes in color, size, or associated pain. If your mother experiences any discomfort, or if the calluses become inflamed or infected, seeking medical attention promptly is essential.

In summary, while thick calluses can be a benign condition resulting from mechanical stress, they can also indicate underlying issues that may require attention. Encouraging your mother to assess her footwear, maintain proper foot hygiene, and seek professional advice if necessary can help manage and potentially reduce the formation of calluses on her feet.