Heel Callus

A heel callus is a hardened or thickened part of the skin that occurs near or on the heel of the foot. It can eventually form a bone spur. Heel calluses cause pain and inflammation. If they worsen they can make walking difficult. Cause Heel calluses can be caused by irritation from shoes or can be caused by plantar fascitis, an inflammation of the band of tissue that extends from the ball of the foot to the heel. The skin under the bone will form a reaction to protect the body from the inflammation and hardens and thickens. Shoes with a narrow toe box can contribute to the development of toe calluses. Treatment and Prevention Some recommendations for heel calluses: 1. Change your shoes if you feel that they are contributing to the heel callus. 2. Purchase a pumice stone which can be used to rub on the area to smooth away the dead skin cells of the callus. A foot scrub or foot exfoliating lotion may also help. 3. Wear orthotic insoles, back of heel pads, and arch supports customized to your foot to prevent the irritation from continually occurring. 4. Don’t cut the callus off with a razor; you can easily develop an infection or go too deep and cut nerves, arteries and veins. 5. See a podiatrist for help if the callus continues to grow.