Any Tips for Dealing with Calluses?

Question:

After long, multiday trips, I get calluses on the bottoms of my feet. Lately they have been very painful. I’ve had this problem before and the pain went away after a two-day rest—but it’s not going away now. Can you help?

Submitted by – Dee, Daytona, FL

Answer:

Calluses, though decidedly common, are an abnormality.

They result from either a biomechanical problem (say, your bones don’t line up exactly right) or a footwear problem (your boots don’t fit as well as possible). Most people successfully ignore them. If, however, they get too thick, they can certainly press on sensitive spots and cause pain, sometimes a lot of pain.

If they hurt, get a callus-softening product and pumice stone and thin them out. You can also buy pads that stick to the callus, softening the blow when you hike. Unfortunately, they usually return eventually after being thinned—and you have to repeat the process. —BUCK