If you frequently develop calluses on your toes, it could be a sign of a joint problem.

Wearing ill-fitting shoes or walking for long periods of time can sometimes lead to calluses on your feet. Calluses are a thickening of the stratum corneum caused by repeated pressure. This is caused by epidermal cells accelerating their cell division rate to protect the skin. These calluses can indicate a specific foot condition.

 

◇Second toe → Hallux valgus

 

If you have particularly severe calluses under your second toe, you may have hallux valgus. Hallux valgus occurs when the big toe bends toward the little toe due to wearing high heels or narrow shoes for long periods of time. Because the big toe, which is supposed to support and propel the body while walking, is unable to do its job, you unconsciously put more pressure on your second toe, causing calluses to form in that area.

◇Little toe → Bunion

 

If you have a callus on your little toe, you may have a bunion. This condition occurs when the joint at the base of the little toe bends toward the big toe and protrudes. This protruding area can rub against your shoe, causing a callus. Calluses can develop not only on the little toe but also in surrounding areas, and in severe cases, they can lead to bursitis and skin ulcers.

 

◇If it occurs on the front and heels → cavus

 

If you consistently develop calluses on the forefoot or heel, it could be due to cavus foot. Cavus foot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is abnormally high. This causes weight to be placed on the forefoot and heel instead of the sole of the foot with every step, which can lead to pain and calluses.

 

◇If it occurs on the inside or outside → Joint imbalance

 

Calluses can also be caused by joint problems. If calluses are severe on the inside or outside of the soles of your feet, it could indicate an imbalance in your hip or knee joints. When these joints are misaligned, your feet roll inward or outward when you walk, causing your weight to be concentrated on one side. This can lead to not only calluses but also arthritis, so correcting your gait is crucial.

 

◇If it occurs only on one foot → Scoliosis