Why is there a callus on my big toe?

Calluses can form in many different areas, but a callus on the big toe is a very common area. A callus can usually be traced back to something causing it!

Why do calluses form?

Calluses form because of excess pressure. When there is pressure in an area the body is not designed for, a callus builds up. This is the body’s way to protect the skin from damage. A harder piece of skin will be harder to penetrate into an injury.

Causes of pressure on the big toe

There are a few factors that can lead to pressure at the big toe. It can be from shoes, walking abnormalities and activities/sports that you do.

Shoes

Improper fitting shoes can lead to a callus on the big toe. If a shoe has a narrow toe box/taper too much at the toes, this can pinch the toes together. With the pressure from the shoe on the side of the big toe, a callus can build up as the body’s way to protect the skin from injury.

Dress shoes are a common culprit of a narrow toe box, but they are not the only one. Some running or casual shoes can have a narrow toe box as well. The shoe can fit great everywhere else, but a narrow or tapered toe box can change the fit at the toes drastically.

To be safe, look for shoes that have a wide toe box. A good way to test the shape of the shoe, is to take out the original insert in the shoe, and step on it. If the toes are spilling over the sides, the shoe is likely going to cause excessive pressure on the toes.

Walking abnormalities

If you have a flat foot or overpronation, this can lead to pressure on the inside of the big toe when pushing off the back leg. This is because when the foot rolls in, it typically continues through the rest of the contact phase of the foot. The foot rolls in at push off, which means all the pressure goes through the inside of the big toe.

Activities / sports

Sometimes, the activities or sports you do on a regular basis can lead to a callus on the big toe. If you are doing a lot of side-to-side movements, this adds pressure to the inside of the big toe. Some examples of these sports are tennis, pickleball, soccer or basketball. Even HIIT workouts can cause this kind of callus to form.

How to prevent a callus on the big toe

First, it’s important to determine the cause of the callus. Once the cause has been determined, action can be taken to remove the pressure.

Shoes

If the shoes are too tight or too tapered at the toes, a wider toe box is the solution. Running and walking shoes are the easiest to find a wide toe box, but there are dress and casual shoes with this feature. Specialty shoe stores or clinics with shoes are more likely to carry these kinds of shoes. Any orthopaedic shoe brand should have a wide toe box.

Orthotics

Orthotics are a great way to address calluses when walking abnormalities are the cause. They help to push/guide the foot into a straight position. Once the Canadian Certified Pedorthist determines which part of the foot is causing the collapse into the big toe, an orthotic can be created to offload this pressure.

How to remove a callus on the big toe

Once the pressure has been offloaded from the big toe, the callus may not disappear on its own. The best way to remove the callus, is to have someone like a footcare nurse or a chiropodist remove the callus.

It can also be removed with a pumice stone but in some cases, self removal is not recommended. Injury from removal is a concern with diabetes or with someone who has trouble reaching their feet.

Conclusion

Calluses on the big toe typically form because of a reason. There are ways to remove the pressure and get rid of the callus!