PN and the problem of a callus on sole of foot.

Posted by kim2 @kim2, Jul 1, 2023

I have dealt with PN for 3 years or so, but although the PN comes with its own problems; numbness, tingling, and balance, the biggest problem I experience is a callus on the sole of my foot which gives me agony. I see a podiatrist about every two months and in between I see a pedicurist. However, their help is only temporary and the callus never disappears. The podiatrist tells me that the soles of my feet are worn out!
Is there anybody with the same problem or have had this experience?
Thank you.

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@kim2 calluses are caused by pressure. The doctor should be able to give you advice on what you need to change about your shoes to prevent too much pressure in certain areas.

If you watch any videos on YouTube, search for “The Toe Bro” he is very educational.

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Yes, I also have neuropathy and also have an issue with calluses. I go to the podiatrist every 2 months to have them removed. I can't get near a pedicurist salon with my chemical sensitivities. It just depends on how much walking I do as to how fast the calluses come back. I have walking shoes that are like walking on clouds they are so cushioned yet it still happens. I've increased my walking this past month and the balls of my feet start to feel bruised even without callouses. He told me some people are just prone to calluses and that I get the most painful kind that focus into a point instead of being more widespread.

I'll check out the Toe Bro video, but I know the walking shoes I have are the only ones I can walk in without causing a number of longstanding pain issues in my feet. I spent several hundred dollars on trial and error. Feels good in the store then I walk one mile and pain, pain, pain. I love to walk! So I just take care of the calluses with my cloud shoes. I feel your pain!

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@SusanEllen66

@kim2 calluses are caused by pressure. The doctor should be able to give you advice on what you need to change about your shoes to prevent too much pressure in certain areas.

If you watch any videos on YouTube, search for “The Toe Bro” he is very educational.

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Thank you for your response. Looks as though I need to find a new podiatrist. The podiatrist I have referred me to two shoe retailers, but alas they were of no help. I did buy a pair of wide Hoka shoes, but they have not solved my problem.

I did look at “The Toe Bro” and was impressed. Wish his surgery were near me rather than in Canada.

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@californiazebra

Yes, I also have neuropathy and also have an issue with calluses. I go to the podiatrist every 2 months to have them removed. I can't get near a pedicurist salon with my chemical sensitivities. It just depends on how much walking I do as to how fast the calluses come back. I have walking shoes that are like walking on clouds they are so cushioned yet it still happens. I've increased my walking this past month and the balls of my feet start to feel bruised even without callouses. He told me some people are just prone to calluses and that I get the most painful kind that focus into a point instead of being more widespread.

I'll check out the Toe Bro video, but I know the walking shoes I have are the only ones I can walk in without causing a number of longstanding pain issues in my feet. I spent several hundred dollars on trial and error. Feels good in the store then I walk one mile and pain, pain, pain. I love to walk! So I just take care of the calluses with my cloud shoes. I feel your pain!

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We could be twins! My problems with the callus are just like yours. The pedicurist for the most part uses a pumice stone. I, too, have chemical reactions.
I am going to check out the possibility of having special shoes made to order. I know they could be costly. Did you have your shoes specially made or did you purchase them from a retailer?
I felt “The Toe Bro” spent more time on removing the callus than my podiatrist. He seemed to go really deep into the callus.
Thank you for your input. I appreciate it.

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@kim2

We could be twins! My problems with the callus are just like yours. The pedicurist for the most part uses a pumice stone. I, too, have chemical reactions.
I am going to check out the possibility of having special shoes made to order. I know they could be costly. Did you have your shoes specially made or did you purchase them from a retailer?
I felt “The Toe Bro” spent more time on removing the callus than my podiatrist. He seemed to go really deep into the callus.
Thank you for your input. I appreciate it.

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Hi @kim2

I just tried to check out "The Toe Bro" and my stomach was just flipping at the pictures. My calluses don't look like that, just hurt. Not sure those videos will work for me. I didn't even last long enough to open the video. LOL

As for shoes, no I haven't had any custom made. It would be worth the money if I knew for sure they would work with all my issues. The ones I found that don't stop calluses, but solved so many other issues are Reebok walking shoes that are like those "ShapeUps" shoes. They are not flat on the bottom. They have extra cushioning that feels sooo good, but might not work for you. I also bought some loafers at a store called SAS (ortho shoe store) that felt as good as tennis shoes, but then I brought two other pairs of shoes there that hurt my feet including tennis shoes. They weren't cheap. Such a waste.

Notice that neither of these styles are good if you want to dress up. I cannot wear any shoe that would have to go with a dress so forever pants it is. Even with pants, the best I can do is a cute tennis shoe like Sketchers for a short outing. You won't see me on the cover of Vogue anytime soon. I know people roll their eyes at my shoes, but I love take long walks and I do not want to be in constant pain. The wrong shoe can leave me in pain for months.

Best of luck in finding your perfect shoe!

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@californiazebra

Hi @kim2

I just tried to check out "The Toe Bro" and my stomach was just flipping at the pictures. My calluses don't look like that, just hurt. Not sure those videos will work for me. I didn't even last long enough to open the video. LOL

As for shoes, no I haven't had any custom made. It would be worth the money if I knew for sure they would work with all my issues. The ones I found that don't stop calluses, but solved so many other issues are Reebok walking shoes that are like those "ShapeUps" shoes. They are not flat on the bottom. They have extra cushioning that feels sooo good, but might not work for you. I also bought some loafers at a store called SAS (ortho shoe store) that felt as good as tennis shoes, but then I brought two other pairs of shoes there that hurt my feet including tennis shoes. They weren't cheap. Such a waste.

Notice that neither of these styles are good if you want to dress up. I cannot wear any shoe that would have to go with a dress so forever pants it is. Even with pants, the best I can do is a cute tennis shoe like Sketchers for a short outing. You won't see me on the cover of Vogue anytime soon. I know people roll their eyes at my shoes, but I love take long walks and I do not want to be in constant pain. The wrong shoe can leave me in pain for months.

Best of luck in finding your perfect shoe!

Jump to this post

@californiazebra talk about shoes, I almost exclusively wear Crocs. Yes, those “ugly” ones. I have them in solid colors, tie-dye, silver sparkle…they are amazingly comfortable, and have great arch support.
They have hiking Crocs (sport). You can check them out online.

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@SusanEllen66

@californiazebra talk about shoes, I almost exclusively wear Crocs. Yes, those “ugly” ones. I have them in solid colors, tie-dye, silver sparkle…they are amazingly comfortable, and have great arch support.
They have hiking Crocs (sport). You can check them out online.

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Hi @SusanEllen66

I've never tried Crocs. Who knew they were comfy and supportive? Thanks for the tip!

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@SusanEllen66

@californiazebra talk about shoes, I almost exclusively wear Crocs. Yes, those “ugly” ones. I have them in solid colors, tie-dye, silver sparkle…they are amazingly comfortable, and have great arch support.
They have hiking Crocs (sport). You can check them out online.

Jump to this post

I am going to give the Crocs a try. Their looks will not bother me!
Thank you.

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@californiazebra

Hi @kim2

I just tried to check out "The Toe Bro" and my stomach was just flipping at the pictures. My calluses don't look like that, just hurt. Not sure those videos will work for me. I didn't even last long enough to open the video. LOL

As for shoes, no I haven't had any custom made. It would be worth the money if I knew for sure they would work with all my issues. The ones I found that don't stop calluses, but solved so many other issues are Reebok walking shoes that are like those "ShapeUps" shoes. They are not flat on the bottom. They have extra cushioning that feels sooo good, but might not work for you. I also bought some loafers at a store called SAS (ortho shoe store) that felt as good as tennis shoes, but then I brought two other pairs of shoes there that hurt my feet including tennis shoes. They weren't cheap. Such a waste.

Notice that neither of these styles are good if you want to dress up. I cannot wear any shoe that would have to go with a dress so forever pants it is. Even with pants, the best I can do is a cute tennis shoe like Sketchers for a short outing. You won't see me on the cover of Vogue anytime soon. I know people roll their eyes at my shoes, but I love take long walks and I do not want to be in constant pain. The wrong shoe can leave me in pain for months.

Best of luck in finding your perfect shoe!

Jump to this post

Hi Zebra
I agree with you, “The Toe Bro” video made one queazy. My callus looks similar, but on a smaller scale.
Thank you for your info on shoes. I am going to pursue the Reebok and custom made shoes, but need to spend more time and effort in checking them out. That’s going to be a challenge! The callus is not only my issue. I am flat-footed and have bunions. In the meantime I am going to give the Crocs a try, but buying on line makes me dubious. However, I can return them.
I am well passed the fashion phase!
Will keep you posted.

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@kim2

Hi Zebra
I agree with you, “The Toe Bro” video made one queazy. My callus looks similar, but on a smaller scale.
Thank you for your info on shoes. I am going to pursue the Reebok and custom made shoes, but need to spend more time and effort in checking them out. That’s going to be a challenge! The callus is not only my issue. I am flat-footed and have bunions. In the meantime I am going to give the Crocs a try, but buying on line makes me dubious. However, I can return them.
I am well passed the fashion phase!
Will keep you posted.

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Hi Zebra
As promised, I am keeping you posted about coping with calluses.
I recently had a problem with my callus so had to see the podiatrist. He came up with a possible remedy which may help you too.
1. Cut a hole in the insole of your shoe where the callus fits.
2. Cut and cover the hole with moleskin. Be generous with
The moleskin.
3. On the other side of the insole, cut a u-shape piece of
Moleskin and attach it. This side of the insole looks like a
Fat U with a spot in the middle of the small U.

You can get a good picture of this U piece by going to the website and entering “Callus pads”.

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