Question
I was just successfully treated for a plantar's wart on my left foot and so I have been noticing my feet a little more. I have had calluses on the bottom of my feet for a long time  - on both feet -  that start just below where my big toe and second toe are and are about 2 inches long, going toward my heel.  I also have two smaller calluses on my left foot, one under my little toe and one under my third toe, all running toe to heel.  I have noticed that the long ones are getting painful to walk on, especially when I am barefoot.  There are three little white dots on each calluses, perfectly in line, evenly spaced.  I have wide feet with a very high in-step and I have been told by multiple professionals that I need lots of arch support as well as heel support because I turn my feet when I walk as well as walk in the outside of my feet.  My question is this--my husband says that these calluses are because of shoes with bad support and if I get better shoes or insoles for support the pain will go away.  I say that I need to go to a doctor, but I am 22 weeks pregnant so I don't know if this is a fun side effect of being pregnant, and I don't know how much a doctor can do at this point.  My younger brother has had three surgeries to correct bone and ligament problems in one foot and he is still in pain even though the last surgery was almost a year ago.  I would like to avoid that if I can.
Thanks.

Answer
Dear Erin,

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661,Roscoe Village 60618, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says...

The foot calluses may be gently pared down by a pumice stone or by your local podiatrist. The podiatrist can identify if the dots are warts. As long as they don't spread, there is a good chance they will go away after the pregnancy-and if not-they can always be treated. Wear a supportive walking or gym type shoe-with about a one inch heel. The podiatrist can also help determine if orthotics may benefit you. During pregnancy-the foot becomes looser at the arch and the arch may drop in obese women,with increased activity or with lack of support.
Get comfortable for now & don't worry about foot surgery that may not be necessary.
Go see a good Board Certified Podiatrist
Hope this helps.
Good Luck!
The Chicago Podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in orthopedics and sports medicine.
We are located in Chicago & Elmhurst

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661


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