The Evidence on Your Feet: Callus Patterns, Gait, and Foot Mechanics

Course overview

*Describe how repetitive friction damages desmosomes in the stratum spinosum and relate gait cycle phases and foot rockers to blister and callus formation. *Differentiate forefoot callus patterns and correlate each location with biomechanical faults such as plantar-flexed first ray, forefoot varus, or limited hip extension. *Apply toe spacers, intrinsic foot strengthening, and shoe modifications like rocker-bottom soles to address bunions linked to forefoot varus, hallux limitus, or tibial torsion. *Evaluate shoe wear patterns and use interventions like skip-lacing, proper shoe shape, and careful orthotic molding to prevent iatrogenic friction and callus formation.