Big Toe Callous - Should I Remove It?

nerfherder83

Hello!

I've been running 5Ks for a little over a year and this summer I started training for a 10K that I'm running this Saturday. I've noticed that once I get over the 1 hour running mark I start getting pain in my big toe, like I'm running on a pebble. I'm 99% sure it's the big rock-hard callous I have on the bottom of my big toe. I'd like to remove it this week, but I'm not sure it's a wise idea with my last long run logged before the 10K this Saturday.

I was wondering what advice/experience anyone has with this. Is it a good idea to remove it before the race? Will I end up causing MORE pain/blisters on race day?

(I'm 150lbs and wearing Brooks Ghosts with only about 180 miles on them and wear Feetures socks I picked up from the local running shop, so I don't *think* it's the shoes/socks…)

CarsonRuns

I wouldn't touch it. Callouses are your friend. If anything, I'd maybe try going up another 1/2 size in your running shoe.

SonicDeathMonkey80

You will expose tender/sensitive skin underneath it, and that is way more uncomfortable than running on a callous. However, I am a feet person and will sometimes get pedicures after events, and use a pumice stone to slough my feet about once a week. I like your screen name, but you forgot "scruffy looking"

TheBrolympus

I get callouses on my big toes. I never remove them fully, i just keep them manageable with a pumice stone. If I removed them completely I would end up with very angry skin that would be very painful to run with.