There are many causes of hard skin some are due to problems we are born with, some occur due to aging and changes in our bodies, whilst others come about due to external circumstance and medical reasons.

Hard skin often forms on areas of excess pressure. This may occur if you suffer from one of the following.

Skeletal problems include:

Flat Feet

High Arches

Poorly aligned metatarsal bones which leads to uneven gait (walking)

Hammer Toe or other similar disorders

Back problems especially in the lower back

Slightly different leg length

Bodily Changes:

Pregnancy alters the way one stands exerting extra pressure

Becoming overweight also increases the amount of pressure on our feet

Old age brings about a decrease in the fatty tissue in our body and especially in our heels often resulting in pain and hard skin.

Bunions will also alter the way you stand and walk and can cause hard skin on other parts of your feet.

External Circumstance

If you wear narrow, tight, or high heeled shoes or the wrong type of running shoe these rub, you create your own hard skin because of friction – very much like creating a blister.

Conversely, it is a well known fact that marathon and long distance runners are also prone to hard skin - as the foot tries to protect itself from impact.

If you spend a lot of time barefoot, you will develop hard skin – this is how your feet protect themselves.

Seasonal build up over winter when skin dries out.