Callus is a thick layer of flaky skin that may form as a response to excess pressure or friction experienced by that area in our body. Although callus can form on any part of your body, it is most likely to develop on your foot. Although a callus foot can occur to anyone, diabetic patients are at a higher risk.
Diabetics are at a higher risk of microvascular complications like neuropathy, a condition in which the nerves in the foot can become damaged and the person may not experience pain signals anymore. In such a condition, if one develops calluses, it can be a matter of concern. Though callus forms to protect the underlying structures under your skin, it may also sometimes pose a threat by later on forming ulcers. CALLUS HERALDS ULCER!
Since the person has lost the protective pain sensation, ulcers may advance and infections may set in if not treated early. So, callus foot treatment at an early stage is important, especially for diabetics.
Calluses and corns are both thick layers of skin. The major difference between the two is corn is relatively smaller deeper and rounder in shape and may affect in bottom of the foot, fingers, hands, etc. Corns can be more painful than a callus. On the other hand, calluses are larger in size and superficial and commonly seen in the foot.
For all practical purposes, both can be considered as the same pathology and the treatment is surgical only that is excision (removing as a whole) using a blade for corn and scrapping ( removing the top dead skin) for callus using a blade.
Symptoms of Callus
Callus on feet may NOT leave evident symptoms. You may be able to recognize a callus ONLY by seeing or touching the affected skin.
The top layer of the callus may be dry and flaky in texture. Some people may also experience pain when they touch or press calluses while others may have a painless callus on foot.
CALLUS (STAGE 1)
Normally the callus looks like thick skin (maybe lighter initially)
CALLUS WITH ULCER (STAGE 2)
It may be darker in colour (due to hematoma) than the surrounding skin when there is more damage as the thick callus presses the underlying structures when the patient walks.
Most essentially, people with diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage, especially in the foot) may not feel pain due to callus Ulcers. But, normal people will experience pain and they will seek treatment from foot care specialists or doctors who have this expertise. Diabetic patients will continue to walk and invite more complications in that callus.
Causes of Calluses
As discussed before, calluses occur due to friction or pressure on the skin. You may say that there can be many causes of calluses from poor footwear to medical conditions. However, it occurs primarily due to skin friction. Some of the causes of callus formation on foot are:
- Wrong footwear
People who wear footwear that is too tight may develop callus over time. It may cause friction and extra pressure leading to callus formation on the foot.
- Long-standing hours
When you stand for hours, your foot bears long-term pressure. This, in turn, may cause callus to develop. It may occur even if you wear good footwear.
- High heels
People wearing high-heeled sandals may develop callus on the balls of feet. Heels on the back cause extra pressure on the front side of the foot.
- Athletics
Calluses can also form on the feet of athletes. If you are into sports, running and standing for a long time can cause friction and pressure on your foot. So, calluses in athletes are common.
- Diabetes or any neuropathy in the foot
Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) can cause nerve damage in the foot. other medical conditions like alcohol-induced peripheral nerve damage etc also cause excessive pressure in the foot while walking and form callus.
- Others
Other than the aforementioned causes, a callus may also be caused
due to walking barefoot,
damaged sweat glands with fissures can form into callus
excessive manual labour,
obese patients
Patients with thin fat pad in the foot etc.
Diagnosis of Callus
Calluses may be ignored by the patient usually. While some people may feel pain or discomfort,some will walk normally with that callus and invite more complications. it is best to visit a podiatrist for callus treatment. Upon diagnosis, your podiatrist may be able to do the needful for you.
The doctor may touch and press the foot to understand the amount of sensitivity in the callus and surrounding skin. You may also be asked a few questions regarding your lifestyle, physical activities, types of footwear you use, and any underlying health condition. Even if you do not require treatment, callus diagnosis can help you understand what’s causing it.
By altering your habits like wrong footwear, you can get rid of more damages.If you are suffering from diabetes and develop calluses, make sure to let your doctor know about it. The doctor can help understand if you have diabetic neuropathy or any infection or ulcer in your foot. Early diagnosis can always be helpful. Contact us today if you are looking for a callus doctor!
Another condition similar to corn is WART caused by virus infection and commonly seen in smokers which can be treated by surgery or cryosurgery.
Callus Treatment Options
Callus treatment may depend on the discomfort that your callus is causing. Your doctor may recommend non-surgical or surgical treatment, based on your conditions. Let’s understand how to remove callus:
- Non-Surgical Treatments:
Over-the-counter medicines like pain relief and ointment may be helpful in relieving pain. Other than this, you may soak your foot in the water for 15-20 minutes and then rub the callus with your fingers. Your doctor may recommend callus (felt) pads that can be plastered under the callus to avoid friction. Above all, make sure to apply moisturizing creams on the callus. If you are diabetic, taking medicines without a doctor’s consultation must be strictly avoided. To know about the best callus treatment options, contact us today!
- In-Clinic Removal:
If the home remedy or medicines do not work on calluses, you may undergo in-clinic callus removal. If you are in search of the best podiatrist for callus removal, we can be your ideal choice!
During callus removal, the doctor will use a sharp tool to cut out the callus. Usually, it may not be painful since calluses are mostly painless. Patients usually get back on their feet the same day!
Preventing Calluses
There are several ways in which you can prevent calluses. Here are some tips on callus prevention:
People with diabetes must undergo regular screening to rule out diabetic neuropathy, callus effects, and any foot infection or ulcer. Foot care for diabetic patients is a must!
Prevention Tips:
You must wear footwear that fits you properly. Too tight or too loose can cause friction or exert pressure on the foot. Try buying shoes by trying a few so you can find your best fit. You must also avoid heels when you can to keep your foot off additional pressure.
You may use callus pads to avoid further friction and pressure on callus
Cleaning and moisturizing feet regular is a must
You must pay regular visits to your podiatrist and get your foot diagnosed
Complications of Callus
Calluses are usually not a matter of serious concern until they pain. If you successfully treat the factor causing pressure and friction, a callus may go away on its own after a while. However, in some cases, callus complications may keep growing until you provide the right treatment. It may cause callus pressure necrosis, painful walking, and even swelling due to pain and pressure.
People who are already diabetic may also be at risk of diabetic foot callus. Sometimes, calluses on the foot may hide foot ulcers and infections, especially in people with hyperglycemia and diabetic neuropathy. So, regular screening is a must!
Dr Sarvanana Kumar Expertise in Treating Calluses
Dr Sarvanana Kumar is an expert with years of experience in the surgical management of diabetic-related infections and diseases. At Madurai Diabetic Foot Care Center, our team of professionals provides compassionate and personalized care to each patient.
We prioritize our patients at Madurai Diabetic Foot Care Centre. If you are in search of a callus foot treatment in Tamil Nadu, our clinic could be the right choice for you! Through our detailed diagnosis, state-of-the-art technology, years of expertise in the field, and dedicated services, we ensure the best treatment to our patients. Get early treatment to avoid callus complications! Contact us today for quality services!
FAQ’s
What causes calluses to form on the feet?
When the skin on the foot experiences regular friction or excessive pressure, calluses may develop. It is a protective layer of skin that helps deal with the pressure and friction.
How can calluses be treated?
Calluses May be treated by removal of the callus . Callus treatment for diabetic ulcers may require a detailed diagnosis of the ulcer and immediate treatment to stop further advancement of the ulcer.
Are calluses harmful to people with diabetes?
Callus may sometimes precede ulcers and infections. People with diabetic neuropathy may not even notice symptoms. The disease may grow and turn into a serious condition. This is why callus removal is important for diabetics.
Are calluses harmful to people with diabetes?
Callus may sometimes precede ulcers and infections. People with diabetic neuropathy may not even notice symptoms. The disease may grow and turn into a serious condition. This is why callus removal is important for diabetics.
How can I prevent calluses from forming?
Callus forms due to pressure and friction on the skin. So, wearing the right footwear, avoiding physically strenuous activity on a regular basis like excessive walking and running, use of callus pads, etc. can help in callus prevention.
When should I see a podiatrist for callus removal?
You may try self-care remedies like avoiding pressure or friction on the callus to treat it. However, if it does not work and the callus is causing pain or discomfort, you may see a podiatrist earlier. If you are diabetic, you must not wait to see a podiatrist if a callus has developed.
Can calluses be removed permanently?
The callus may be removed completely through a surgical procedure. However, it may return if the underlying cause remains unaddressed like wrong footwear, excessive walking, or a normal walking style in a deformed foot.
What’s the difference between a callus and a corn?
A callus is a thick layer of skin that may not have a definite shape and commonly affects the foot. Corn is smaller in size than callus and may be rounder in shape. It usually occurs on fingers, toes, etc.
Is callus removal painful?
No if it’s small and thin . the podiatrist will scrap it off like shaving.
Yes in patients who have normal sensations in the foot and they would need local Anaesthesia.
Usually, the procedure is not painful for people who already do not feel any callus pain.
What are the best treatments for foot calluses?
You may avoid the underlying causes of callus like tight footwear, high heels, certain sports, etc. You may also visit a podiatrist and surgical removal of calluses.
