Callus on your feet, why see the doctor.
October 10, 2023 • mdconnect • foot care • foot conditions
Having calluses on your feet is pretty common, but is it normal? The answer is yes; in a way, some calluses on the feet are normal. They are there to protect your feet from friction. What isn’t normal is for calluses to be painful or overgrown. In those cases, you would want to see a podiatrist to determine what can be done. How can you know what is normal and what isn’t, though? The more you know about calluses on the feet, the better you’ll understand them. Then, you will be able to determine when to see a podiatrist.
What Are Calluses?
Calluses are hard areas of skin that build up over time due to friction. The body has a way of trying to correct problems. If you experience an issue, it will look for a solution that protects you. Calluses are a response to repeated friction. The body detects the friction and determines the skin needs to be tougher. It triggers the growth of harder layers of skin, so the friction is less of a problem. Your feet are the most used thing on your body. There is friction whenever you walk across the room, so most people have minor calluses on the bottom of their feet. You may also develop calluses when you get a new pair of shoes. Perhaps the back rubs slightly on your heel, and a blister forms. A callus will eventually form if you don’t fix the problem by stretching or replacing the shoes. This is done to protect that area of skin from further blistering.Are Calluses the Same Thing as Corns?
Corns and calluses are basically the same thing, with a few exceptions. It is the same type of tissue, and corns develops for the same reason calluses do. Corns tend to be small and round. There are three types of corns:- Hard – Dense areas that build up on large areas of thickened skin. This often appears on toes when the bone presses against the skin.
- Soft corns –These are grayish and softer than hard corns. They can appear between toes.
- Seed corns: – Seed corns are tiny, hard areas that often appear on the bottom of the feet.
Symptoms of Calluses
Some symptoms of both calluses and corns include:- Thick, rough areas of skin
- Hardened bump
- Pain under the skin
- Flaky, dry skin
Some Common Causes of Calluses on Feet
Calluses are a direct result of friction and pressure. Some things that might lead to this include:- Poor-fitting shoes
- Not wearing socks
- Genetics
Can You Prevent Calluses?
There are things you can do to prevent excessive calluses. That is one reason to see a podiatrist if you have them. The doctor can point out habits that might cause them and have lifestyle tips to help you avoid them. The podiatrist might suggest:- You wear bigger shoes that give your feet room to move.
- Wear protective coverings to prevent rubbing like toe separators.
When to See the Podiatrist?
If you have calluses or corns, it is worth making an appointment with the podiatrist. The doctor will examine your feet to see what treatment might help. You should definitely see the podiatrist if:- You feel pain.
- If there is any inflammation or swelling.
- If there is bleeding
