A callus is the thick and rough layers of skin that grow as it tries to protect itself. Hence, they can occur in feet and hands. You don’t have to worry about having these layers of skin. It is normal, and it helps you. A callus is different from corns. Most of the time, corn shows up under the feet or at the side of the toes. Also, they can also give you pain. The thick layer of skin on the foot is the plantar callus.
What do you need to know?
Plantar is found at the bottom part of the foot. It is the tissue that connects the heel bone to your toes and the ball of the foot. Also, this callus is common to kids and adults. It can grow in one or both feet. Therefore, if it doesn’t cause discomfort, it does not need medical help. These are the causes of callus on foot that you must know.
1. Ill-fitting shoes
Moreover, footwear can bring discomfort to your skin is a cause of callus. Also, high-heeled shoes put those who wear them at a higher risk of having plantar callus. In choosing shoes or sandals, it is better to wear a comfortable one. Also, a tight shoe will rub the skin and the shoe too much. Likewise, a loose shoe will also lead to friction. Choose ease over elegant but callus-causing footwear.
2. Uneven distribution of weight
As we stand, walk, or run, our feet carry our bodies’ weight. Therefore, an improper walking motion will put stress on certain parts of the foot.
3. Pressure and friction on the feet
Extreme activities that put pressure on the feet is also a cause for callus. Additionally, athletes, runners, and people who walk often experience friction and a lot of pressure on their feet.
Conditions and habits that increase your chance of having foot callus include:
- Bone or foot deformities. This condition might cause walking problems like uneven pressure felt by the foot.
- Health conditions like diabetes. Hence, such conditions cause low blood flow. Calluses occur and grow up faster in the feet of people with diabetes. The reason is due to the high-pressure area under the foot.
- Those who are not using socks for footwear. Risk of having callus increase if you wear socks that do not fit right or if you do not wear any at all.
- There are reports where smoking increases the risk of having a callus on foot. Also, smoking may cause constriction of vessels from hip to toes. As a result, there is increased contact between bone and the skin.
Signs that you need to look for to ensure if you have calluses on your feet.
4. It can form a patch at the bottom of the foot.
This patch or bump may have a gray or yellowish hue. Also, the color can turn into brown, black, or red color. Hence, these tints may be due to the small blood pools between the skin and the grown callous.
5. A hard or thick area on the skin
Try to touch the bottom of your foot. If it feels rough or thick, it may be a callus on foot. Most of the time, applying or touching it is not painful. Its area can be small or large. It can cover the ball of the foot or the heel.
6. Dry or flaky skin
Aside from its bumpy and thick feeling, calluses on feet are dry. The reduction of hydration on the skin causes this sign. However, its dryness may vary from person to person.
If it grows beneath the skin, it could be a wart or splinter. Meanwhile, corns grow on the tops and sides of the toes.
Calluses may bring discomfort but do not attempt to remove it on your own. However, do not cut or remove the callus using a knife or any sharp objects. Doing so may cause callus ulcers or infection.
Important Note
See a doctor if you feel unsure about your callus or if there is an infection. You can treat callus at home and prevent it from growing. Our feet are helpful in our everyday lives. With our feet, we can go to different places and do unique movements. Because of this often use, it is normal to grow a thick layer of skin on it. It is the body’s reaction to the threat the friction and pressure brings.
