Have you ever wondered how corns and calluses on the feet form?
Corns and calluses on the feet are a very common problem that few people fully understand.
Uncomfortable and often painful, the calluses and calluses on the feet are responsible for the suffering of countless people. But what are they, and how are they formed?
And most of all, is there any way to prevent them from appearing?
In this article, you'll find out everything about corns and calluses on your feet, including what they are, how they form and how to avoid them!
Taking care of your feet's health is essential for your comfort. So, don't forget to read this other article that we have prepared for you as well! Corns and calluses: what to do to end this problem?
So, ready to start understanding more about the corns and calluses on your feet? Keep reading and check it out:
What are corns and calluses on the feet?
Corns and calluses are points or regions of the skin that are thicker and more indurated. They are made of the same material as your skin, and they usually form due to excessive pressure or friction at the site.
A callus has a round shape and you can feel lumps to the touch, usually it has a hard central part. The skin on the callus is thick and is less sensitive to touch than the skin around it. Usually cause pain.
There are different types of corns:
- Callus Duro: It has a “core”, which presses on the nerve endings in the foot, causing pain.
- Interdigital callus: occur between the fingers, remaining soft due to the heat and humidity of the area.
- Plantar Callus: are the result of hyperpressure, located in a certain area of the sole of the foot.
- Dorsal Callus: Produced by the skin over the joints to protect it from rubbing against the bones (usually caused by the pressure of shoes of inappropriate shape and size).
- Miliary Callus: appear multiple small calluses with a nucleus, usually on the soles of the feet;
- Neurovascular callus: usually forms on the sole of the foot; it has small blood vessels and nerve branches, which can cause a lot of pain.
Calluses are larger than calluses and have no defined margins (edges). They typically form on the sole of the foot, particularly in the bony area between the sole of the foot and the toes (forefoot).
The most common places for corns and calluses are:
- On the underside of the foot or over the metatarsal arch (the “ball” of the foot);
- Outside the fifth toe;
- Between the fourth and fifth fingers.
What are the signs and symptoms of corns and calluses on the feet?
- Thicker regions of the skin;
- rough skin;
- Skin grooves;
- Area of dry, scaly skin;
- Pain or tenderness in the affected area.
Keeping in mind that people with fragile skin or poor circulation on their feet (including many people with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease) should consult their health care professional as soon as corns or calluses begin to develop.
How do corns on feet form?
Calluses and calluses on the feet develop over a long period of repetitive pressure or rubbing on the affected area.
This is because this pressure causes cell death and encourages the formation of a harder surface to protect the site.
In this way, corns and calluses on the feet are not contagious, as they are not caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria.
Here are some factors that can cause the appearance of corns and calluses on the feet:
- Wearing tight shoes for a long period;
- Wearing poorly tied shoes, as they can cause the foot to slip and rub against the shoe;
- Wear shoes with very high heels or shoes that tighten the front of the foot, such as pumps;
- Wearing inappropriate shoes during physical activities such as walking or jogging;
- Use of shoes without socks, generating excessive friction;
- Loose seams inside the shoe, which can cause friction;
- Socks that don't fit the proper size of the feet
There are some signs that could mean that a callus is developing, such as:
- Feeling of walking on stones;
- Swollen feet around the callus;
- Elevated and hardened part near toes or heel;
- Area of rough and thick skin;
- Dry or cracked skin area.
Factors that contribute to the formation of calluses and calluses
In addition to the factors mentioned above, some people are more likely to develop corns and calluses on the feet. Look:
- Elderly: they have losses in the adipose tissue under the skin, which reduces the protection against the formation of calluses;
- Hallux valgus bursitis: develops in the joint at the base of the big toe and is an abnormal relief and bone consistency;
- Hammer toe and other foot deformities.
How to treat corns and calluses
The best way to treat corns and calluses on your feet is to eliminate the source of pressure that caused them to develop. A podiatrist can find the cause of excess pressure by examining your foot.
Some structural changes in the toes can be the origin of calluses and calluses on the feet. In other words, it is essential to carry out the morphological and joint assessment of the foot, carried out in the podiatry consultation.
Be aware: never opt for self-treatment of corns or calluses on the feet. Products marketed for these problems often only address the symptoms, not the causes. Also, they can be dangerous to healthy skin around the callus. Therefore, they need to be managed by a professional. Small cuts made during self-treatment can also easily become infections or dangerous wounds.
Prevention of corns and calluses and foot care
You can prevent the appearance of corns and calluses on your feet simply by paying more attention to them. Whenever you feel extra pressure on any area of your foot, you are putting them at risk!
So, follow these tips and keep your feet comfortable and healthy:
- Wear proper shoes of the right size;
- Choose comfortable shoes when spending a lot of time in them or walking a lot;
- Moisturize and relax your feet at the end of the day.
Make an appointment today and start taking care of your corns and calluses on your feet!
