Causes of Corns and Calluses in feet
What is Callus on Feet?
Callus is the most common foot problem all over the world. We use
legs for a wide range of activities like walking, swimming and jumping.
Constant use of our legs puts more pressure that can lead to formation
of callus or corn on the feet. Callus is caused when people have
abnormal posture while walking on the feet. Corns are well defined
callus of the dead skin. They form on smooth and hairless skin surfaces
which is usually between the toes. Corns and calluses occur in the feet
as protective mechanism to prevent injury due to abnormal pressure in
the feet.
How many types of foot corns are there?
Corns are of two different types namely soft corn and hard corn. Soft
corns occur as a result of abnormal pressure on the foot. They
generally appear in between the toes. The soft corns are called as
helomamolles. They are white in color and nauseating as they are wet due
to sweat. The hard corns appear on the top of the toes. The hard corns
are usually called as helomadurums. They are flaky and dry. Patients who
have callus experience too much of pressure on the feet. This pressure
is usually caused due to friction. There may be various causes that can
lead to friction on the feet such as shoe bite, standing for a very long
time and wearing tight socks that can constrict blood vessels.
Other types of callus can be due to various deformities on the body
like hammer toe. This is due to formation of bone in the toe and when
pressure is placed on the bone, callus is formed. Similarly, bone
prominence on various parts of the foot can also lead to the formation
of callus. Abnormal gait can lead to a raised pressure on the foot that
can result in callus. People who have flat feet are more prone to
developing callus. Women who constantly wear high heels are likely to
develop callus feet due to constant pressure.
Also Read: What Is the Science Behind Foot Corns?
Understanding Corns and Calluses
When callus become painful, it will be extremely difficult to walk.
They will endure constant pain in the legs. Callus can develop in any
part of the body as long as there is constant pressure on that region. A
callus that develops on the foot is usually larger and wider with a
poor edge. It is essential to look for symptoms such as dryness, thick
bulge, pain and hardness on the foot. They can either be grey or white
or yellow in color.
Corns are generally smaller than calluses. The corns have a hard
centre and are painful. Calluses that are not painful can develop on the
heels and soles of the feet. When the callus or corn becomes painful,
it is essential to get medical advice as they can lead to various
complications. Corns can also occur as a result of diabetes due to
improper blood circulation in the body. When there is pain, the cause
underlying the condition such as heels or improperly fitting shoes
should be avoided.
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