Understanding Foot Calluses In Eagle Mountain

Foot calluses or tyloma is one of the common foot problems and it affects 5% of the US population. Most calluses form due to repeated friction on the skin. The hardened skin layers are a body’s natural way of protecting the underlying skin from pressure or pressure. However, calluses can cause discomfort when walking, standing, or wearing shoes. Here, we look at some facts about foot calluses and the reasons to consult a podiatrist for foot calluses.

What Is A Callus?

Foot calluses are usually yellows or pale and feel lumpy to the touch. Since the affected skin is thick, it might be less sensitive than the skin surrounding it. Calluses are bigger and have less-defined edges than corns. They tend to appear where the skin rubs against shoes, bone, or the ground on which a person walks. You will likely see them forming over weight-bearing areas like the big toe, ball of your foot, and along the side of your feet, specifically in the area of skin that comes into contact with the ground as you walk. Some callus may also form at the bottom of your foot.

Common Causes Of Calluses

Calluses usually form due to repeated friction, rubbing or irritation, and pressure on the foot skin. One of the major causes is loosely-fitting shoes. You can avoid calluses and corns with a bit of attention and care.

Symptoms Of Calluses

Check out the major signs and symptoms of calluses in Eagle Mountain, UT:

• Thick hardened areas of skin where there
• Flaky, dry, or waxy skin.
• Small, raised bump of hardened skin surrounded by irritated skin
• Flattened patch of skin
• Heel pain when direct pressure is applied
• Loss of sensitivity to touch than surrounding areas

Who Are At Risk For Calluses And Corns?

You are more likely to develop corns or calluses you often walk around without socks or wear shoes that are narrow for your feet. You can also develop calluses if you have underlying conditions such as bone spur, hammertoes, or bunions that affect the normal bone alignment. Smoking cigarettes also makes you a good candidate for corns and callus formation.

Treatments And Remedies For Calluses

Below are simple ways of eliminating calluses and keeping feet healthy at home.

• Soak calluses in warm water for about 10 minutes then scrape the skin with a pumice stone.
• File down the calluses in circular or sideways motions to remove the dead skin. Don’t remove excess skin as it cause bleeding and infection
• Apply moisturizers that contain urea and salicylic acid on your foot daily to soften the dry skin before filing.
• Wear properly fitting or better shoes and socks with protected pads or insoles
• Get orthotics – custom made padded shoe inserts – to help with structural irregularities on your foot
• Place foam or silicone wedges between your toes to reduce pressure on corn

Can Foot Calluses Be Cancerous?

Not all calluses are caused by shoe rubbing or skin irritation. Research shows that hard skin and excess callus formation on your feet can be an indication of tylosis, a hereditary and malignant type of cancer. Scientists found that iRHOM2, a gene behind cancer affects the body’s keratin production, leading to skin thickening. In some cases, Tylosis cancer patients are compelled to shave off layers of the hard skin with a razor to bring the thickening under control.

Should Foot Calluses Be Removed?

You can manage and even prevent calluses by simply avoiding tight-fitting shoes. To eliminate calluses faster, use a pumice stone or emery board to remove the top skin layers on your foot. But first, soak your feet in warm soapy water to soften the callus then dry them. Rub the pumice over the callus then moisturize the area with skin lotion. Do it gently so you won’t hurt the skin. Surgery is another option and can be used to correct structural deformity in your toes or feet that causes repeated callus formation. During surgery, your doctor may remove or realign bone tissue. Surgery can also be necessary where calluses are sore or hinder you from walking properly.

When Do Foot Calluses Need A Doctor?

Removing a callus at home can lead to a painful infection. Some pedicurists can offer to remove the excess skin on your feet. It’s best to leave the job to a professional with specialized training and experience. If you have larger corns or calluses, consult a podiatrist.

See a doctor if you are diabetic too. Diabetes patients can have peripheral neuropathy or lack of feeling that makes it difficult to feel pain sensations. People with diabetes have poor blood circulation in their legs, which can hinder healing. Their corns and calluses could develop infections.

Similarly, consult your doctor if:

• You have underlying disorders, delicate skin, or conditions that put you at risk of infection.
• Home treatments fail to work or manage your foot calluses
• You have abnormal bone structure or alignment that makes calluses keep coming back
• Corns or calluses are painful or you believe they have become infected. Swelling, oozing pus, and redness are typical signs of infection.
• Foot pain intensifies or feels discomfort when you wear shows

Have Foot Calluses? Our Podiatrists Can Help You Get Rid Of Them

Don’t let calluses stop you from wearing shoes and walking around. The podiatrists at Rogers Foot and Ankle Institute can help you remove the thickened skin under your foot, treat open sores, and advise you on ankle care. Callus removal is usually a simple in-office procedure that won’t hurt as dead skin has no nerve endings. Never attempt to remove callus without medical supervision if you are diabetic or have underlying medical conditions as it can lead to foot complications and infections. To book an appointment with our podiatrists, call 801-756-4200 today.