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.
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.
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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.
