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Because of excessive and daily use, the feet face many problems. Among them, the callus, which is a frequent and most of the time benign condition, should be differentiated from other similar foot problems. For this reason, EPITACT® gathers the core symptoms and useful information for the diagnosis of calluses.
The callus forms by hyperkeratosis and reaches the upper layers of the skin. In other words, it is caused by excessive frictions and pressures on the plantar surface. To protect from external aggressions, the skin defends by forming a thick and strong shield. The skin thickens, hardens: this is hyperkeratosis. Let’s remind that in adults, sportspersons, older or diabetic people are particularly prone to this skin thickening.
However, the benign aspect of a callus shouldn’t be a reason to ignore it! It deserves proper care. How to diagnose a callus? How to recognise it? Who to consult and what are its symptoms?
Symptoms of a callus
The callus has very few symptoms. However, this callosity has specific characteristics compared with other hyperkeratotic lesions of the foot (especially corns and soft corns). Then it can be useful to identify the typical signs that allow to differentiate it:
• Redness. The surrounding skin of this thick area can be red, sign of a skin irritation.
• Skin thickening. This symptom is the first warning sign of a callus formation. This thickening is similar to several callosities, but in the case of a callus, some features allow distinguish it easily:
> its location: the callus forms in the extremities (feet, hands). In the hands, it is mainly observed in the palm or fingers. In the feet, it generally forms under the forefoot, on the plantar surface. It develops more precisely under the bony protrusions, at the base of the toes under the foot. Indeed, these areas are more so exposed to excessive pressures during walking. To resume, it mainly affects areas of excessive support.
> its size: the callus has variable sizes.
> its shape: often round-shaped, the callus can also adopt variable forms.
> its colour: generally, the callus has a yellowish colour.
> its appearance: the thick skin corresponding to the callus is relatively hard and rough. Indeed, the skin covering the affected area is similar to horn and so it is very dry.
• Pain. Let’s note that this symptom isn’t frequent. Most of the time, a callus is painless, but it can cause discomfort and even pain while walking. Depending on its precise location and the intensity of activities (e.g. doing a lot of walking), the callus can create a real plantar discomfort.
For all these reasons, and although the callus is benign, it should be cared and treated in the long term. A health professional should diagnose it. In addition to facilitate healing, the advice of a specialist is essential to prevent the recurrence or the formation of calluses.
How to diagnose a callus?
A callus is easily recognisable due to its few symptoms. At first, the health professional observes the affected area. In general, this visual inspection is sufficient to identify a callus and no further clinical examination is necessary.
If he suspects an underlying condition, the specialist will also inspect the posture of the body and feet. Indeed, malformations of the foot such as hallux valgus (bunion), flat foot or claw/hammer toes can favour calluses.
As a result, a long-lasting treatment of a callus is mediated by the identification and elimination of its causes as soon as possible.
Lastly, inspection is completed with some questions. The specialist asks you some specific questions to take your medical history, after which he determines the differential diagnoses of your foot condition.
Indeed, the objective of the clinical examination is to establish the proper diagnosis by eliminating the potential conditions that are close to a callus. As it can be confused with other foot conditions whose symptoms and signs are similar, this step is important. Among the differential diagnoses, let’s cite corns, soft corns but also plantar warts.
Who and when to consult?
To treat a callus, it is preferable to consult a health professional. Your physician or podiatrist are both specialists you can consult if you have calluses. They are particularly able to identify the potential underlying conditions or malformations of the foot. They also provide you all the information necessary to avoid recurrence by determining the exact causes of a callus.
Other advantage: they inform you about the possible complications of a callus. One of the rare and dangerous complication of callosities like corns and calluses is infection. Diabetic people should be particularly careful regarding this complication risk. Loss of sensitivity caused by diabetes, plus the painful aspect of a callus can delay the identification of a foot condition. This can also lead to a much more severe condition bearing the name of perforating ulcer of the foot...
Solutions for calluses
Orthopaedic solutions can relieve your pain by limiting rubbing and pressures on your feet. For example, the plantar cushions* efficiently soothe the bottom of the forefoot. These protections for the ball of the foot limit pressures, frictions and instability effects. Thanks to their 2 mm thickness, they are really comfortable while walking and influence the disappearance of calluses.
Calluses are commonly easy to treat, so do not let them gain ground! You’d avoid useless and uncomfortable sensations and pain that may ruin your trips. Identify the causes of this foot condition is the first step to prevent and treat your calluses permanently.
*These products are class I medical devices that bear the CE marking under this regulation. Carefully read the instructions before use. Manufacturer: Millet Innovation. 09/2021