How to Prevent Severe Bunion Pain from Flaring Up
Do you have bunion pain that gets notably worse at times? Understanding why these flare-ups can happen can go a long way toward helping you prevent them in the future.
Are Foot Calluses a Medical Problem?
Calluses are a normal occurrence. These rough patches of thickened skin develop on feet because of friction. They have an increased chance of developing if you wear shoes that don’t fit properly or if you do a lot of walking.
In most cases, calluses aren’t painful, and if friction is resolved in the affected area, they may go away on their own. However, there are some instances when medical care can be necessary.
In this blog, Kyle Durfey, DPM, and Brian Hiapo, DPM, of Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center explain what calluses are and when you may need to get treatment for them.
The basics of calluses
Foot calluses are fairly similar to corns in that they develop as a result of repeated friction in a certain area of the foot. The difference is that corns are usually rounded, have hardened centers, are painful when pressed, and develop on parts of the feet that don’t bear weight.
Calluses, on the other hand, usually develop in places where the foot is under pressure, such as from body weight. Furthermore, calluses are usually larger than corns, are irregularly shaped, and don’t hurt when pressed.
Calluses can often be treated at home by soaking the affected foot in warm water and then using a pumice stone to gently buff away the thickened skin. However, there are some cases when calluses may require medical attention.
When a callus warrants a visit to the doctor
If your callus is painful or swollen, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center. It could be a sign that the callus is infected.
Beyond painful calluses, there are a few types of people who should always visit us when they get calluses, because certain conditions can make skin changes problematic. If you develop a callus, you should make an appointment if you have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- A health condition that makes you more prone to infections
- A callus that hasn’t healed after weeks of at-home care
- Delicate skin
- An abnormal foot shape that you think is causing your callus
At Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center, we can treat your callus and also help you avoid future calluses. For example, if a footwear issue is the cause, we can guide you on wearing the right shoes or suggest orthotics if needed.
If you have any callus pain or a health condition that could make your callus a problem for you, come to us for the foot care you need. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Understanding Your Diabetic Neuropathy Diagnosis
If you have diabetes, you have a roughly 50% chance of dealing with an associated condition called diabetic neuropathy. Read on to learn what it is and how it can be treated.
4 Injuries That Can Cause Chronic Ankle Pain
If you’ve been dealing with persistent ankle pain, think back. Could an injury be to blame? Here are four common ankle injuries that can cause chronic pain.
Is Hammertoe Hereditary?
If you’re dealing with hammertoe, you might be wondering if your parents could be to blame. Your genes might have something to do with it, sure, but you should know about a much more common cause of hammertoe.
I Have a Painful Ingrown Toenail - What Should I Do?
If your ingrown toenail is causing you discomfort, don’t try to dig it out on your own. Instead, do the things we lay out in this guide.
Bye, Bye Bunions: Getting Ready for Your Bunion Surgery
Having a date on your calendar for bunion surgery means you’re on the path to healthier feet. But a successful surgery requires some preparation on your part. Read on to learn more.