THE DANGER OF CALLUSES & HOW TO PREVENT THEM
By Bethesda, MD & Springfield, VA Podiatrist, Dr. Paul Ross Of The Podiatry Center
Calluses usually aren’t a serious problem, but under the right circumstances or with the right underlying issue, they can become an issue. In severe cases, calluses get too thick to treat at home and need to be treated by a podiatrist. Sometimes when this happens they cause weight redistribution or can get infected, especially if they crack. The best treatment? Prevention, of course!
How To Prevent Calluses On Your Feet
Benjamin Franklin stated that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this applies to health in every aspect. What are some ways to prevent calluses?
- Wear properly fitting socks and shoes. Socks that don’t fit can cause calluses, much like ill-fitting shoes can.
- Wear arch supports. This can make shoes more comfortable, alleviate pain, and keep your foot structure healthy. Even weight distribution can prevent calluses.
- If you have a foot deformity, consult with your podiatrist for your best options.
- Keep your feet clean. Hygiene is particularly important for feet as they are more vulnerable to infection, especially if you have diabetes.
When Calluses Go Untreated
If your calluses seem abnormal to you or are accompanied by any other symptoms like the ones in the following list, please see your podiatrist as soon as possible.
- Swelling
- Discomfort or pain when walking or standing
- Fever
- Splitting of the skin
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Discoloration
- Pus or fluid
What’s The Worst That Could Happen?
Calluses can become too thick and dry, which then causes them to split open and sometimes even bleed. For someone in overall good health, this can be a problem… however, for someone with diabetes, it could spiral out of control extremely quickly and lead to a need for amputation. If a callus gets too thick, splits open and gets infected, or turns into an ulcer – an open sore on the foot that doesn’t heal – this could spell disaster for a diabetic patient. Therefore, if you have diabetes, see your Bethesda, MD Podiatrist or Springfield, VA Podiatrist immediately if your feet are causing your problems.
For patients without diabetes, problems stemming from having calluses are rare, but they are still possible. Those at greatest risk are people whose calluses split open and become infected. An infection can spread to the bone or the blood, and once your blood is infected, it can lead to sepsis or blood poisoning. If that goes untreated, it can be fatal.
Of course these are worst-case scenarios, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you don’t yet have a podiatrist and you live in the Bethesda, MD or Springfield, VA area, try us first and get $25 toward your insurance co-pay.
Why See a Bethesda, MD or Springfield, VA Podiatrist?
A general practitioner or family doctor is great if you’re healthy and don’t have any major problems, but they can often miss issues that require specialized knowledge. That’s why, if you have any problems with your feet at all, a podiatrist is the best way to go.
A foot specialist can quickly identify and diagnose problems with your feet that others may have missed, and we can offer treatment solutions tailored to your unique condition and life situation. Here at The Podiatry Center, we put your feet first! Call us today at (301) 656-6055 and we’ll be happy to help you.
This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for education. Our practice would be pleased to discuss your unique circumstances and needs as they relate to these topics.
The Podiatry Centers treat all medical and surgical foot pain and ankle pain conditions. Licensed Bethesda, MD Podiatrist, Dr. Paul Ross can help bring you foot pain and ankle pain relief.
Our Bethesda, Maryland (MD) and Springfield, Virginia (VA) Podiatry offices offer the most effective and state-of-the-art, quality podiatry care services with a smile to patients in our local community, including: Woodbridge VA, Fairfax VA, Annandale VA, Arlington VA, Alexandria VA, Burke VA, Gaithersburg MD, Potomac MD, Silver Spring MD, Rockville MD and Chevy Chase MD.
Return to a pain-free life and get back to the things you love!
