Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAppearanceNatural RemovalOTC RemovalChronic Plantar CallusTypes of Provider to SeeSpecialty Techniques
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Appearance
Natural Removal
OTC Removal
Chronic Plantar Callus
Types of Provider to See
Specialty Techniques
A plantar callus is a hardened and thickened area of skin that develops on the sole or bottom of the foot. These calluses commonly occur on weight-bearing regions like the heel or ball of the foot due to excessive pressure and friction on the skin.
In this article, we will explore different methods for effectively removing plantar calluses. These methods include soaks, pads, medications, and scalpel removal.
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How Does a Plantar Callus Look?
Plantar calluses are typically rough, thickened, and hardened areas of the skin on and around the bottom of the foot.When discussing the appearance of a plantar callus, it is crucial to differentiate between a “callus” and a “corn.” Generally, the term “callus” refers to thickened skin on the bottom of the foot, whereas “corn” pertains to thickened skin on the top of the foot or toe.
Those with diabetes or impaired circulation are particularly vulnerable because calluses can sometimes escalate into more severe foot complications.
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How to Remove a Plantar Callus Naturally
Treatment may prove unnecessary for mild calluses. If discomfort is minimal, it is generally safe to leave them undisturbed.
To remove calluses, somedermatologistsoffer the following guidance:
Some calluses will naturally diminish when the source of the pressure and friction has been eliminated. However, if you’re experiencing severe discomfort from hardened skin or have diabetes, it is advisable to seek professional guidance from a certified dermatologist.
OTC Plantar Callus Removal
Some individuals opt to treat their plantar calluses using over-the-counter remedies. In such cases, it is essential to carefully follow the application and usage instructions provided on the packaging.
Here is a list of some common plantar callus removal treatments:
Chronic or Treatment-Resistant Plantar Callus
Sometimes, despite efforts to alleviate the condition through home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, plantar calluses remain and continue to cause discomfort or pain. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend scalpel debridement.
In rare instances, surgical intervention might be necessary. Calluses can develop when specific areas of the foot experience excessive pressure due to the misalignment of bones or joints. Surgical procedures may be required to address the underlying issue in these situations. The surgical approach may involve the removal of excess bone, repositioning of larger bones, or the fusion of joints. Additionally, the provider may perform tendon or ligament releases to alleviate pressure.
Type of Provider to See for Plantar Callus
There are several types of healthcare providers you can consult for the treatment of plantar calluses. These include:
If you or a loved one is struggling with a callus, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider who can assess your specific condition and provide appropriate treatment options based on your individual needs.
Specialty Plantar Callus Removal Techniques
In certain cases where a callus has ulcerated or is deeply cracked, a podiatrist may use a scalpel to remove the infected tissue beneath the dead skin. This procedure is typically performed with a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free experience for the patient.
Summary
Plantar calluses are thickened and hardened areas of skin that develop on the sole due to pressure and friction. Remove them at home using natural remedies like soaking and pumice stone. Over-the-counter options such as salicylic acid patches or pads, topical solutions, and non-medicated callus pads or inserts are available.
If your calluses are resistant to home treatments, or you have diabetes or problems with circulation, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional specializing in foot-related conditions, like a podiatrist or dermatologist. They can provide accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to help you address the issue effectively and comfortably.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Podiatric Medical Association.What is a corn? What is a callus?American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat corns and calluses.UCLA Health.Calluses and corns.National Library of Medicine.Medicated callus removers — salicylic acid patch.MedlinePlus.Salicylic acid topical.Becker BA, Childress MA.Common foot problems: over-the-counter treatments and home care, Am Fam Physician. 2018 Sep 1;98(5):298-303.Prime Foot & Ankle Specialists.Podiatrist callus removal [podiatrist treatment for calluses & corns].
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Podiatric Medical Association.What is a corn? What is a callus?American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat corns and calluses.UCLA Health.Calluses and corns.National Library of Medicine.Medicated callus removers — salicylic acid patch.MedlinePlus.Salicylic acid topical.Becker BA, Childress MA.Common foot problems: over-the-counter treatments and home care, Am Fam Physician. 2018 Sep 1;98(5):298-303.Prime Foot & Ankle Specialists.Podiatrist callus removal [podiatrist treatment for calluses & corns].
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Podiatric Medical Association.What is a corn? What is a callus?American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat corns and calluses.UCLA Health.Calluses and corns.National Library of Medicine.Medicated callus removers — salicylic acid patch.MedlinePlus.Salicylic acid topical.Becker BA, Childress MA.Common foot problems: over-the-counter treatments and home care, Am Fam Physician. 2018 Sep 1;98(5):298-303.Prime Foot & Ankle Specialists.Podiatrist callus removal [podiatrist treatment for calluses & corns].
American Podiatric Medical Association.What is a corn? What is a callus?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat corns and calluses.
UCLA Health.Calluses and corns.
National Library of Medicine.Medicated callus removers — salicylic acid patch.
MedlinePlus.Salicylic acid topical.
Becker BA, Childress MA.Common foot problems: over-the-counter treatments and home care, Am Fam Physician. 2018 Sep 1;98(5):298-303.
Prime Foot & Ankle Specialists.Podiatrist callus removal [podiatrist treatment for calluses & corns].
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