Diabetes is a chronic health condition that causes many issues, including problems with the feet. High blood sugar levels cause nerve and blood vessel damage, making it challenging to feel wounds in the legs and feet.
Corns and calluses are dangerous for those living with diabetes for many reasons. Dr. David Deiboldt at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center provides diabetic foot care for at-risk patients.
Dr. Deiboldt is an experienced podiatrist who offers various treatments and lifestyle tips to avoid foot and ankle issues and chronic wounds.
Corns and calluses are common foot problems that affect many people. For most people, they're simply a nuisance – but to those with diabetes, they pose a serious risk to their health and feet.
Both conditions form on the feet or toes from friction. Tight shoes paired with high activity levels or poor foot function cause friction. The body's response to friction is thickened areas of skin called corns and calluses.
Calluses are more significant than corns and often appear on the soles of the feet, big toes, and heels. They also feel more rigid than a corn.
Corns typically only form on the toes and are smaller than calluses and cone-shaped. They are harder in the center and may look like a blister. Corns are painful when touching but are essentially a smaller callus.
The significant risk of corns and calluses with diabetes is the progression of both ulcers or non-healing wounds. Shoes and lifestyle habits put pressure on the corns or calluses, which you may not be able to feel with diabetic neuropathy.
Pressure on corns and calluses can cause loss of sensation, creating the perfect environment for ulcers. Diabetic ulcers are slow to heal and can lead to infections, chronic wounds, and, in severe cases, amputations.
The best way to avoid corns and calluses is to keep blood sugar levels under control, which slows the progression of nerve damage and circulatory problems. However, you can still get corns and calluses even with excellent diabetes care.
We offer several tips to prevent the formation of corns and calluses, including using a pumice stone on your feet daily. Use it on wet skin and moisturize right afterward. Additional preventive tips for corns and calluses include:
If you already have corns or calluses, you must not remove them yourself. Trying to trim calluses at home may result in more tissue damage and severe infections.
You should see us regularly for foot checks, toenails, and callus trimming. Maintaining good foot health can prevent serious complications.
Call the office or request a consultation on our website to schedule an appointment today with Dr. Deiboldt at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Care for diabetic foot care and corns or calluses.
