Many people struggle to recognize that their bunion is causing their callus to form when experiencing foot discomfort. Understanding a bunion vs callus is crucial to identifying proper treatment and long-term foot health. While calluses can happen anywhere, some locations can cause pain and affect daily activities.
A bunion is a bump on your big toe. It can be caused by excess bone growth, but it typically occurs when the joint is out of alignment. This deformity occurs when the first metatarsal bone shifts away from the other metatarsal bones. And then, it can worsen when the big toe creates a retrograde force, further enlarging the deformity. Bunions develop gradually over time and can be caused by genetic factors, certain root shapes, and exacerbated by wearing tight or narrow shoes. The affected area often becomes red, swollen, and tender to the touch.
Bunions involve structural changes to the bone and joint. They can significantly alter your foot’s shape and often result in ball of foot pain, hammertoes, and may worsen without proper intervention.
Calluses are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop in response to repeated friction or pressure. Similar to what causes a blister, but instead of a large shear force over a short period of time, which causes a blister, a callus forms from a small, repetitive shear force over a long period of time. They commonly form on the soles of your feet, particularly on the heels, balls of your feet, or areas where your shoes rub consistently. Many people with bunions suffer from medial pinch calluses – thick skin on the inside part of the big toe. They can also develop calluses on the ball of the foot from increased pressure as a result of poor alignment.
While calluses serve as your body’s natural protection against friction, they can become painful when they grow too thick. This happens as the skin dries out and the nerves are stuck between a rock and a hard place, or the bone and the callus.
Conservative bunion treatment includes wearing properly fitted shoes with adequate toe room, using bunion pads or orthotics, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. However, these options merely help with the discomfort and do not fix the problem of correcting the bunion itself. Northwest Surgery Center specializes in advanced bunion correction procedures, offering minimally invasive techniques that reduce recovery time and improve outcomes.
Callus treatment typically involves regular moisturizing, gentle filing with a pumice stone, and reducing pressure. However, the callus will continue to come back unless the underlying cause of friction, often the bunion, is addressed. Properly fitted shoes and protective padding can slow down callus formation. For persistent or painful calluses, professional bunion treatment is recommended.
The bunion vs callus decision becomes clearer when you know when to consult a specialist. Seek medical attention for bunions if you experience persistent pain, difficulty finding comfortable shoes, limited toe movement, or if you are tired of your calluses!
Northwest Surgery Center provides comprehensive foot and ankle evaluations. If you feel you have exhausted conservative management and are sick of your calluses, it’s time to look for advanced surgical solutions. Most of our patients benefit from permanent callus removal following minimally invasive bunion surgery. Our experienced team understands that many calluses are caused by bunion deformities. By helping you distinguish between your bunions vs calluses, we can develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Did you know that many times an ingrown nail is a direct result of having a bunion too? When the skin rolls up because of the bunion and is squished against the nail, the ingrown nail can start to develop. Then, due to improper nail care, the ingrown nail worsens and can become infected.
Don’t let foot pain limit your lifestyle. Whether you’re dealing with bunions, calluses, or other foot concerns, Northwest Surgery Center offers the expertise and advanced treatment options you need. Schedule your appointment today or call our office to discuss your symptoms and explore the best treatment approach for your situation.
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