Wearing ill-fitting shoes or walking for a long time can sometimes cause calluses to form on the feet. Calluses are a thickening of the keratin layer due to repeated pressure. The cause is the increased rate of cell division in the epidermal cells to protect the skin. These calluses can help predict what kind of foot disease a person might be experiencing.

 

Second toe → Hallux valgus

 

If a hardened callus forms particularly severely under the second toe, it may be indicative of hallux valgus. Hallux valgus is a condition where the big toe bends toward the little toe due to wearing shoes with high heels or narrow toe boxes for a long time. Since the big toe, which supports the body and provides propulsion during walking, cannot perform its role properly, it unconsciously puts pressure on the second toe while walking, leading to the formation of a callus in that area.

Little toe → Bunion of the fifth toe

 

If a callus forms on the little toe, it may be a suspicion of a bunionette. A bunionette is a condition where the joint at the base of the little toe curves toward the big toe, protruding outward. In this case, the protruding area contacts the shoe, leading to the formation of a callus. Calluses can develop not only on the little toe but also on surrounding areas, and in severe cases, conditions such as bursitis or skin ulcers may occur.

 

If it appears on the front or heel → Flatfoot

 

If corns continuously develop on the front and back of the foot, it may be caused by pes cavus. Pes cavus refers to an abnormally high arch of the foot. As a result, when walking, weight is placed on the front and back of the foot rather than the sole, which can lead to pain and the formation of corns.

 

If it develops on the inside or outside → joint imbalance

 

Calluses can form due to joint misalignment. If there are severe calluses on the inside or outside of the soles of the feet, it may indicate an imbalance in the hip or knee joints. When the joints are misaligned, the feet tend to bend inward or outward during walking, causing weight to be concentrated on one side. This can lead not only to calluses but also to arthritis, so efforts to correct gait are absolutely necessary.

 

If it appears on only one foot → Scoliosis