Calluses are thickened areas of skin that form in response to pressure or friction. In most people, they’re simply an inconvenience. But in someone with diabetes, a callus is more than just a cosmetic concern—it can be the first sign of a developing wound.
Because diabetes often leads to nerve damage in the feet, many people can’t feel when a callus becomes painful or begins to press into the soft tissue below. As the pressure continues, the skin under the callus may break down, forming an ulcer. These ulcers often go unnoticed until there’s visible drainage, infection, or an odor—at which point treatment becomes more complicated.
Foot ulcers are one of the leading causes of hospitalization and lower-limb amputations among people with diabetes. Fortunately, timely attention to something as basic as a callus can help you avoid these serious outcomes.
Why Diabetic Feet Are More Prone to Callus Complications
Two key diabetes-related conditions make calluses especially risky: peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease. Together, they interfere with your body’s ability to detect and heal injuries—especially in your feet.
The Role of Neuropathy and Circulatory Issues
Peripheral neuropathy damages the nerves that transmit sensation. When your feet lose the ability to detect pressure or pain, you don’t instinctively adjust your walking pattern to protect a tender area. That means pressure builds up under high-friction areas like the ball of the foot or the heel, allowing calluses to form unchecked.
At the same time, poor circulation limits the nutrients and oxygen your tissue needs to repair itself. Even small injuries take longer to heal. Add a thick callus on top of already stressed tissue, and you have a recipe for skin breakdown—and infection.
What’s worse, diabetic patients may not feel an ulcer or other foot wound developing under a callus until it’s too late. That’s why regular foot exams and early podiatric care are essential.
How to Care for Calluses at Home—Without Causing Harm
While you can’t eliminate every risk factor, proper foot care at home can go a long way in keeping your feet healthy and reducing callus-related problems. The key is to be consistent, gentle, and vigilant.
Start by establishing a daily foot care routine that supports skin health and allows you to spot changes early.
Here are some safe at-home practices to manage calluses and prevent ulcers:
- Inspect your feet every day. Use a mirror or ask someone to help check for new calluses, skin color changes, cracks, cuts, or signs of infection.
- Moisturize dry skin. Apply a fragrance-free foot cream daily, avoiding the area between your toes to reduce the risk of fungal infection. Dry skin can crack and create openings for bacteria.
- Soak and gently exfoliate. After a warm (not hot) foot soak, you can lightly smooth calluses using a pumice stone. Never use sharp tools, razors, or callus shavers—these can cause injury.
- Wear protective footwear. Shoes should have ample room, soft insoles, and no seams that rub. A well-fitted pair of shoes helps evenly distribute weight and reduce pressure points.
- Use diabetic socks. These are designed to reduce moisture and friction, helping to prevent both blisters and callus formation.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
While home care is important, knowing when to call in professional help is just as crucial. Some foot changes are signs of a developing problem that needs immediate medical attention.
See a podiatrist promptly if you notice:
- Thick, dark, or rapidly growing calluses. These may indicate a high-pressure area that’s likely to break down.
- Redness or warmth beneath or around a callus. This could be inflammation or early infection.
- Drainage, blood, or staining on your socks. Ulcers often hide beneath callus layers, so this could signal a wound has already formed.
- Persistent tenderness, even with neuropathy. Any new discomfort in your feet is worth checking, especially if it’s focused under a callus.
- A callus that repeatedly returns in the same area. This suggests an underlying gait or pressure issue that needs to be addressed with custom support.
How a Podiatrist Helps You Stay Ahead of Ulcer Risk
Managing diabetic foot health isn’t about occasional visits—it’s about long-term partnership. Your podiatrist isn’t just treating existing problems; they’re helping you prevent future ones.
At Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center, our podiatric team takes a comprehensive approach to managing calluses and foot ulcer risks. We start with a thorough evaluation of your feet—including nerve testing, circulation assessment, and pressure mapping if needed—to understand your personal risk factors.
What to Expect During In-Office Care
Treatment plans are tailored to your unique needs. Depending on what we find, your podiatrist may recommend:
- Callus debridement. In-office removal of thickened skin using sterile tools to immediately reduce pressure and examine the skin underneath.
- Custom orthotics or shoe inserts. These relieve pressure in high-risk areas and reduce recurrence of calluses.
- Footwear recommendations. We help you select shoes that protect your feet while addressing any biomechanical issues.
- Diabetic foot exams every 2–3 months. These regular check-ins help us track changes and catch concerns early.
- Advanced wound care if needed. If a callus has already progressed into an ulcer, our Chesapeake Amputation Prevention Center offers specialized care to promote healing and reduce the risk of amputation.
Why Taking Calluses Seriously Protects Your Health
Calluses may seem like a minor inconvenience—but for people with diabetes, they carry real risks. They aren’t just hardened skin. They’re potential pressure points that can silently damage the tissue underneath, turning into serious wounds with long-lasting consequences.
The good news? Most callus-related ulcers are preventable. With daily awareness, protective footwear, and regular podiatry visits, you can maintain control over your foot health and reduce your risk of complications.
You don’t have to wait until something goes wrong to get help. By partnering with a podiatrist who understands the connection between diabetes, calluses, and foot ulcers, you’re making a powerful investment in your long-term mobility, independence, and overall well-being.