Symptoms of heel spurs, treatment methods - what the patient needs to know

Medical diagnosis of callus

Core-type calluses are fairly easy to diagnose.
After an in-person consultation, a dermatologist can provide a conclusion and diagnosis about the type of skin growth.

The only difficulty may be differentiating an ingrown callus from Verruca plantaris (plantar wart).

Because they have the same location and appearance.

You can distinguish a callus from a wart by the following features:

• An ingrown callus is not accompanied by bleeding even with strong pressure on it.
• A wart, unlike a callus, is not a single formation. Typically, upon examination, several warts that resemble cauliflower can be identified.
• The callus in its central zone has a small depression, which can be seen upon detailed examination. In the case of a wart, the HPV formation consists of thin fibers; petechiae (black dots) are observed on top, which bleed when injured.
• If a wart is present, pain occurs when the lesion itself is palpated; there is no pain when walking. In the case of calluses, pain is observed with any mechanical movement.

To confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause of the disease, the dermatologist prescribes a blood test for diabetes mellitus.

Also an analysis to determine the human papillomavirus, to exclude HPV.

Additionally, the doctor can redirect the patient to other specialized specialists.

See a podiatrist (a doctor who treats foot pathologies), a rheumatologist or an orthopedist.

An important point is to exclude Morton's neuroma.

Morton's neuroma is a benign or non-cancerous growth of fibrous tissue.

Develops in the area of ​​the tibial nerve, most often between the third and fourth fingers.

The pathology is accompanied by thickening of the plantar nerve, pain when walking, and a feeling of numbness in the fingers.

The disease is also known as Morton's metatarsalgia, plantar neuroma, and intermetatasal neuroma.

3.Causes of bone spurs

Wear and tear of articular cartilage.

In some cases, the appearance of bone spurs in a person is part of the aging of his body.
Over time, the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones inside joints wears down and wears out, so that it can no longer perform its primary function of reducing friction between joints. Loss of elasticity, hardening of cartilage and increased susceptibility to damage indicate the development of osteoarthritis
. A consequence of the progression of this disease is the formation of bone spurs.

Excessive pressure

.
Bone tumors appear on the feet most often due to ligament pressure, which is observed during dancing, long running, as well as due to uncomfortable shoes or excess body weight. The result of an unbalanced load on the foot can be inflammation of the long ligament located at its base. This process is medically called plantar fasciitis
.
It is characterized by redness of the heel, its inflammation, followed by the formation of a bone growth known as a heel spur
. As noted above, it develops mainly in women who prefer high-heeled shoes, as well as in athletes and dancers.

Bone spur

– a growth that forms on top of the bone under the influence of external factors: friction, pressure and strong physical activity. It is a natural, physiological phenomenon, in some cases manifested only by external defects, and sometimes accompanied by severe and painful pain and requiring urgent treatment!

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Methods for treating and removing ingrown calluses

The only and effective method of eliminating this problem on the legs is to remove the stratum corneum of the callus and its root.

In this case, it is important to completely remove not only the surface of the callus, but also the root.

Otherwise, the risk of relapse reaches 100%.

There are various methods for removing calluses; the optimal treatment option is selected individually.

Depending on the clinical signs, the neglect of the case and how deep the root has penetrated into the layers of the dermis.

Where do plantar warts come from?

HPV enters the body from the outside. Pathogens love moist environments. You can become infected by wearing someone else's shoes, neglecting the rules of hygiene in pedicure salons, baths, saunas or swimming pools. A virus suppressed by the immune system may not manifest itself for years. But in a weakened body, viral particles begin to divide very quickly. The propagation of plantar strains is facilitated by:

• increased sweating of the feet;
• uncomfortable tight shoes;
• microcracks in the skin;
• fungal infections of the feet;
• circulatory disorders due to joint deformation: arthritis, arthrosis, flat feet.

Within the epidermis, the virus first infects the basal layer. Then it provokes the proliferation of keratinized particles, forming characteristic hard plaques on the skin.

The main symptom of this form of HPV is severe pain while walking. The roots reaching the lower layer of the dermis constantly injure the nerve endings. Many patients have to give up their usual shoes and use thick, soft insoles to alleviate the pain.

Removing callus using drilling

This procedure can be carried out in a pedicure salon.

During the manipulation, a special device resembling a drill is used.

The procedure does not require the use of anesthesia.

Since it is not accompanied by pain.

Drilling/excision of callus areas is carried out using special attachments.

An antibacterial ointment is first placed in the deepening of the callus to prevent the development of the inflammatory process.

For the first few days, the patient may feel minor discomfort, which goes away on its own and does not require treatment.

Dry callus is removed using a similar method, but provided that it is not neglected.

The drilling procedure has certain disadvantages:

• If the rod is located deep enough, this manipulation may be ineffective. Often several manipulations are required to completely remove the callus.
• In the process of drilling out the keratinized area of ​​the dermis, damage to healthy skin is possible. The procedure requires a highly qualified specialist.
• This type of callus removal is a contact type of procedure, which means it is accompanied by an increased risk of infection.

Warts on the legs: causes and etiology

In order to determine the answer to the question of how to treat warts on the legs, you must initially understand that these epidermal growths are always a consequence of the activation of HPV in the human body. Anyone can become a carrier of the papilloma virus through direct contact with an infected person or using common household items, but skin manifestations may be absent even if several forms of HPV are present in the body. What provokes the formation of plantar warts, and what patient pathologies can this process indicate:

• Decreased immunity, which can occur against the background of serious inflammatory and infectious conditions, overwork, poor nutrition and neuro-emotional stress;
• Damage to the integrity of the epidermal cover of the feet: cracks and microcracks, punctures, burns, etc.;
• Impaired tissue trophism, which can result from pathological conditions such as diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, varicose veins;
• Dry skin, tendency to skin hyperkeratosis;
• Excessive sweating of the feet, which may be associated with disturbances in the sebaceous and sweat glands;
• Prolonged wearing of uncomfortable shoes that compress the foot.

Removal of callus with liquid nitrogen (cryodestruction)

Cryodestruction is an innovative, highly effective method of removing calluses on the foot, heel or toes using liquid nitrogen.

During the procedure, the keratinized area of ​​the skin is frozen, after which the destruction of the callus is observed.

It has been noted that the procedure is associated with an extremely low rate of callus re-development.

Many dermatologists note that no other method for removing core calluses gives results as favorable as cryodestruction.

Removing callus with liquid nitrogen takes about 10-20 minutes.

It is performed under local anesthesia, so the procedure is completely painless and safe.

Side effects are extremely rare (no more than 3% of cases).

Include callus recurrence, pain, discomfort, bleeding, infection, scarring.

The first few days after the procedure, the formation of a cold bubble is observed, which under no circumstances should be pierced.

Within 10-14 days, the healing process occurs; a crust forms in place of the bubble, which falls off on its own.

The process is not accompanied by the formation of scars.

The procedure is usually well tolerated, with minor discomfort possible.

Some disadvantages of cryotherapy:

• If the rod is extremely deep, cryodestruction is not always able to completely rid the patient of the callus.
• If you do not properly care for the skin after the procedure, there is a risk of an infectious process.
• Freezing the callus with liquid nitrogen is not used when large areas of the epidermis are affected. Cryodestruction used on large calluses can lead to a number of complications. For this reason, in advanced cases, they resort to other therapeutic methods.

Callus between toes: prevalence, risk factors

The appearance of such a defect as a callus between the toes is greatly facilitated by an uncomfortable shoe model, too narrow a toe, a high heel, the presence of rough internal seams, as well as an incorrectly selected size, which leads to the formation of folds on the socks. In this regard, calluses between the toes are typical for people involved in ballet and figure skating, where the use of special, definitely hard shoes is expected.

However, podologist Mikula N.V. notes that the number of people who are forced to deal with uncomfortable shoes and ill-fitting lasts in everyday life is also huge. Poor-quality shoe material can also provoke the development of these defects, because increased humidity due to sweating of the feet is also considered an unfavorable prerequisite. Examples of unsuitable shoes include models that are made using synthetic, poorly ventilated materials that cause skin irritation. At the same time, the development of corns and calluses is also facilitated by such prerequisites as:

• Increased physical activity on the feet, long running or walking;
• Large body weight, carrying heavy objects.

A tendency to keratinization of the skin is also observed in the case of medical problems. The development of pathology is promoted by:

• Joint damage, arthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout;
• Orthopedic disorders, flat feet;
• Psoriasis;
• Diabetes;
• Somatic disorders occurring with swelling of the legs;
• Vitamin deficiency, insufficient intake of vitamins B and A into the body;
• Hyperhidrosis, increased sweating.

Soft callus between toes

Calluses located between the toes are of two types: wet or dry. Wet calluses, or dropsies, usually appear in the summer. They represent an area where the skin has peeled off, and a clear liquid has accumulated underneath it, in some cases bloody. If such a blister bursts, fluid flows out of the wound, exposing an erosive surface that is painful to the touch. Given the fairly large area of ​​the lesion and the impossibility of refusing to regularly wear shoes, there is a high probability of infection.

To prevent the opening of dropsy and not further injure the resulting pathological focus, podologist Mikula N.V. recommends changing your shoe model. If the blister does burst, wash your feet in a soapy solution and wipe dry. Antiseptic ointment is applied to the wound surface. It is not recommended to treat the wound with a solution of iodine or brilliant green, as there is a risk of burns and additional injury to the skin. To prevent infection, an antibacterial patch is applied to the area of ​​the exposed callus.

With proper care, consultation with a specialist is not required. You should consult a doctor only if pain increases, signs of inflammation, or redness appear. It would be a good idea to use the services of a professional if the callus re-forms in the same place. Doctor Mikula N.V. will help you more thoroughly study the causes of the problem and prescribe the necessary treatment measures.

Dry calluses between fingers

Dry types of calluses include corns and core calluses. The first ones appear with constant friction and prolonged pressure. The skin in the area begins to harden, rising above the healthy areas. It takes on a yellowish tint. Corns do not cause pain. Usually they manifest themselves only as a cosmetic defect, but if left untreated they can be accompanied by the formation of painful cracks and, as a result, become infected.

Treatment of corns between the fingers involves softening the stratum corneum. To do this, baths with exfoliating agents are used at home, and external pharmaceutical preparations are used. When applied to the skin, they soften it, dissolve the horny cells of the epidermis, and in addition, have an antiseptic effect. Keratolytics are applied pointwise to the damaged tissue, and a regular patch is used to protect healthy skin. They are left on the damaged area for a day. After completion of the exposure, it is intended to eliminate the softened areas by scrubbing, removing the affected tissue with a pumice stone.

In their form, external remedies for the treatment of corns between the fingers can be in the form of ointments , gels, or solutions. According to people's reviews, the best ointment for treating corns between the fingers will be one that contains components such as salicylic, benzoic and lactic acid, and urea. When choosing a product, you should pay attention to the concentration of active ingredients.

Calluses are hard, rough patches of skin with a dark spot in the center. They do not have a cavity, but are distinguished by the presence of a rod that extends deep into the thickness of the epidermis. If you have a callus, you will not be able to avoid constant pain.

Treatment of dry calluses with a core is more difficult. In the case of such a callus between the fingers, it is not possible to soften it even with the help of the most effective external means, since the hardened core lies deep in the tissues. In most cases, a patch or ointment for treating corns between the toes will not have the desired effect. To provide real help to the patient, surgical intervention is necessary. The following methods are used as a basis:

• Excision of this pathological formation using surgical instruments. Surgical treatment of dry calluses with a core is an intervention carried out in accordance with the same conditions as any other surgical procedure: local anesthesia is used, the principles of asepsis and antisepsis are observed. During the operation, the superficial part of the callus is first excised, then an additional incision is made deeper. Through it, the rod is captured by a clamp and removed.

This procedure is easier than in the heel area, since the size of the rod is significantly smaller, but it will not be possible to do without dressings.

• Removing calluses with liquid nitrogen is a technique that is used less and less, since the effect involves several sessions and a fairly long rehabilitation period. At the same time, the sensations during the procedure are characterized as insufficiently comfortable.
• Laser callus removal is the most modern technology. A short-term exposure of the callus area to a beam of photon radiation leads to its evaporation. Considering the hemostatic, bactericidal effect of the laser, a significant advantage of the technique compared to surgical treatment is rapid healing, reducing the risk of infection and the development of complications.

At the same time, Doctor Mikula N.V. I completely agree with the opinion of my colleagues that it is very dangerous to remove calluses with a core at home. The lack of the necessary theoretical training and skills will inevitably lead to injury to the deep layers of the epidermis and infection. In addition, when planning the procedure, it is important to determine that it is a callus and not a plantar wart. Improperly performed mechanical action can provoke the spread of the virus and the appearance of new formations.

Treatment of calluses between the fingers with podiatrist Mikula Natalia Valerievna in Moscow

Treatment for corns between the toes depends on their type and severity. Podologist Mikula N.V. refers to the following methods as methods of influence:

• Drug therapy using agents that have keratolytic properties, that is, capable of softening rough skin. The specialist will select the drug that will be most effective under these clinical conditions. At the same time, an integrated approach to eliminating pathological signs and excluding relapses will be developed.
• As a method of removing calluses, you can use the option of grinding them off with a special cutter - hardware pedicure. Thanks to a wide range of attachments and operating modes of the equipment, and the skill of a specialist, it is possible to remove only altered areas without injuring healthy tissue. An important stage of this procedure is thorough antiseptic treatment. Other advantages include a comfortable feeling, no rehabilitation, and an affordable price. However, resorting to a hardware pedicure requires several sessions, since by excessively removing thickened tissue in one approach, one can expect increased cell regeneration and rapid relapse.

By contacting a specialist of such a high level as Mikula N.V., you can be sure that the doctor will reliably find out the causes of corns between the toes and competently prescribe treatment . For this pathology, it must necessarily include an impact on the causative factor. Otherwise, over time there is a high probability of a relapse.

By making an appointment with podologist Mikula N.V., you can count on the doctor to carefully study all the prerequisites. If the provoking factor is incorrectly selected shoes or orthopedic disorders, special callus pads can be used as an effective technology, with the help of which it will be possible to more correctly distribute the load on the foot. The specialist will also select special insoles, arch supports, and other orthopedic devices. It will be possible to discuss with your doctor other nuances of prevention.

Laser excision of callus

Laser callus removal remains a priority treatment method.

Allows you to effectively eliminate the problem with minimal risk of recurrence.

The laser penetrates into the deep layers of the dermis, which makes it possible to remove the root completely, rather than partially.

The operation of the device is based on the reproduction of a laser beam with special light properties:

• Monochromatic: Has only one specific wavelength or color.
• Coherence: Vibrates in the same phase or synchronously.
• Divergence: the beam works in a given direction.

During the manipulation, the epidermal layer is “burned out”, one after another.

The manipulation requires the use of an anesthetic.

The average session duration is no more than 10-15 minutes.

Before using the laser, the callus is treated with antiseptic drugs.

After laser irradiation, a dense crust forms, which will disappear after 10-14 days.

Laser treatment to remove calluses leads to cell regeneration.

It has an anti-inflammatory effect and stimulates the local immune system.

Thus, it promotes rapid healing of wounds.

However, the main advantage of the laser is the complete removal of callus even with a deep root location.

Often, one visit to a dermatologist is enough to effectively eliminate the problem.

Treatment of pathology

What to do if a child has an ingrown toenail and becomes inflamed? It is necessary, without delay, to consult a doctor who will conduct an examination and prescribe adequate treatment.

Parents often do not correctly assess the severity of the problem. Suppuration may not be noticeable. If you take a hot bath or warming procedures, it will only harm your health.

You cannot begin treatment for an ingrown toenail if suppuration is visible on the child’s foot, without consulting a surgeon. Make an appointment with a specialist so that your baby recovers quickly without the risk of complications.

At the first manifestations

The problem doesn't come out of the blue. Already at the first complaint of pain from a child, you need to carefully examine the leg. If you notice that the edge of the nail rests on the roller, which has turned red or white, you need to prepare a warm bath with chamomile or a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Then wipe the area with alcohol. Remove the part of the plate that rests on the soft tissue. Monitor your finger closely until the inflammation goes away. Source: A.B. Baburin, V.I. Loginov, V.V. Parshikov Method of complex treatment of ingrown nails // Medical almanac, 2012, No. 5(24), pp. 228-230

Surgical method

When the problem is serious, accompanied by suppuration and inflammation, they resort to surgery. Doctors remove the edges of a child's ingrown toenail.

Features of the procedure:

• a piece of skin is taken from the pad to stitch the wound, the rollers are moved away from the edges and the nail plate grows straight, in the right direction;
• For children the intervention is performed under general anesthesia, for older children under local anesthesia;
• After the procedure, you must come back for dressing changes twice, follow the care recommendations and wear open-toed shoes;
• the rehabilitation period lasts about a week, complete healing requires 20 days;
• To prevent recurrence of the problem, it is recommended to take baths to steam the finger and carefully move away the skin ridges, giving the nail a rounded shape.

Medication method

The measures are aimed at relieving inflammation and treating without surgery. Prescribed agents for oral and external use. Tamponade is used - placing a material soaked in medicine between the nail and the roller. Ointments effectively relieve inflammation and pain, and draw out pus. If ointments alone are not enough, medications are prescribed for oral administration. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30843080 Gera SK, PG Zaini DKH, Wang S, Abdul Rahaman SHB, Chia RF, Lim KBL Ingrowing toenails in children and adolescents: is nail avulsion superior to Nonoperative treatment? // Singapore Med J. 2021 Feb;60(2):94-96. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2018106

Radio wave removal of callus

Callus removal by radio wave is carried out using a special device “Surgitron”.

The Surgitron device uses advanced radio wave technology.

Ensures accuracy, versatility and safety of medical procedures.

The surgical electrode, which is a tungsten wire, emits 3.8 MHz radio waves and slides through the tissue without putting pressure on it.

The pathologically changed area is evaporated, which leads to the destruction of the callus.

An important advantage is that the electrode is self-sterilizing during use, which reduces the likelihood of infection after the procedure.

Other benefits of radio wave treatment:

• Excellent cosmetic results; the manipulation is not accompanied by the formation of scar tissue.
• Fast recovery for the patient, since the treatment process does not affect the healthy tissue surrounding the callus.
• Reduced postoperative pain; in addition, the manipulation itself is not accompanied by pain.

After radio wave removal, the callus becomes covered with a crust, which falls off on its own after 7-10 days.

After which a new, healthy layer of new skin appears, which over time blends with the natural color of the epidermis.

Diseases that contribute to the development of heel spurs

First of all this:

• vascular pathology – diabetic angiopathy, atherosclerosis. Due to impaired blood supply, the elasticity of the fascia deteriorates, which leads to their ruptures;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system - arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polyarthritis. Inflammation of the joints is accompanied by pain, and this leads to a change in gait and improper distribution of the load on the feet;
• autoimmune diseases – lupus erythematosus, rheumatism;
• infectious diseases of the genital area - gonorrhea, mycoplasmosis, syphilis.

Treatment of callus with medications

It is immediately worth noting that drug treatment of calluses has the least therapeutic effectiveness.

This phenomenon is associated with the inability of drugs to penetrate deep into tissues, eliminating the root of the formation.

The products used for core calluses often contain keratolytic components and can be effective at the beginning of callus development.

As a rule, products based on salicylic acid are used.

Salicylic acid is a keratoplastic and keratolytic agent.

In addition, it has an antibacterial and antifungal effect.

Salicylic acid works by softening keratin, a natural protein that is part of the skin's structure and produced by the body.

The drug has a softening effect on the stratum corneum of the dermis, which facilitates its removal.

Salicylic acid is often used in combination with other substances.

Allows for a higher therapeutic effect.

When using salicylic acid preparations, the simultaneous use of the following drugs is not recommended:

• Alcohol-containing medications.
• Any other local medications that contain dibenzoyl peroxide or retinoid.
• Soapy substances that have a drying effect.
• Cosmetics that have an exfoliating effect.

Disease prevention

To avoid risk, you should follow a number of recommendations:

• be careful when choosing shoes - they should be comfortable, with a round toe, of the appropriate size;
• socks and tights must be of high quality, fit tightly to the foot, and not move down;
• trim your nails correctly with manicure scissors or clippers - so that the edges are smooth and not rounded (do not cut off the corners, but file them).

If you suspect a problem, make an appointment with a specialist at our clinic in St. Petersburg. At the appointment, the doctor will examine the leg, advise how to treat the problem, prescribe medications or recommend surgery.

Sources:

1. I.P. Zhurilo, V.K. Litovka, G.A. Sopov, K.V. Latyshov, I.N. Inozemtsev. The problem of ingrown toenails in children // Child's Health, 2012, No. 2(37), pp. 139-141.
2. A.B. Baburin, V.I. Loginov, V.V. Parshikov. Method for complex treatment of ingrown toenails // Medical almanac, 2012, No. 5(24), pp. 228-230.
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30843080

Gera SK, PG Zaini DKH, Wang S, Abdul Rahaman SHB, Chia RF, Lim KBL. Ingrowing toenails in children and adolescents: is nail avulsion superior to nonoperative treatment? // Singapore Med J. 2019 Feb;60(2):94-96. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2018106.

Grebenyuk Mikhail Viktorovich Clinic

Author of the article

Grebenyuk Mikhail Viktorovich

Specialty: surgeon

Experience: 18 years

The information in this article is provided for reference purposes and does not replace advice from a qualified professional. Don't self-medicate! At the first signs of illness, you should consult a doctor.

Traditional medicine in the treatment of calluses

Folk remedies cannot affect the development of callus and are not an effective treatment method.

The treatment and removal of callus must be carried out by a qualified specialist.

This will minimize negative consequences and complications.

It is necessary to begin treatment of callus in the early stages of its development.

When there is still a chance to get rid of the problem without resorting to surgical methods.

As it progresses, the root of the callus will penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis.

Then it may be necessary to use more radical and expensive methods of therapy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hallux valgus are mainly caused by bunions. Bunion is quite painful. With severe hallux valgus, a cosmetic problem also appears. Moreover, choosing shoes becomes difficult, especially for women who want to be fashionable and for them, wearing fashionable shoes becomes a real challenge. Finally, increasing deformity begins to move the second toe and may create conditions for the second toe to rub against the shoe.