Callus
/kælʌs/
1. [noun] a thickening of or a hard thickened area on skin or a mass of connective tissue that forms around a beak in a bone and is converted into bone during healing. See https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/callus ; Accessed May 2 2019. People with fragile skin or poor circulation in the feet (including many people with conditions such as diabetes or peripheral arterial disease should consult their doctor or health care professional as soon as corns or calluses develop. A callus is a thickened area of skin on the foot caused by pressure and repeated rubbing, such as from a shoe or sock. The rubbing causes the skin to produce a layer of protective skin (a callus). Calluses vary in size and can become painful. See https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/callus ; Accessed May 2 2019 A callus is a wide spread pressure area as compared with a corn which is a pinpoint pressure area
Frequently Asked Questions
How do a callus and a corn differ when developing from foot pressure?
A callus forms over a broad area in response to repeated friction, while a corn is a focused thickening caused by pinpoint pressure, resulting in a smaller, hard spot on the foot.
How might everyday walking in tight shoes lead to callus formation on your feet?
Constant friction from tight shoes can cause the skin on the foot to thicken as a natural defense mechanism. This repetitive pressure over time results in a callus.
How does knowing the Latin root of the word 'callus' enhance understanding of foot care?
The word 'callus' comes from the Latin 'callum,' meaning hardened skin. This connection helps remind us that calluses are areas of the foot that thicken in response to sustained friction.