Why Corns and Calluses Are Dangerous for Someone With Diabetes

If you’re living with diabetes, even minor foot issues require attention. Reduced circulation and nerve sensitivity often linked with diabetes can turn something as simple as a callus or corn into a slow-healing wound. Left untreated, these complications can escalate, sometimes resulting in severe infection or, at worse, amputation.

At Alpine Foot and Ankle, serving patients in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Alpine, Wyoming, Andrew McCall, DPM, and his experienced team provide exceptional diabetic foot care. With over 20 years of experience and board certification in foot and ankle surgery, Dr. McCall conducts thorough evaluations and offers individualized treatment to help you stay ahead of serious complications.

Why corns and calluses pose extra risks for diabetics

For most people, corns and calluses are little more than a discomfort and inconvenience. But with diabetes, reduced blood flow and nerve damage in your feet mean you may not notice when these patches of thickened skin start to crack. Without proper healing, those tiny openings can provide entry points for bacteria, which can cause infections that quickly worsen.

What makes this even more dangerous is that infections in people with diabetes are harder to fight and can spread quickly. The combination of poor circulation and compromised healing makes consistent foot care critical.

Warning signs you shouldn’t ignore

When you have diabetes, your feet can develop problems long before you feel pain. That’s why paying attention to subtle changes matters. It’s wise to look out for persistent redness, swelling, or warmth around a corn or callus. These signs can signal inflammation or early infection. 

If you notice discoloration, drainage, or a foul odor, you may already have an open sore developing beneath the surface.

You should also take note of any changes in skin texture, shiny patches, or areas that feel unusually soft or spongy, as these could indicate underlying skin breakdown. If something doesn’t look or feel right, don’t wait for it to worsen. Getting timely care can make all the difference in preventing diabetic foot complications.

Taking steps to protect your feet 

If you’re living with diabetes, it’s important to make foot care part of your daily routine. Inspect your feet every day, checking for rough patches, cracks, redness, or swelling. Moisturize dry skin, but avoid applying lotion between your toes, as too much moisture there can encourage fungus.

Never attempt to shave down or trim corns and calluses on your own — home treatments and over-the-counter remedies can easily make things worse. Instead, schedule regular visits with a podiatrist. Dr. McCall can quickly, safely, and effectively treat these small issues before they turn into bigger issues.

See us for expert diabetic foot care

Ignoring even a small issue with your feet when you have diabetes isn’t worth the risk. Our team at Alpine Foot and Ankle takes all foot concerns seriously and provides the skilled care needed to keep your feet healthy and strong. 

For all of your diabetic foot care needs, contact us to schedule a visit today. Protecting the health of your feet and ankles is our top priority.