What causes hyperplasia on the soles of the feet?
Apr 07, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Qingyun
Introduction
In general, foot sole hyperplasia may be related to prolonged wearing of ill-fitting shoes, foot sprains, corns, calluses, plantar warts, and other factors. Different treatment methods should be chosen according to the specific cause. For example, high-heeled or hard-soled shoes can increase pressure and strain on the feet, leading to damage of the plantar tissues. It is recommended to maintain good foot hygiene and wear properly fitting footwear regularly.
Generally, foot sole hyperplasia may be related to prolonged use of ill-fitting shoes, foot sprains, corns, calluses, plantar warts, and other factors. Different causes require different treatment approaches. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Prolonged use of ill-fitting shoes
Wearing high-heeled shoes, hard-soled shoes, or similar footwear increases pressure and strain on the feet, potentially damaging the tissues of the sole. It is recommended to maintain good foot hygiene, wear properly fitting shoes, and avoid overusing the feet to prevent the development of foot sole hyperplasia.
2. Foot sprain
A foot sprain sustained during physical activity can cause damage and inflammation in the foot's underlying tissues. Under a doctor’s guidance, oral anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications such as ibuprofen capsules or diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets may be used to relieve pain.
3. Corns
Corns are localized, hyperkeratotic lesions primarily caused by prolonged pressure and friction on the skin of the foot. When occurring on the sole, they appear as light yellow or dark yellow keratinized growths. For mild cases, topical treatments such as urea ointment or salicylic acid ointment may be applied under medical supervision. In severe cases, surgical excision at a reputable medical facility may be necessary.
4. Calluses (Callosities)
Prolonged friction may lead to thickening of the stratum corneum, resulting in waxy yellow or yellowish, localized thickened patches. Patients can seek treatment at a qualified hospital, where cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen may be used to destroy the callus tissue, allowing it to slough off and thereby achieve therapeutic effect.
5. Plantar warts
Plantar warts are a type of skin condition caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), leading to keratinous hyperplasia. The viral infection triggers a chronic inflammatory response in the sole's skin, which may stimulate excessive production of skin cells, resulting in overgrowth and proliferation of keratinocytes—manifesting as foot sole hyperplasia. Under medical guidance, patients may use topical medications such as imiquimod cream or tretinoin cream for treatment.
If symptoms of foot sole hyperplasia occur, prompt medical consultation is recommended for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent worsening of the condition.
