OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Seeking Insight on a Foot Condition

8/2/2025, 4:01:04 AMMale25-34

Concern regarding the underside of my foot has arisen. Initially, it presented with a callous-like feel accompanied by an indentation. Fast forward several months, and the situation has progressed to its current appearance, which still persists even after vigorous cleaning during showers. Occasionally, I experience discomfort while walking. Could anyone offer their thoughts on what this might be? Just for context, I'm 18 and not taking any medications. Visuals can be found in the comments.

SupplementsLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

8/2/2025, 4:01:52 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're dealing with a persistent issue on the underside of your foot that has evolved over time, leading to discomfort while walking. Let’s break down what you might be experiencing and what steps you can take.

Main Points:

  1. The condition may resemble a callus or a skin lesion, possibly indicating a plantar wart or thickened skin due to friction.
  2. Discomfort can result from pressure on this area, which may need proper care to improve.

Explanation:

The indentation and callous-like texture you're describing may be due to several factors. The most common conditions that could fit your description include:

  • Calluses: Thickened skin that develops due to repeated friction or pressure.
  • Plantar Warts: These are small growths that can develop on the soles of your feet, caused by a viral infection and may feel hard with a small indentation.
  • Corns: Similar to calluses but typically smaller and more painful, they usually form over bony areas.

These conditions may cause discomfort, particularly while walking, due to increased pressure and irritation.

Actionable Next Steps:

  1. Inspect the Area: Gently examine the growth for any changes in color, size, or texture. Note any pain points.

  2. Keep the Area Clean and Dry: After washing—and especially after showering—ensure the affected area is dry to prevent further irritation. You can use a soft towel and ensure your shoes are breathable.

  3. Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer or foot cream to help soften thickened skin. Avoid applying directly on any open skin or wounds.

  4. Footwear Consideration: Wear supportive shoes that fit well. Avoid tight or ill-fitting footwear that increases pressure on the area.

  5. Limit Friction: If you're active, consider using padded insoles or orthotic inserts to reduce pressure on your foot.

  6. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the situation. If the discomfort worsens, if you see increased swelling, or if you experience significant pain, further investigation is warranted.

  7. Consult a Professional: If symptoms persist or if you have concerns about the appearance of the area, it’s advisable to see a healthcare professional who can provide a precise diagnosis and treatment plan.

Feel free to share any more details if you have concerns or need clarification on any of these suggestions!

Related Questions

Is Eating an Old Starburst Safe?

Recently, I sampled a Starburst that I saved from last Halloween. I’m 9 years old, roughly 4 feet tall, and weigh about 80 pounds. The packaging looked perfectly intact, and the wrappers seemed fine too. The candy itself didn’t show any signs of spoilage, such as browning or mold. I also made sure to wash it before eating. Should I be concerned about this choice?

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
6 minutes ago

Seeking Advice for Ingrown Toenail Care

Hello, I'm a 17-year-old male dealing with an ingrown toenail issue. I underwent surgery to address it a few months back, and while it initially healed well, I've noticed it's not looking quite right again. My plan is to soak my foot nightly in a warm bath with Dettol for about 20 minutes over the next two weeks before consulting with a professional for further treatment and medication. I would really appreciate any additional suggestions or remedies you might have to help manage this situation.

SupplementsLifestyle ChangesFamily Medicine
Male25-34
6 minutes ago

Concerning My Husband's Persistent Discomfort Related to His Throat

My husband, who is 33 years old, frequently expresses distress over a sensation of constriction caused by his Adam’s apple. This discomfort has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. He shared with me that at the age of 18, he sought medical advice for this issue, but the doctor's response was dismissive. As a woman, I find it challenging to fully grasp his experience since I lack insight into certain physiological aspects. He often describes feeling as though his throat is tightening. This is not a rare complaint for him; in fact, he brings it up nearly every day. A few months back, we visited the hospital to get a comprehensive understanding of his health, particularly because he is frequently labeled a hypochondriac, and while he does have a tendency for dramatics, my quick research online suggests that this might be a more common concern than we initially thought. I genuinely wish to offer him reassurance rooted in factual knowledge. If necessary, I can provide a visual reference of his Adam’s apple. Any guidance or advice would be immensely helpful.

WellnessFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
16 minutes ago

Inquiry about Genetic Testing and Its Implications

Age 45, height 5'4", weight 240 lbs, Caucasian; has a background of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obesity (achieved a weight loss of 74 pounds over the last two years); suffers from hypertension and elevated cholesterol levels; has endured various joint injuries due to an accident that required lumbar fusion from L3 to S1, along with reconstructive surgeries on the shoulder, ankle, and knee; experiences anxiety, depression, and migraines. I recently underwent comprehensive genome sequencing and discovered several significant abnormalities that require consultation with an endocrinologist. I am interested to know how healthcare providers react when patients present these types of findings. My intention is not to come across as demanding or to imply that I possess greater knowledge than my physician. However, after numerous tests and persistent efforts to seek answers over the years, I feel that we may have uncovered a genuine explanation for my symptoms, and I wish to ensure that my concerns are acknowledged and taken seriously.

AgingSupplementsPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
26 minutes ago

Inquiry About Dental Procedures Before Major Surgery

Recently, my mother made a sudden decision to undergo a total dental extraction. She had her upper teeth removed approximately two weeks ago, and just yesterday, the lower ones were taken out. She is slated for a pre-operative assessment on Monday morning, ahead of a significant back surgery scheduled for Tuesday, which may last between eight to ten hours and necessitates intubation. I am curious about the likelihood that her doctor might postpone the surgery due to her recent dental procedure. This concern is heightened as we have booked a hotel and my husband has arranged to take two days off work for this event. Although I am still within the timeframe to cancel our hotel reservation, I am hesitant to do so if her surgery is still on track. To give a bit more context, my mother is a 54-year-old Caucasian woman, standing 5'6" and weighing 160 pounds. She does not consume alcohol, has been a potential smoker, and recently (a few months back) ceased using drugs (meth) as mandated by drug court. As far as I know, she isn’t currently prescribed any medications, apart from possibly antibiotics and Lortabs following her tooth extractions.

AgingFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago