Corns are small patches of toughened skin with a hard middle. Typically, corns grow atop your toes, where your toes rub against your shoes, and they can sometimes grow between or on the edges of your toes, too. Corns can be quite uncomfortable or painful, and they may make wearing some shoes difficult.
Calluses are often confused with corns, but they're actually two different things. Calluses are larger patches of thickened skin, and they usually develop on the bottom of your feet, particularly on the balls or heels of the feet. Calluses usually aren’t as painful as corns, and they don't have a hard center like corns do.
Corns and calluses can have a few different causes. If you suffer from hammertoe or other foot problems, you may be more prone to corns. Certain footwear can put you at risk for corns and calluses. In particular, tight-fitting shoes that constantly rub against your toes can cause corns while high heels that put most of your body weight on the balls of your feet can cause calluses.
The top rule for corn and callus removal is simple: Don’t try it at home! Removing corns and calluses may seem as simple as trimming extra skin with nail clippers, but it’s quite dangerous to do so on your own. It’s difficult to tell how much skin you’re removing, and you run a significant risk of creating an open wound that’s prone to infection and unlikely to heal easily. Drs. Durfey and Hiapo at Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center have extensive training in safe and efficient corn and callus treatment, including full surgical removal, if necessary. Depending on your needs, your treatment approach could also include:
It's rare for a corn or callus to require surgery, but if you've got an underlying condition like hammertoe you may need an outpatient procedure to correct both problems at once.
Corns and calluses are no match for the expert podiatrists at Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Use online scheduling or call to get help today!