Don't put up with the discomfort of ingrown toenails any longer!
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Don't put up with the discomfort of corns and calluses any longer!
Book an appointment with Southport Podiatry Clinic and say good bye to pain today.
Corns & Calluses
What are corns & calluses?
A callus is an area of hard, thickened skin on the foot that forms in response to pressure or friction, usually through poor-fitting shoes, altered foot function or bone structure. When pressure is concentrated in a small area, a corn, which has a central core, may develop. If the pressure is not relieved, calluses and corns can become painful.
Common sites of corns and calluses are the ball of the foot, under the big toe, tips and joints of the toes and any bony prominence. ‘Soft’ corns may develop between the toes, where the skin is moist from sweat or inadequate drying. Sometimes, the pressure of the corn or callus may cause inflammation, which can result in pain, swelling and redness.
Causes of corns & calluses
Anyone can develop corns or calluses, but some groups of people are particularly at risk, including:
Elderly people – because ageing skin loses elasticity and fatty tissue
People who spend a lot of time standing up – because of the continuous weight-bearing pressure on their feet
People with feet that roll inwards (flat feet) – because of excessive pressure on the ball of the foot beneath the big toe, and the inside of the heel
People with feet that roll outwards (high-arched feet) – because of excessive pressure on the outside of the foot
A person with foot complaints (such as a hammer toe, bunions or arthritis) – because a bony prominence can rub against the shoe or neighbouring toes
People who regularly wear shoes that are narrow, tight, ill-fitting or high-heeled.
People with Diabetes can be prone to poor circulation & slow healing and are at risk of developing an infection or ulcer. Diabetics may also lose the feeling in their feet and not know they have a corn or callus, which can ulcerate if not treated.
You will experience
A thickened patch of hard skin on the foot
Hard, small bump of skin that may have a central core
White and rubbery bumps of skin (‘soft’ corns)
Pain when pressure or friction is applied to the area.
Treatment of corns & calluses
The body protects skin tissues from pressure and/or friction damage by producing an area of hard skin. So unless the cause of the pressure or friction is found and removed or reduced, calluses and corns will continue to form. Over-the-counter treatments, such as corn plasters, can damage the healthy surrounding skin if you use them incorrectly. Never try to cut away or scrape a callus, as there is a risk of infection if you accidentally cut yourself. If you have corns or calluses, or think you may be developing them, see an podiatrist at Southport Podiatry Clinic for treatment.
Corns and calluses may be a sign that you have an underlying foot disorder, such as a joint that is out of alignment. This is why it is important to seek professional advice rather than attempt to treat calluses or corns yourself.
How can Southport Podiatry Clinic help?
Professional trimming or debriding of the callus or corn to relieve pain
Customized padding on various areas of the foot to temporarily redistribute pressure, for example, you may need to wear little foam wedges between your toes.
Investigation and treatment of the possible causes, ie shoe assessment, bunions.
If needed, permanent inserts to wear inside your shoes (orthoses) to offer long term pressure relief. Advice on appropriate footwear.
Advice on appropriate at-home foot care.
Corns & calluses can be a painful experience but easily treatable. A Podiatrist can painlessly remove the corn or callus and apply padding over the area. Visit to a podiatrist at Southport Podiatry Clinic will determine the best possible treatment for your condition.
To make an appointment with a Podiatrist at Southport Podiatry Clinic, please call us, book online using the link below or… or send us an e-mail.
For more articles on common foot problems, click here