Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses develop on your skin to protect the skin from pressure and friction. Therefore, it creates hard layers of skin, called a corn or callus. Typically they develop on your feet, toes, hands, and fingers.

Normally, you only must treat corns and calluses if they cause pain or discomfort. If you eliminate the pressure causing the issue this will help them disappear.

However, if you have a poor blood flow condition, such as diabetes, corns and calluses may cause complications. So, if you notice one and suffer from this condition, call us at 888-409-8006. Our top foot and ankle specialist in South Florida can help.

Symptoms of a Corn and Callus

Common symptoms for a corn or a callus is as follows:

• A rough, thick area of skin
• A hardened, raised bump
• Flaky or dry skin
• Tenderness or pain under your skin

Although many people believe corns and calluses to be the same thing, they are not. Below you can find the break down of the two:

Corns are smaller than a callus and they have a hard center. This center is surrounded by inflammation in the skin. It’s more common for corns to be located in areas of your feet that do not bear weight. Areas such as the side, top, or in between your toes. When pressure is applied it can also be painful.

A callus is rarely painful. Calluses most commonly develop on the soles of the feet. This is especially true under the heels or balls, on the palms, or on your knees.

Causes of Calluses & Corns

A corn or a callus will develop and grow due to repetitive actions. Some of these actions may include, the following:

• Wearing incorrectly fitted shoes. When you wear tight shoes or heels, they compress areas of your feet. On the other hand, when footwear is too loose, your foot can slide and rub against the shoe.
• No socks. When we skip the socks while wearing sandals or shoes this causes friction on the feet. Additionally, socks that don’t fit properly is another problem.
• Using hand tools and playing instruments. People who play instruments or use handtools can develop calluses from repetitive stress to the hands.

Additionally, risk factors include the following:

• Hammertoe. A hammertoe is a deformity where the toe curls like a claw.
• Bunions. A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint of your big toe.
• Bone spur. Additional foot deformities can cause calluses or corns. This is due to the constant rubbing inside your shoe.
• Not protecting your hands. If you use handtools without gloves you are exposing your skin to friction.

Treatment of a Corn or a Calluses

A common treatment method includes avoiding repetitive actions that caused them to develop. To resolve this issue, you must wear properly fitting shoes, or use protective pads.

However, if corns or calluses continue or become painful, additional treatment options are as follows:

Shoe inserts. Sometimes, custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics) are ordered by your doctor. This will help prevent corns or calluses from recurring.

Trimming away excess skin. Your doctor can pare down thickened skin or trim a large corn with a scalpel. However, do not try to cut them yourself, this could lead to infection.

Callus-removing medication. A physician will sometimes apply a patch containing 40 percent salicylic acid. A prescription is not required for these. You can also get a prescription for salicylic acid in gel form to apply to larger areas.

Surgery. Sometimes, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the alignment of a bone causing friction.

If you are experiencing reoccurring corns or calluses, call us at 888-409-8006. Our top-rated, award-winning foot doctor is here to help!