What are Corns and Calluses?
Corns and Calluses are thick, hard, dead skin layers on your feet.
Calluses
Calluses usually appear on the soles, balls, or sides of your feet. They’re generally bigger than corns and don’t normally hurt, but they can be unattractive and uncomfortable.
Corns
Corns are round growths with a hard core that typically appear on the tops of your toes or other non-weight-bearing areas. They may also grow between your toes. Occasionally, corns develop on the balls or soles of your feet, which can be quite painful. Hard corns are dry and rigid, while soft corns are flexible.
People sometimes confuse corns and calluses with other foot problems. For example, calluses may resemble plantar warts.
Why do I have Corns and Calluses?
A leading cause of Corns and Calluses is ill-fitting shoes or footwear that doesn’t distribute your weight properly, creating pressure points. Shoes that constantly rub or press on the tops of the toes frequently cause Corns and Calluses.
Poor foot mechanics and not wearing socks increase your risk of developing Corns and Calluses. Sometimes, other foot problems make you more likely to get them.
For example, a hammertoe, where the toe becomes bent into a claw-like position, can cause a callus because of constant contact with your shoe. Bone spurs and bunions can also contribute to Corn or Callus formation.
Can I remove Corns and Calluses?
If you’re considering removing your Corns or Calluses, don’t try and do it yourself. Aside from being painful and potentially disfiguring, you risk getting an infection that could have serious consequences.
Trusting your experienced, board-certified podiatrist at Mercer Foot & Ankle Center to perform Corn and Callus removal is far better. They treat Corns and Calluses based on the severity of your condition and how it affects your life. Treatment may involve removing the excess skin (a minor in-office procedure) or applying salicylic acid patches to gradually eliminate calluses.
You might also benefit from orthotics (specialized shoe inserts) that reposition the foot and redistribute your weight to relieve pressure.
You’re unlikely to need surgery for Corns or Calluses. However, surgery could be the best long-term solution if the problem is due to a bone abnormality or alignment problem.
Call Mercer Foot & Ankle Center a Corn and Callus assessment, or book an appointment online today.