Corns and Calluses
What are they?
Corns, like calluses develop from a build up of skin cells on the foot, forming thick, hardened areas. Corns contain a cone-shaped core with a point that can press on a nerve below, causing pain. Corns that form between the toes are sometimes referred to as soft corns. They become soft due to perspiration in the forefoot area. Corns may become infected.
A callus is a wider area of thickened dead skin mainly on the bottom of the foot where it has been subjected to stress and friction. Calluses are yellowish or pale in color. As the skin is thick it may be less sensitive to touch compared to the skin around it. Calluses are often bigger and wider than corns, and do not have defined margins (edges).
Causes:
Corns and Calluses
- tight fitting footwear
- high heeled footwear
- deformed toes
- foot sliding forward in a shoe that fits too loosely
- boney prominence
- underlying foot pathology
How can we help?
- Perform biomechanical gait assessment
- Educate patients regarding appropriate footwear to reduce pressure in affected areas.
- Modify footwear as required
- Fabricate Custom Made Orthotics to help correct mechanical foot-motion problems to reduce areas of pressure.
- Corns and calluses can be removed by our podiatrist
- Products can be recommended to help break down the build up of hard skin.
Do not leave your calluses and corns unchecked. 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. See our podiatry page.