What are corns and calluses?
Calluses and corns are hardened, thick layers of skin that form when your skin attempts to protect itself against excess pressure and friction. Corns and calluses often develop either on your toes and feet or fingers and hands.
Corns
Corns are areas of inflamed skin with a hard center. They’re smaller than calluses and tend to form on areas of your feet that don’t bear weight, such as the sides and tops of your toes. Corns may be painful when pressed.
Calluses
Calluses aren’t usually painful and tend to form on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or balls of your feet. Calluses are typically larger than corns.
You might have a corn or callus if you notice:
- A rough, thickened area of skin
- A hardened, raised bump
- Flaky, waxy, or dry skin
You might also feel pain or tenderness under your skin.
What causes corns and calluses?
Corns and calluses typically form due to excess pressure or friction. Factors that may play a role in the development of corns and calluses include:
- Poor-fitting shoes
- Wearing shoes without socks
- Repetitive motions and overuse of the feet
If you have certain foot deformities, such as bunions or hammertoe, or if you have diabetes or another medical condition that results in poor blood flow to your feet, you have a higher risk of complications from corns or calluses.
How are corns and calluses treated?
If your corns or calluses are a cosmetic concern or causing you pain, you may want to seek treatment. In some cases, the corn or callus goes away on its own once the source of pressure or friction is eliminated.
Dr. Giagnacova examines your feet and might recommend X-rays and other tests. Treatment options he offers for corns and calluses might include:
- Appropriate foot care techniques and education
- Emollients to soften your skin
- Corn pads
- Topical medications
- Cortisone injections to reduce swelling and inflammation
- Supportive shoes, shoe and gel inserts, and custom orthotics
- Medication to remove calluses
- Surgery for related toe deformities
Callus removal is performed over one or two in-office procedures where Dr. Giagnacova gently scrapes the callus with a special tool.
The removal of corns is a painless, quick, in-office procedure where Dr. Giagnacova uses a blade to carefully and safely shave away the thickened, dead skin. In some instances, surgery might be necessary to correct the alignment of a bone that’s causing friction.
To learn more, call Next Step Foot & Ankle or use online booking to schedule an appointment today.