Treating Corns and Calluses

06 Oct Treating Corns and Calluses

Don’t Be Corny

Friction in your life is bad enough, but friction on your feet can lead to a whole bunch of problems. Friction is what causes those thick, rough patches of dead skin that form on your feet, especially your heels. This post is all about treating corns and calluses.

Corns and calluses are some of the most common foot complaints. They’re not dangerous but they can be uncomfortable and unsightly. They can even make it difficult to wear certain types of shoes. If you’ve developed hard, thick patches of dead skin on your feet, they’re probably corns or calluses.These can look similar to warts, so be sure you’re not confusing the two, and if you have any doubt, a visit to your foot doctor should be first on your list. Your podiatrist can take a scraping of the rough area to determine if it’s a wart or a callus.

What Causes Them?

• Wearing shoes that fit poorly or those with high heels.
• Any regular friction on the feet, such as standing or walking long hours.
• Foot problems like hammer toe.
• Wearing shoes without socks.

Treating Corns and Calluses

If the corns and calluses are mild, you may not need to do anything. Don’t attempt to cut, shave or remove corns on your own, as this can lead to dangerous infections. This is especially true for people with diabetes, poor circulation or weakened immune systems.

For mild calluses, exfoliating with a pumice stone and using a heavy moisturizing cream on your feet will help soften them.

If your corns or calluses are unusually large, painful or show signs of being infected, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist. Your foot care doctor can take care of the problem quickly and easily.

Professional foot care treatments will give you the fastest, most lasting relief. Your doctor may offer the following options:

• Shaving the corn or callus off with a blade; this is a painless and long-lasting removal method.
• Custom orthotics if your corns and calluses are caused by a foot deformity or improper foot motion.
• Suggestions about proper footwear.
• Cortisone injections if the corns or calluses are painful.
• Antibiotics if they’ve become infected.

An Ounce of Prevention

The easiest way to avoid corns and calluses is to avoid the activities that cause them:

• Wear shoes that fit well to prevent chafing and rubbing.
• Begin exfoliating them as soon as they start to develop.
• Ask your podiatrist about gel pad inserts or custom orthotics to reduce friction.
• Use deeply moisturizing creams on your feet, especially at bedtime.

Keep it Proper

Proper footwear is your first line of defense in avoiding corns, calluses and many other foot problems. In addition, follow these tips.

• Wear socks in a soft, thick material.
• Use a pumice stone daily when you wash your feet.
• Get regular foot care checkups.

Corns and calluses can make your feet look and feel ugly, and anything that affects your feet is bound to make you feel bad all over. At Shuman Podiatry, we provide professional foot care for all types of foot ailments. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and treatment plans will get you back on the right footing. Call us today and discover why Dr. Shuman is your top choice for a Loudoun County podiatrist.