Corns & Calluses Issues
What are corns and calluses?
Corns and calluses share the same pathology. Hyperkeratosis, or hardened areas of skin, is caused by pressure. Given the fact that the average person will have walked around the Earth three times in his or her lifetime, it is no wonder that corns and calluses are so common. A callus is thick, flat and spread out; however, a corn tends to be more local, cone-shaped, and most likely surrounded by inflammation. Typically, a corn will be located on a toe and a callus on the ball of the foot.
What causes corns and calluses?
Interestingly enough, both corns and calluses develop to protect the body from further harm. The skin hardens on that particular area because it is constantly being irritated. This can happen as a result of friction from the following:
- Ill-fitting shoes (especially high heels!)
- Not wearing socks
- Repetitive movements/sports
- Labour-intense occupations
- An abnormal gait
- Foot deformities
How to care for your feet.
Your podiatrist will be able to remove the excess dead skin from both corns and calluses, otherwise known as hygienic trimming. There are padding options available which can help relieve the pressure on a corn and removal liquids and bandages containing salicylic acid. Generally, changing shoes or using orthotics will relieve the pressure and prevent the corns or calluses to reappear.
For more information about how Podiatry can help you, call us today