Corns and Calluses
Our feet play an important role in getting us around. When we walk or stand, our feet carry the burden of our body weight, as well as bearing the various pressures of movement and the constraints of footwear.
What causes calluses and corns?
Calluses and corns are generally symptoms of underlying problems and in some cases, early warning signals of more complex foot disorders. Because they are caused by continuous pressure in one particular area, they may indicate abnormalities or deformity in bone structure or in the way a person walks.
Often calluses and corns are caused by ill-fitting or inappropriate footwear.
Who gets calluses and corns?
Almost everyone! In fact, calluses and corns affect more people than any other kind of foot problem.
Some people have a natural tendency to develop calluses because of their skin type. For instance, elderly people have less fatty tissue and elasticity in their feet and because of a lack of padding, calluses may form on the bottom of the foot. Also, people who work in occupations that require them to spend a lot of time on their feet are prone to developing calluses.
How to treat calluses and corns
The most important thing to remember about treating calluses and corns is never do it yourself without seeing a us first. Because calluses are generally symptoms of other problems, it is important to have a usexamine your feet to work out what could be causing the pressure.
Over-the-counter remedies such as corn paint or plasters generally only treat the symptoms – not the problem.
Also, they can easily damage the healthy skin surrounding the corn if not used properly. Commercial preparations should only be used following professional advice.
Warning!
It is important that you never cut corns or calluses yourself.
In the warm, moist confines of enclosed shoes, infection can easily develop and small cuts can quickly become serious wounds.
Seeing us
We will not only recommend ways to relieve pain and get rid of the corn or callus, but can also help with isolating the cause and preventing the problem recurring.
To treat painful corns, Friendly Feet Podiatrist will gently remove some of the hard skin of the callus so that the centre of the corn can be removed.
To allow the callus to heal and prevent future cases, Friendly Feet Podiatrist may redistribute pressure on the foot with soft padding and strapping or deflective appliances that fit easily into your shoes. For corns on the toes, small foam wedges are useful for relieving pressure on affected parts.
For older patients suffering from calluses on the soles of the feet, extra shock absorption for the ball of the foot can help to compensate for loss of natural padding.
Friendly Feet Podiatrist may also discuss the type of footwear most likely to cause corns and calluses. In some cases, special shoe inserts (orthoses) may be prescribed to reduce excessive weight bearing forces on the foot and provide long-term relief.
