Calluses and corns can be a nuisance at best, but for some people, they can also turn into serious complications without treatment. Knowing the signs of calluses and corns and receiving appropriate treatment can be a lifesaver.
If you have ever raked the yard without gloves, then you have probably experienced a callus on your hands. Corns are comparable to calluses and both appear on the feet due to similar causes.
If you have a callus or corn on your foot, it is important to know how to care for them to prevent splitting or potential pain.
For people with certain conditions, such as diabetes, knowing when to see the podiatrist for foot issues can keep a small issue from turning into a life-endangering problem.
Learn more about calluses and corns, their treatment options, and how to prevent them below.
What are calluses and corns?
Calluses are flat, wide, thick layers of skin formed due to pressure from rubbing. They are an effort to protect the skin from breaking during repetitive motions.
Corns have a hardened center surrounded by inflamed skin, or they can be soft if located on top of the foot or between the toes. They can appear in areas where the foot is bearing weight or experiences pressure from rubbing, like a callus, but corns can also appear in areas like between the toes. Corns can also be painful.
Corns and calluses can be difficult to differentiate from a wart, so it is important to visit your podiatrist to rule out any infection.
Symptoms
You may have a corn or a callus if:
- The skin is thick and raised from the rest of the foot
- The skin may be discolored
- There might be pain while standing or wearing certain shoes
- Corns can feel hard on the bottom of the feet or soft on top of the foot or between the toes
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your podiatrist.
Causes
Corns and calluses are caused mostly by the same things. Corns and calluses on the feet are caused by:
- Tight-fitting shoes or wearing shoes without socks
- Abnormal gait
- Older age as the skin begins to thin
- Sports such as rock climbing or dance
- Medical conditions that exacerbate rubbing such as bunions or hammertoes
Visit your podiatrist if…
If you have diabetes, it is essential for you to visit your podiatrist right away. Calluses and corns can become detrimental if they are left untreated and split open, turning into an ulcer that may require amputation. Diabetics should always be aware of the condition of their feet, even for minor instances like a callus.
People with poor circulation and other complications should also be aware of calluses and corns to prevent an escalation of the problem.
For people without diabetes, rare but serious cases of untreated calluses could potentially turn into sepsis or blood poisoning. If you are not diabetic, but you notice these symptoms, visit your podiatrist as soon as possible:
- Pus or fluid
- Splitting of the skin
- Fever
- Heightened discoloration
It is always better to be safe than sorry, so be aware of your feet and note any changes in calluses or corns.
Treatments: At-Home or In-Office
The doctor will examine your foot to determine if it is a callus, corn, wart, or another diagnosis. They may take an X-ray, inspect your shoes, or ask to watch your gait as you walk. Your medical history will also be used to determine the diagnosis.
In-office treatments for large or painful calluses or corns include shaving the thickened skin, cortisol injections, and possibly surgery for painful conditions that do not respond to shots.
If you checked in with your podiatrist about your callus or corn and received an all-clear, then you can perform at-home treatments:
- Avoid wearing tight or uncomfortable shoes that rub against the callus or corn
- Apply over-the-counter pads to the callus or corn when wearing shoes or during sports activities that aggravate the area
- Soak the foot in warm water and Epson salt and apply a pumice stone to the area to shave away dead skin
- Moisturize the feet to keep the skin soft
Prevention
Preventing calluses and corns isn’t difficult once you know how to protect your feet from friction. Follow these practices to avoid developing calluses and corns:
- Wear comfortable shoes that fit your foot without pinching or rubbing.
- Talk to your podiatrist about treatment options for foot deformities that may cause calluses or corns
- For your hands, wear gloves while performing activities that rub and irritate the skin of the hand
- Wear socks with shoes
Take care of your feet.
Calluses and corns arise from not paying attention to your feet while walking, wearing shoes, or doing certain activities. By being mindful of your feet, you can prevent calluses and corns and maintain overall foot health.
For callus and corn treatment, and to learn how to keep your feet healthy, visit Dr. Frankel today.
Treat your calluses and corns at Frankel Foot and Ankle.
Dr. Frankel founded Frankel Foot & Ankle to provide patients in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey tri-state area with the latest advances in diagnostic technology and treatment for sports medicine conditions, foot and ankle trauma response, and innovative surgical and regenerative approaches. Contact Frankel Foot & Ankle today. With offices in Middletown, NY, Warwick, NY, and Milford, PA we are the go-to podiatrist near you!
