Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are both skin conditions consisting of a buildup of hard skin around an area of high pressure or friction. Callus is thick skin that develops over a larger surface area, like around the heels, or under the ball of the foot. Corns are covered by callus, but they have a “core” which protrudes deeper into the skin. Corns commonly develop on the ball of the foot under a “metatarsal head”, on the top or tips of your toes, or between your toes. It might feel like you are walking on a sharp rock. Heavy callus and corns will eventually cause pain, and can lead to more serious problems like tendinitis (due to a change in the way you walk) or ulcers (wounds). It is important to have these conditions treated by your chiropodist.

Risk Factors

• Age – As we age, the protective fat on the balls of our feet shifts and thins, which increases pressure in this area.
  
  
• Toe Deformities – Curvy toes (hammer toes or claw toes) change pressure distribution to the ends of the toes. The middle toe joint may also protrude upwards and rub on the shoes. Bunions also create pressure points on the footwear and between the toes.
  
  
• Footwear – Shoes that lack cushion increase pressure on the bottom of the feet. Pointed shoes and pitched (heeled) shoes cram the toes together and transfer excessive pressure to the balls of the feet.
  
  
• Barefoot Walking – Walking barefoot indoors on hard surfaces will accelerate callus and corn production.
  
  
• Other Medical Conditions – Certain medical conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis contribute to the development of calluses and corns.

Treatment
Heavy callus or corns should be treated by your chiropodist. The first step would be to remove the callus or corns through a process called “debriding”. Debriding is painless, as calluses and corns are “dead skin”. The core of corns then need to be removed. This process is called “enucleation”.
The next part of treatment is pressure modification. Your chiropodist will assess your feet to determine the cause of the calluses and/or corns. Treatments to modify pressure may include custom orthotics, felt pads, properly fit footwear or home footwear.
Often ongoing professional foot care is needed to treat calluses and corns as they re-develop.

Prevention

• Moisturize your feet regularly – if you have dry skin, a foot cream with urea in it is generally best.
  
  
• Avoid tight or pointed footwear. Use cushioned footwear for activity.
  
  
• File calluses regularly at home.
  
  
• Offloading – Quality footwear, home footwear, custom orthotics and padding.