IN NORTH LONDON
Corns and calluses are areas of the skin that have hardened, due to excess pressure and/or friction to that area.
These are small lumps, patches or areas of skin that are hard, thick and rough to the touch. They are often the result of excess pressure and friction to the area. Although often not serious, corns and calluses can be tender and painful, causing discomfort and irritation.
Corns are small, compact areas of the skin, usually identifiable as small, hard lumps on the toes or around the sides of the foot. Hard corns can be quite painful when pressure is applied. Soft corns are more rubbery, tending to form in-between the toes.
However, calluses are larger, flatter areas of the skin, usually on the bottom of the foot. They are usually painless, but can become painful if inflamed or too thick.
Corns and calluses are caused by repetitive pressure and friction to the area. For example:
- Wearing uncomfortable shoes such as high heels, or shoes that are too small or even too big.
- Pressure over bony prominences.
- Abnormities or deformities of the foot.
- Overloading in areas of the foot that are not designed to take the extra load, due to abnormal walking patterns and foot structure.
As corns and calluses are not often serious, there are treatments that you can do yourself at home. However, there are some scenarios in which you should seek professional advice, such as:
- If it becomes too painful to manage.
- Home treatments are not working or have caused the area to become more painful.
- It becomes difficult to walk.
- If you have diabetes or circulatory issues.
Here at My Podiatry Clinic, there are a few different treatment options that I can offer you. These include:
- Cut away the corn or callus which is painless.
- Design custom insoles otherwise known as orthotic/s to alleviate pressure.
- Specialist footwear and foot care advice.
