Foot Corn and Callus Treatment Thornbury
Does it feel like you have a rock in your shoe? It could be a callus or corn.
Are You Experiencing Foot Corns and Calluses?
Many people are surprised by how painful and uncomfortable calluses corns can be – many people describe the sensation as similar to walking on a stone, but amplified to occur step after step. The good news is that our team of podiatrists is trained and qualified to remove corns and calluses safely and without damaging the healthy tissue around them – plus, the procedure is normally completely painless.
What are Corns and Calluses?
A callus is an area of thickened skin, which develops when your body tries to protect skin that undergoes repeated pressure and friction. It’s dead skin that has no nerve endings or blood supply. Calluses usually occur under the soles of the feet but are also known to occur on the hands. Once the callus has built up to a certain thickness, it can become uncomfortable and even painful.
Corns are very similar in that they’re an area of hardened skin caused by pressure or friction. They form when the pressure that forms a callus is localised, resulting in a dense core of dead skin forming in the centre of the callus. This also means they’re often more painful when they occur on a weight-bearing area of the foot.
Generally speaking, there are four main types of corns that podiatrists encounter:
- Hard corns
- Soft corns
- Seed corns
- Neurovascular corns
Corns and calluses have only one cause – excessive pressure and/or irritation. This pressure may be the result of:
- Ill-fittingng shoes
- Incorrect foot alignment when walking
How to Treat Corns and Calluses
Generally speaking, treating corns and calluses is fairly simple. Your podiatrist will begin by removing the section of dead skin (known as debridement). Then, they will work on determining the cause of the growth so that they can prevent the issue from reoccurring.
You should never attempt an ‘at-home’ removal of a corn or callus, as this could damage healthy tissue, nerves, and/or blood vessels. This could lead to infection, scarring, ulceration, or even (in severe cases) amputation. They should only be removed by a professional.
If ill-fitting footwear is determined to be the cause, modifications may be needed and advised. This may include:
- Increased cushioning
- Shoe stretching
- Changing footwear
If improper balance when walking or standing is determined to be the cause, then your podiatrist may recommend:
- Orthotics
- Padded insoles or shoe inserts
- Manipulation or mobilisation
- Custom-made footwear
Your Corn and Callus Questions Answered
Do corns and calluses ever require surgery?
In some rare cases, and if non-surgical treatment has failed, surgery may be advised as the best course of action to treat recurring growths. This can also be used to correct the calluses’ underlying cause (such as removing a bunion). Corns that have formed between toes may require keyhole surgery under general anesthesia.
Can corns or calluses cause foot complications?
If you ignore a corn or callus, it can result in some further foot complications, including:
- Prolonged pain and discomfort
- Development of painful heel cracks (which may bleed)
- Development of a wound (which may become infected)
This is why it’s important that you don’t ignore any foot pain, even if it seems to be caused by something as minor as a callus or corn.
What to do when corns or calluses become extremely painful?
Corns and calluses are not usually all that painful unless pressure is applied to them, although they can cause tenderness and dull pain under the skin in some cases. If your corn or callus is very painful or inflamed, make an appointment with your podiatrist sooner rather than later to have the area assessed.
How can I prevent developing corns and calluses?
The best way to prevent corns and calluses from developing is to ensure that you’re washing your feet (a product containing salicylic acid is great) and drying them thoroughly every day. A pumice stone can be used to remove dead skin build-up after showering. You should also avoid wearing shoes that are too tight and high heels (as they increase friction). The use of gel pads or foam shoe inserts can also help to relieve pressure being placed on the skin.
Can corns and calluses be treated by over-the-counter products?
We strongly advise against using over-the-counter products, like corn pads. Most corn pads contain an acid that is meant to ‘eat away’ at the corn; the acid cannot differentiate between healthy and dead skin, so can spread to the healthy surrounding skin and ‘eat away’ at it, leading to pain, swelling, and redness.
Why Choose Talaria Podiatrist?
Patients First
Our team has always embraced the ‘patients first’ motto – we’re committed to helping people of all ages and athletic levels to walk pain-free.
Local Clinic
Our welcoming podiatry clinic is conveniently located in Thornbury; it’s easily accessible, and we love the small community we’re a part of.
Experienced Podiatrists
Our team is comprised of a number of experienced professionals, so rest assured that you’re in good hands!
Visit a Podiatrist for Corn and Callus Treatment
No one should have to walk around in pain. If you are prone to developing corns and calluses, seeing a podiatrist regularly can help to control their development and reduce symptoms. The team at Talaria Podiatrist will assess your feet and develop an individualised treatment plan that will see you walking on sunshine in no time.