Orthotics May Help to Treat Corns and Calluses
Foot corns and calluses are common conditions resulting from continuous friction and pressure. Calluses typically develop beneath the ball of the foot, around the heel area, and under the big toe. Corns are a specific type of callus characterized by a hard central core found on top of and between the toes. Various factors contribute to the formation of calluses and corns. Wearing ill-fitting shoes that are tight, narrow, or high-heeled, are frequent culprits. Underlying foot issues such as bunions, hammer toes, or arthritis can also lead to an excess buildup of calluses and corns. However, the most common cause is excessive pressure and friction due to overpronation. An effective treatment for calluses and corns can involve professional removal by a podiatrist. Custom-made orthotics offer a preventive approach by biomechanically realigning the foot, reducing excess pressure, and minimizing friction. If you suffer from calluses and corns on your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss if orthotics are the correct solution.
Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Janale Beckford, DPM of Tampa Podiatrists . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:
- Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
- Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
- Wearing only shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Tampa, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
More about Understanding Corns and Calluses
Corns and Calluses are both hardened layers of thickened skin that develop because of friction. Both ailments are typically found on the feet and may be unsightly. Although they have similarities, corns and calluses are different from each other.
Some causes of corns and calluses may be wearing ill-fitting shoes and not wearing socks. If you wear tight shoes, your feet will constantly be forced to rub against the shoes, causing friction. If you fail to wear socks, you are also causing your feet to endure excess friction.
There are some signs that may help you determine whether you have one of these two conditions. The first symptom is a thick, rough area of skin. Another common symptom is a hardened, raised bump on the foot. You may also experience tenderness or pain under the skin in addition to flaky, dry, or waxy skin.
There are also risk factors that may make someone more prone to developing corns and calluses. If you are already dealing with bunions or hammertoe, you may be more vulnerable to having corns and calluses as well. Other risk factors are foot deformities such as bone spurs, which can cause constant rubbing inside the shoe.
Corns tend to be smaller than calluses and they usually have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. They also tend to develop on the parts of the body that don’t bear as much weight such as the tops and sides of toes. Corns may also be painful for those who have them. On the other hand, calluses are rarely painful. These tend to develop on the bottom of the feet and may vary in size and shape.
Fortunately, most people only need treatment for corns and calluses if they are experiencing discomfort. At home treatments for corns and calluses should be avoided, because they will likely lead to infection. If you have either of these ailments it is advised that you consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for you.