If you have hardened layers of skin on your feet that feel hard to touch, these are likely corns or calluses. When there is no pain, you may not need any treatment. However, for many people, corns and calluses are a cause of embarrassment or aesthetics. More often than not, removing the friction that causes skin to harden can help address these issues. Find a clinic for foot and ankle care in Tucson and meet a podiatrist to get a diagnosis. For your help, here is an overview of symptoms, risks, and treatments for corns and calluses.
Risk factors for corns and calluses
Let’s start by distinguishing between corns and calluses. Corns are smaller in size and usually have a tough center. Corns may hurt when pressed. On the other hand, calluses are not painful and usually develop on certain pressure areas, such as the heels and balls of your feet. Calluses are also larger in size. Corns are also distinguished in three categories. The first one is hard corns, which are usually found on top of the toes. Soft corns look whiter in color and have a softer texture. There are also seed corns, which are smaller and mostly found on the bottom of the feet.
There are several risk factors for corns and calluses, including –
- Wearing certain footwear: If you wear shoes that don’t fit well or when the shoes rub against your feet, you may develop either of these issues.
- Not wearing socks: Socks add that extra layer between your feet and shoes, reducing direct pressure on the skin. Not wearing socks can lead to friction.
- Certain conditions: Some conditions, such as hallux valgus and hammertoe, may be a reason.
Diagnosis
Here comes the big question – Should you worry about corns and calluses? The short answer is no. However, if you have conditions such as diabetes, you may develop complications and infections. Check with your podiatrist for a diagnosis because people often confuse cysts or warts with corns and calluses.
Treatment options at a glance
Just preventing the friction that causes corns/calluses can help reduce the appearance of hard skin. Make sure you wear shoes that fit well. There are medical treatments that your podiatrist may recommend, such as –
- Corn removal: The process involves paring down the hard and thick skin using a scalpel. Do not try this at home, as there is a risk of infections. You will only have to visit your podiatrist once for this outpatient procedure.
- Patches: Your podiatrist may also suggest wearing patches that contain salicylic acid, which will help reduce the appearance of corns and calluses.
- Orthotics: If you have corns because of foot deformities, you may have to wear orthotics, such as shoe inserts. Your podiatrist may even recommend customizing them.
Only in rare cases, is surgery required for correcting the cause of friction responsible for these issues.
Can you prevent corns and calluses?
Yes, you can take certain measures. Firstly, ensure you wear shoes that fit you, and a good sign of that is you can wiggle your toes. If you already wear shoe inserts, buy new shoes while using orthotics. If you have foot deformities, consider seeing a doctor.
Meeting a podiatrist
While corns and calluses don’t usually ring an alarm, it is still better to check with a podiatrist. They will tell whether you need treatment, and you can ask for solutions if you don’t like how these hardened or darker bumps look. You can find podiatrists in Tucson through an online search or recommendations. Don’t forget to check the treatments offered at the selected clinic.
