Corns and calluses are very common and potentially painful and dangerous. It is important to properly distinguish this from a wart, which is a viral infection. The treatment is very different. It is for the reasons above that it is important to seek podiatric medical treatment.
Patients who have corns on their feet are often aware of the pain and discomfort they may cause. A corn is a hardened area of skin that forms on the bottom of the feet, or between the toes. It can form because of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from medical conditions that can include arthritis. The corn may feel better when the foot is soaked in warm water, followed by gently filing the affected area with a pumice stone. Some patients find it beneficial to apply a small pad over the corn, which may be helpful in reducing any friction as the toe rubs against the shoe. If you have corns on your feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you to find relief.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Peter F Gregory of the Livonia Foot Health Team. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
Well-fitting socks
Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor 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 Livonia, Michigan. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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.