Corns & Callus

What are Corns?

Corns are thickened skin lesions commonly found on the foot that are circular or semi-circular in nature. These lesions are due to continuous pressure and friction on the skin, resulting in the skin becoming thickened or hyperkeratotic. This thickened skin can build up over time and become hard and painful, especially if located in an area where there is pressure.

What are Calluses?

Calluses are particularly developed in areas where the shoes may press against the skin, especially on the bottom of the foot over any bony areas.

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What are the signs and symptoms of corns and calluses?

Corns:

  • Small, round, and raised areas of thickened skin, often found on the top or sides of the toes.
  • Corns can be hard or soft, with hard corns typically appearing on bony areas of the foot and soft corns forming between the toes.
  • Corns may be painful when pressed.

Calluses:

  • Larger, flat, and rough patches of thickened skin, typically found on the soles of the feet, particularly the heels or balls of the feet.
  • Calluses are generally painless, but they can become uncomfortable if they continue to thicken or crack.

Corns & Callus FAQ

Calluses and corns can be caused by poorly fitting shoes, usually too small that squeeze the toes or too high and adds pressure on the ball of your foot. Shoe styles play a role in this as well.If the shoe’s seam or a portion of the shoe rubs against your toe, a painful corn can result. Not wearing socks can cause corns and calluses as well as wearing socks that are too big or have irritating seams. Almost anyone can develop a corn or callus from bio mechanical abnormalities of the foot/ ankle to poor fitting shoes.

The thickened skin can easily be debrided and trimmed away to remove any of the build up of skin and give the patient some temporary relief from pain. However, addressing the pressure areas and offloading the pressure areas is essential to help slow down any of the re-growth of the thickened hard skin.

Some topical medication can be applied to slow down the accumulation of these calluses. We would be happy to talk to you about this.

If your corns or calluses are causing pain, have become infected, or if you have conditions like diabetes or poor circulation, it’s important to visit a podiatrist. A professional can safely remove the thickened skin and provide advice on preventing them in the future.

If you are experiencing any discomfort with this condition or any other foot pain, don’t hesitate to call and make an appointment with us here at Atlantic Foot and Ankle Specialists so we can relieve your pain and discuss all the available treatment options with you at any of our five locations, Savannah, Hinesville, Statesboro, Claxton, or Bluffton.

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