Have you ever thought of corns and calluses as one and the same? The terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same.
At Midwest Foot & Ankle Associates, Dr. Biren Shah approaches your care with a high level of expertise and true concern, no matter what condition you need treatment for — from bunions and diabetic foot care to injuries or corns.
In this month’s post, we’ll define what corns and calluses are, how they’re different, how to prevent them, and the best ways to treat each.
The thing that corns and calluses share is that they’re both caused by friction, like from repeated rubbing of an ill-fitting shoe. The long-term pressure on your skin is what causes corns and calluses to form.
Although both corns and calluses are nuisances, each has traits that make it unique, and you may experience similar or differing symptoms.
First, let’s cover corns. These are smaller, usually round, rough spots that frequently appear on the tops or sides of your toes. They tend to go deeper into your skin than calluses do. They can hurt when you touch them. There are also softer corns that tend to develop between your toes.
Calluses are larger, rough, thickened spots that develop as a protective mechanism on pressure points of your feet, like the ball of your foot and your heels. A callus can be virtually any shape.
If you can prevent a corn or callus from forming, you’ll be ahead of the game. You can make it more likely you’ll avoid problems associated with both by:
We recommend you seek treatment at Midwest Foot & Ankle Associates for corns or calluses, rather than trying any “bathroom surgery” at home. This can be dangerous and increase your risk of infection, especially if you live with diabetes.
Dr. Shah might suggest home care, which may include soaking your foot and using a pumice stone to gently remove the buildup of dead skin. Apply adequate moisturizer afterward and avoid removing too much skin to prevent irritation and risk of infection. He might also recommend using soft pads on your corn or callus to prevent irritation.
Dr. Shah can also ensure you receive the right treatment for your corn or callus by identifying its root cause. The solution may be simple, like changing the type of shoes you wear. If your corn or callus is advanced and painful, he may consider a surgical solution.
Don’t suffer with the discomfort of corns and calluses. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Shah for an evaluation and treatment today by calling our Rockford or Elgin office or booking online.
