Corns and callus are common and can be painful if left untreated. BioPed footcare clinicians treat corns and callus during routine footcare appointments.
What is the difference between a corn and callus? Can corns and calluses be permanently removed? Is the treatment painful? These are just a few of the commonly asked questions we hear from our patients.
Below we explore this topic more and how BioPed can help!
Treatment for corns & callus?
Corns and callus are similar as they are both thickened areas in the first epidermal layer of the skin. When there is repetitive pressure or friction on the skin, the body attempts to create protection by thickening the skin. A callus forms from a shearing force or when the foot and the ground move in opposite directions.
A corn forms when there is a torsional or rotational force during movement such as walking or running. Corns can occur on the bottom of the foot but are also commonly found on the tops or in between the toes. Callus usually appears on the bottom or sole of the foot and around the heels. Both can be painful, but because corns are a “circumscribed” or circular area of callus, they tend to be more painful. This circular formation creates a pinpoint or localized area of callus which has the sensation of wearing a stiletto high heel versus a running shoe.
It is best to seek help from a Registered Chiropodist or Footcare Nurse for treatment as opposed to at-home treatment. They will take a medical history, conduct an exam of your feet, inspect your shoes to make sure they are appropriate and may watch how you walk.
What is the difference between a corn & callus?
Both Registered Chiropodists and Footcare Nurses can remove corns and calluses in the clinic. Typically they use sterile scalpel blades or files. This is done after the skin is cleansed with an antiseptic and a treatment plan is discussed. Once the area of thickened skin is removed or reduced, relief is often felt right away.
Over-the-counter medicated corn pads can be dangerous to use as they contain a medicine called salicylic acid which can damage healthy skin as well as thickened skin. Conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation or numbness in the feet pose a particular risk when using these medicated pads.
Corns and callus can also be caused by the way a person walks. Seeing a BioPed lower limb clinician for a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis can help determine the cause of these painful lesions. Unless the “cause” of these lesions is treated, corns and callus will continue to form. Depending on the outcome of this assessment, custom-made foot orthotics, a change in footwear or even something as simple as wearing a protective toe sleeve to reduce pain and discomfort may be recommended.
BioPed clinics have footcare products to increase comfort and keep corns and callus under control in between footcare appointments. Using a foot file in combination with a moisturizer is recommended.
Products for you!
Footlogix fr exfoliating foot file
Encased in a satin-smooth, contoured comfort grip, this double-sided file (coarse/fine) is made with high-quality stainless steel and a multi-directional grit that will not damage the skin.
Footlogix very dry skin formula
Designed for extremely dry skin. The higher percentage of urea provides protection, care and moisture.
Footlogix cracked heel formula
Designed for severely cracked heels and fissures. It contains the most amount of urea to moisturize and protect thick callus and cracked skin.
Footlogix creams are formulated to be absorbed immediately and do not leave a greasy residue. Socks can be applied right away and the natural functions of the skin are unaffected. They are dermatologically and clinically tested and do not contain perfumes or preservatives.
Shop the MEDILOGICS Gel Toe Shield to act as a protective barrier between a shoe and skin.
Also, it is important to note that plantar warts can have a similar appearance to corns. Knowing what lesion it could be is imperative for successful treatment.
