Corns and callus are two of the most common foot issues. If you suffer with either of these issues, you do not have to be embarrassed, BioPed Registered Chiropodists and Footcare Nurses are ready to help! Common questions people have about corns and callus when they arrive for an appointment include: what is the difference between a corn and a callus, can it be permanently removed and is treatment painful?
What is the difference between a corn & a callus?
Corns and callus are different in nature, but they do have one thing in common. Both lesions are thickened areas within the top or epidermal layer of the skin, that the body develops as a protective measure from repetitive pressure or friction. An example is tight shoes. Callus forms from a shearing force or when the foot and the ground move in opposite directions. Corns form when there is a torsional or rotational force during movement or ambulation. Corns can occur on the bottom of the foot but they are also commonly found on the tops of 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!
Some corns can involve nerves or blood vessels as they can extend into deeper layers of skin. 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.
Treatment for corns & callus
Both Registered Chiropodists and Footcare Nurses can remove corns and callus 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. Oftentimes once the area of thickened skin is removed or reduced, relief is felt right away.
Over-the-counter medicated corn pads can be dangerous to use as they contain an acid known as salicylic acid which can damage healthy skin as well as thickened skin. Conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation or numbness in the feet pose particular risk when using these medicated pads.
Corns and callus can also be caused by the way a person walks. It may be beneficial to have a biomechanical assessment to try to determine the cause of these painful lesions. Unless the “cause” of these lesions is treated, corns and callus will continue to form. BioPed lower limb clinicians may recommend custom made foot orthotics, a change in footwear or even something as simple as wearing a protective toe sleeve to reduce pain and discomfort.
BioPed clinics have foot care products to increase comfort and keep corns and callus at bay in between foot care appointments. Using a foot file in combination with a moisturiser is recommended.
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, cracked skin.
Footlogix creams are formulated to be absorbed immediately without any greasy residue, permitting clothing to be put on right after application and ensuring natural skin functions remain unhindered. 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 important to note that plantar warts can have a similar appearance to corns. Knowing what lesion it could be is imperative for successful treatment.
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