Bunions
Corns and Callus'
Foot Odour
Heel Pains
Hammer Toe


FOOT PROBLEMS – CORNS AND CALLUS:


Corns and callus are one of the most common foot problems. They can occur on any part of the foot and vary in symptoms from a mild callus under the foot, to an infected ulcer that can develop under a corn on a toe.

WHAT DOES A FOOT CORN AND CALLUS LOOK LIKE?


Corns appear as a thickening of the skin on the toes. This thickening appears as a cone shaped mass pointing down into the skin. Hard corns are usually located on the outer surface of the little toe or on the upper surface of the other toes, but can occur between the toes. A soft corn occurs between the toes and are kept soft by the moisture in this area. A callus is more diffuse area of thickening and does not have the focal point of the corn.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF CORNS AND CALLUS’?


A corn or callus’ are areas of thickened skin that occur in areas of pressure. They are actually a normal and natural way for the body to protect itself. For example, callus’ develop on the hand when chopping a lot of wood – it’s a normal way for the skin to protect itself. In the foot, the skin will thicken up to protect itself when there are areas of high pressure. The problem occurs when the pressure continues, so the skin gets thicker. It eventually becomes painful and is treated as something foreign by the body.

A callus generally refers to a more diffuse thickening of the skin (more common on the toes, but can occur under the ball of the foot) whereas a corn is a thicker more focal area (more common on the toes). Too much pressure can be from causes such as:

  • Footwear that is too tight
  • Toe deformities, such as hammer toes - the top of the hammer toe is an area for increased pressure on the top of the toe Bony prominence
  • Biomechanical or gait abnormalities that cause pressure under different areas of the bottom surface of the foot.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR FOOT CORNS AND CALLUS?


As corns and callus are symptoms of underlying problems, self treatment should follow a proper diagnosis of the underlying condition and advice on how to best manage it.

Remedies such as corn paint, cure or plasters will generally only treat the symptom of the corn and not the problem that causes it. These chemicals contain acid that are supposed to 'eat away' the corn, but the chemical can not tell what is corn and what is normal - it will eat what ever you put it on. While this can be risky in healthy people, it can be very dangerous and risky in those with poor circulation and/or diabetes. The use of "corn plasters" in those who are at risk or have frail skin are very likely to cause an ulcer (a breakdown of the skin) which could become infected.

Cutting corns or calluses yourself (bathroom surgery) is not without its dangers, especially if you cut yourself. In the warm and moist environment of enclosed shoes, infection can easily develop into a serious wound.

Self treatment or management of corns and callus includes:

  • Proper fitting of footwear
  • Proper foot hygiene and the use of emollients to keep the skin in good condition

HOW DO I PREVENT FOOT CORNS AND CALLUS?


Corns and callus are easy to prevent - just take away the excessive pressure. No treatment applied to the actual corn or callus will take away pressure. Ensure you acquire correctly fitting footwear. The use of pads to relieve pressure, surgical management of bony prominence and/or regular podiatric care are the best options for prevention of corns and callus.