An experienced podiatrist can help diagnose corns and calluses and rule out other causes of thickened skin, such as warts and cysts.
Symptoms of corns and calluses
Corns
- Corns can be painful, especially if squeezed.
- Corns are smaller than calluses and have a hard center, called a core, surrounded by inflamed skin.
- Corns can often be found on areas of your foot that are not weight bearing, such as the tops and sides, in-between toes as well as on weight baring parts.
There are 5 types of corns –
- Hard corns – These are the most common type of corn. They are hard and dry, the size of a pea and are often found on the top of the toes.
- Soft corns – Softer, moist corns, typically found between the toes.
- Seed corns – Tiny corns, often found on the bottom of the foot and are usually painless.
- Vascular/neurovascular corns – These corns contain nerve fibers and blood vessels, making them be very painful and can bleed freely if cut.
- Fibrous corns – If a corn has been there for a long time, it can attach itself to deeper tissue. They can be painful.
Calluses
- Calluses are rarely painful.
- They typically develop on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or ball of your foot, on your palms, or on your knees.
- Calluses vary in size and shape and are often larger than corns.
A callus on the bottom of the foot is called a plantar callus.
Causes of corns and calluses
Normally a corn or callus is caused by an area of your foot being exposed to friction or pressure.
Causes and risk factors can include:
- Poorly fitting footwear.
- Athletes who place repeated pressure and friction on their feet, such as runners, are particularly susceptible to developing calluses.
- They can be a result of a skin type, such as dry skin or reduced elasticity.
- Some people have a genetic predisposition to corns or calluses.
- Age; the elderly who have less fatty tissue can form calluses, especially on the ball of the foot.
- Corns and calluses are sometimes an indication of a bone deformity, such as a bunion.
Some biomechanical conditions may increase your risk of corns and calluses, such as high arches, some foot deformities, hammertoe or bunions.
Treatment of corns and calluses
An experienced podiatrist can help identify the underlying cause causing your corn or callus and suggest a treatment plan.
Treating painful corns and calluses can include:
- Removing some of the thickened skin which can help relieve pressure and pain.
- Recommending footwear and cushioned socks.
- Giving self help advice such as soaking your foot, using a pumice or file, foot hygiene and moisturising.
- Padding can take pressure off painful parts of your foot.
- Certain medications.
- An insole can be reduce or prevent the recurrence of corns or calluses.
If you are diabetic or have another condition which affects your blood circulation, you could be at risk from complications from corns or calluses and you should speak to an experienced podiatrist as soon as possible.
Rachel Miller is a highly experienced podiatrist who treats many patients with corns and calluses. Rachel can gently remove the hard skin as well as recommend appropriate footwear, give self help advice and insole advice that may prevent or reduce the recurrence of corns and calluses.
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