Foot Problems

Calluses and Corns

A callus or corn is a build up of skin that forms at points of pressure or over bony prominence's. Generally, calluses form on the bottom of the foot, whereas corns form on the toes.

Source: British Columbia Association of Podiatrist - http://www.foothealth.ca/ Retrieved: 2009-06-01

Image Source: Wikipedia.org - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Evolucion_de_un_callo.jpg Retrieved: 2009-06-01

Statistics

  • 65 out of 1,000 people are afflicted with calluses or corns
  • 37 out of 1,000 males are afflicted
  • 91 out of 1,000 females are afflicted

Causes Of Calluses and Corns

  • Repeated friction and pressure from skin rubbing against bony areas or against an irregularity in a shoe or from an ill-fitting shoe
  • Clawing of the toes inside a shoe due to biomechanical imbalances
  • Heredity disorders

What can you do?

  • Wear supportive shoes with a wide toe box and a low heel.
  • Use over-the-counter creams, avoiding any acid preparations.
  • Use pumice stone or file to treat if not diabetic.

What can a Podiatrist do?

  • Request X-ray, bone scan, CT, MRI or other imaging studies, if needed.
  • Perform trimming or padding of the lesions to relieve pain.
  • Recommend an over-the-counter arch support or prescribe custom orthoses.
  • Perform surgery as indicated.