Corns, Calluses
A
corn or callus is an area of hard,
thickened skin
on the foot that is formed
in response to pressure
or friction. They are part of the body’s defence system
to protect the underlying tissues.
If the cause of pressure is not relieved, calluses can become
painful. If pressure becomes concentrated in a small area,
a ‘hard’ corn may develop. A corn has a central core.
Common sites of corn and callus formation
are the ball of the foot, under the big toe, the tips and the
tops of toes. ‘Soft’ corns may develop between the toes, where
the skin is moist from sweat or inadequate drying. Sometimes,
the pressure of the corn or callus may produce inflammation,
which can result in acute pain, swelling and redness.
Corns and calluses may be a sign that you have
an underlying foot disorder, such as a joint that is out of
alignment. This is why it is important to seek professional
advice rather than attempt to treat calluses or corns yourself.
Symptoms
The symptoms of corns and calluses
can include:
- Thickened patch of hard skin on the foot.
- Hard, small bump of skin that may have
a central core.
- White and rubbery bumps of skin (‘soft’
corns, in between the toes).
- In some cases, the callus pushes into the
foot, rather than spreading across the skin surface.
- Pain when pressure or friction is applied
to the area.
Anyone can develop corns or calluses,
but some groups are particularly at risk, including:
- People with Diabetes can be prone to poor
circulation & slow healing and are at rsik of developing
an infection or ulcer. Diabetics may also lose the feeling
in their feet and nnot know they have a corn or callus,
which can ulcerate if not treated.
- Elderly people - because ageing skin loses
elasticity and fatty tissue.
- People who spend a lot of time standing
up - because of the continuous weight-bearing pressure on
their feet.
- People with feet that roll inwards or have
flat feet (called pronation) - flat feet place excessive
pressure on the ball of the foot beneath the big toe, and
the inside of the heel.
- A person with foot complaints (such as
a hammer toe, bunions or arthritis) - because a bony prominence
can rub against the shoe or neighbouring toes.
- People who regularly wear shoes that are
narrow, tight, ill-fitting or high-heeled .
- Don’t try to treat corns and calluses yourself
Over-the-counter treatments, such as corn plasters,
don’t treat the underlying foot disorder. The body protects
skin tissues from pressure or friction damage by producing an
area of hard skin so, unless the cause of the pressure or friction
is found and removed, calluses and corns will continue to form.
These over-the-counter treatments can also damage
the healthy surrounding skin, if used incorrectly. They can
also cause an ulcer to develop, or become infected, which is
a danger to those people with porr circulation such as Diabetics.
Don’t ever attempt to cut away or scrape a callus.
If you accidentally cut yourself the humid environment of socks
and shoes makes infection of the wound more likely.
How Can we Help?
-
Professional triming or debriding
of the callus or corn to relieve pain
-
Customised padding on various
areas of the foot to temporarily redistribute pressure,
for example, you may need to wear little foam wedges between
your toes.
-
Investigation and treatment
of the possible causes, ie shoe assessment, bunions.
-
If needed, permanent inserts
to wear inside your shoes (orthoses) to offer long term
pressure relief. Advice on appropriate footwear.
-
Advice on appropriate foot
care, such as applying moisturiser daily.
Summary
CORNS are caused by friction
and pressure resulting in a build up of a 'cone shaped' callus,
which can press on nerve endings in the skin resulting in a
very painful area.
The use of 'corn cures' to try
and remove the corn can produce disastrous results. The corn
cure contains acid, which burns the skin.
A Podiatrist can painlessly remove the corn
and apply padding over the area.
07 5531 3877