When we walk or stand, our body weight is carried first on the heel and then on the ball of the foot where the skin is thicker to withstand the pressure. When this pressure becomes excessive, some areas of skin thicken and form corns and callus, as a protective response to the friction of skin rubbing against a bone, shoe or the ground.
Corns are caused by pressure or friction over bony areas, such as a joint, and they have a central core which may cause pain if it presses on a nerve. There are five different types of corns, the most common of which are ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ corns:
A corn can present with the following;
It is not advisable to cut corns yourself, especially if you are elderly or have diabetes. A podiatrist will be able to reduce the bulk of the corn.
Always consult a podiatrist for advice before using commercially available products. In particular, be careful about using corn plasters, as they contain acids than can burn the healthy skin around the corn, leading to serious problems such as infection. Home remedies, like lamb’s wool around the toes, are potentially dangerous. People with diabetes, poor circulation or a reduced immune system should not self-treat, but instead seek advice from a podiatrist.
Treatment will begin with a full assessment of the patient to determine the underlying cause. This allows the podiatrist to decide upon the most suitable treatment plan for that patient ensuring the best possible outcome. Any overlying hard skin will then be removed and the corn will be enucleated (cut out) without causing damaged to the surrounding areas of skin. Further treatment will vary from patient to patient and may include;
A podiatrist will be able to remove corns painlessly, apply padding or insoles to relieve pressure or fit corrective appliances for long-term relief. For callus, your podiatrist will also be able to remove hard skin, relieve pain and redistribute pressure with soft padding, strapping or corrective appliances that fit easily into your shoes. The skin should then return to its normal state.
Elderly people can benefit from padding to the ball of the foot, to compensate for any loss of natural padding. Emollient creams delay callus building up and help improve the skin’s natural elasticity. Your podiatrist will be able to advise you on the best skin preparations for your needs.
You may also need to wear more supportive or wider fitting footwear to reduce pressure on the affected area.
To arrange an appointment for corn treatment please e-mail info@wwpodiatry.co.uk or call 01777 708 867.
Callous treatment in podiatry is the debridement (removal) of thickened areas of skin which can develop anywhere over the foot but are most commonly found on the sole of the foot or the sides and surface of the toes.
Callous is a thickening and/or hardening of the skin which can cause pain and discomfort if left untreated. Callous build up can be particularly dangerous in patients with poor circulation or diabetic neuropathy as the combination of excessive pressures and lack of sensation can lead to the formation of ulcers, which if left untreated can cause infection.
The aim of callous treatment in podiatry is to remove the excessive pressure that is causing the build-up, reduce the level of pain and discomfort and improve the appearance and function of the skin.
Prior to carrying out any treatment a podiatrist will carry out a full assessment of the patient to determine the cause of the callous.
Treatment will often begin with the painless debridement of any callous using a scalpel blade. Further treatment may include;
Self-treatment is not advised before consulting with a qualified podiatrist.
To arrange an appointment for callous treatment please e-mail info@wwpodiatry.co.uk or call 0177 708 867.
