Foot calluses are areas of thick, hardened skin that develop when the skin tries to protect itself against pressure and friction. They can be painful and inconvenient, but they are generally easy to treat.
Foot calluses appear due to repeated pressures and frictions on a specific area of the foot. This can be due to poorly fitting shoes, foot deformities, or abnormal walking or posture.
Foot Corns
Foot corns are a specific form of corn that generally develops on the sole of the foot, specifically in areas that undergo the most pressure when walking or running. They are often caused by ill-fitting shoes that rub against these areas, or by other factors such as foot deformity or poor walking posture.
Corns are distinguished by their conical shape, with the top pointing towards the inside of the foot, thus creating an area of intense pressure that can be very painful when pressed or when walking. Although they are usually small, their pain can be disproportionate to their size due to the pressure they exert on the underlying tissues.
It’s important to note that treating corns can be delicate, especially if they are deep and painful. In some cases, a medical consultation may be necessary to ensure effective and safe treatment.
Foot calluses
Foot calluses, unlike corns, are another form of corn characterized by an area of hardened and thickened skin, usually wider and less sensitive than corns. Calluses usually form in areas that also undergo frequent pressure or friction, such as heels or under the metatarsals, the front part of the foot’s sole.
These foot calluses are generally less painful than foot corns, but they can nevertheless cause significant discomfort, especially when they are thick or when they crack, which can sometimes lead to painful fissures or a risk of infection.
Foot calluses can be managed with regular foot care, including the use of a pumice stone or file to reduce the thickness of the hardened skin, and the regular application of moisturizing creams to help soften the skin and prevent cracks. Just like for corns, if foot calluses are significant or if they cause significant discomfort, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for advice and appropriate treatment.
How are foot calluses diagnosed?
A healthcare professional can often diagnose foot calluses simply by examining your foot. They may also ask you questions about your shoe and walking habits, as well as any underlying health issues.
Although you can often treat corns at home, it is always important to consult a healthcare professional for a correct diagnosis. This helps avoid potential complications and ensures you follow the best treatment plan.
How to treat foot calluses?
Corns can often be treated with care at a clinic. This may include foot baths, the use of a pumice stone to remove hardened skin, and the application of moisturizing creams. It’s also important to wear well-fitted shoes to avoid the pressure that caused the corn in the first place.
There are many over-the-counter products for the treatment of corns, such as corn bandages, creams, and ointments. These products often contain salicylic acid, which helps soften and dissolve hardened skin.
In some cases, medical intervention may be needed to treat corns. This can include debridement, where a healthcare professional removes the hardened skin, or surgery to correct a foot deformity that causes the pressure.
Preventing foot corns
Wearing well-fitted shoes is one of the best ways to prevent corns. This means avoiding shoes that are too tight or too loose, and choosing shoes with adequate support.
Regular foot care, like moisturizing and exfoliating, can also help prevent corns. This is especially important for those who are on their feet for long periods each day.
Foot calluses can be inconvenient and painful, but with the right care and treatment, they can be effectively managed. Remember, the best way to treat corns is to prevent their occurrence in the first place!