Calluses and Corns Treatment
Symptoms of Calluses & Corns
The main symptoms of calluses are sections of rough, hardened skin that form on the foot, often because of friction or irregularities in bone positioning. The term “corn” is generally used to describe a callus that forms on the top or side of the foot. In order to tell whether you are experiencing a callus or a wart, part of the affected area will be scraped. If you are suffering from a wart, the treatment will be different than that for a callus or a corn. Kesler treats the calluses and corns of patients in Wayne as well as Pompton Lakes, Franklin Lakes, Oakland, NJ, Wyckoff, Fair Lawn, Midland Park, North Haledon, West Caldwell, and Paterson.
Treating Calluses and Corns
The main concern with corns and calluses is infection: if you have a circulatory issue such as diabetes or heart disease, you should make an appointment to get it checked out right away. Otherwise, it is generally OK unless it is discharging liquid or pus (indicative of an infection or ulceration that must be treated), or you injure yourself and it begins to bleed (also leaving you vulnerable to infection). If an infection has occurred, we will likely prescribe antibiotics and, if necessary, drain it.
Calluses will usually be treated with a simple trimming and change of shoes – when the pressure that initially caused the callus is released, the callus will typically heal itself. Using a pumice stone or applying moisturizing cream can also help to soften calluses. Creams containing urea can also be effective, but should not be used without a specific recommendation. Typically a hydrocortisone cream will not help, as they are intended to reduce rashes and itching.
Corns also usually require little more than wearing more comfortable shoes and, if necessary, applying a moleskin pad placed strategically to reduce pressure. While there are many over-the-counter remedies, these should be used with extreme caution (or not at all) as they can cause chemical burns resulting in infections and ulcers.
If it is determined that the calluses or corns are caused by an unusual walking motion or hip structure, we may prescribe orthopedic shoe inserts to correct the problem.
Surgical Treatment for Calluses and Corns
Surgery can be an option, but it is likely that symptoms of calluses will return unless a lifestyle change is made – i.e. you can have a callus removed, but if you continue to wear the same shoes that caused it, It will return. However, if the callus or corn is caused by an abnormal foot structure, we may recommend corrective surgery to correct the cause of the problem.
Avoiding Symptoms of Calluses and Corns
The best way to avoid symptoms of calluses or corns is to wear shoes that fit properly. Those with hammertoes are particularly vulnerable to calluses and corns, so it is especially important to find properly fitting shoes. If you notice your shoes wear unevenly, especially on the soles and heels, consider wearing corrective insoles or orthotics to even the pressure on the heel bone. Avoiding high heels and shoes with sharply pointed toes will also reduce your risk. If you’re looking for effective treatment of calluses or corns and you live in Wayne, Pompton Lakes, Franklin Lakes, Oakland, NJ, Wyckoff, Fair Lawn, Midland Park, North Haledon, West Caldwell, or Paterson, call Kesler Podiatry at (973) 835-8350.