Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Corns form from pressure over small areas whilst calluses develop from pressure over larger surface areas
- Professional corn removal and callus management provide safer, more effective results than DIY treatments
- Proper footwear and regular moisturising are essential for treating and preventing both conditions
- Addressing underlying pressure is crucial for long-term relief
- Professional assessment can identify biomechanical issues that contribute to formation
Understanding the Difference Between Corns and Calluses
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but understanding their differences is crucial for proper treatment. Both result from your skin’s response to excessive pressure, but they manifest differently.
Corns develop when high pressure is concentrated over small areas, creating thick, painful patches, only a few millimetres big. They typically appear under the balls of your feet, on the sides of your smallest toes, or on hammer toes. The underlying bone prominence makes these areas particularly susceptible.
Calluses form when high pressure spreads across larger surface areas. These thickened patches serve as your body’s natural defence mechanism, protecting underlying tissues. Unlike corns, calluses are typically painless, though they can become uncomfortable when very thick.
What Causes These Conditions?
Footwear Issues: Ill-fitting shoes remain the most common cause. Tight shoes create pressure points, whilst loose shoes allow feet to slide and rub. High heels concentrate pressure on the balls of your feet.
Foot Deformities: Hammer toes, bunions, or prominent bone structures create natural pressure points. These deformities alter weight distribution, concentrating pressure in specific areas.
Biomechanical Issues: Gait abnormalities, flat feet, or high arches influence where pressure accumulates during daily activities.
Professional Treatment Options
Professional care offers significant advantages over DIY approaches. Understanding what treatment involves helps you make informed decisions about your foot health.
Immediate Relief Through Professional Removal
Professional corn management and removal involves careful debridement (shaving down the thickened skin) using specialised scalpel blades. This process is virtually painless when performed by experienced podiatrists and provides immediate relief.
For calluses, professional treatment focuses on safely thinning thick skin without damaging healthy tissue underneath. This ensures effective removal whilst minimising injury risk.
Addressing Underlying Causes
The most crucial aspect involves identifying and addressing pressure buildup causes through:
Biomechanical Assessment: Professional evaluation of your gait can reveal underlying issues. This often leads to recommendations for custom orthotics to redistribute pressure evenly across the bottom of the feet..
Footwear Evaluation: Podiatrists assess your current footwear and provide guidance on appropriate shoe selection to prevent future problems.
Pressure Redistribution: For persistent cases, silicone spacers, padding, or custom orthotics may redistribute pressure away from problem areas.
Prevention Strategies That Work
Preventing corns and calluses is more effective than treating them after development.
Choose Appropriate Footwear
Look for shoes with adequate toe room and stable heels not exceeding 5cm in height. Ensure proper fit at day’s end when feet are naturally swollen. Choose breathable materials and replace worn-out shoes promptly.
Maintain Proper Foot Hygiene
Apply quality foot cream daily, focusing on dry areas. Weekly gentle exfoliation with a pumice stone helps prevent dead skin buildup. Avoid aggressive scrubbing that can damage healthy skin.
When to Seek Professional Help
Several signs indicate DIY treatments are insufficient:
Seek immediate help if you notice infection signs like redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge. Professional callus management becomes necessary when calluses cause significant discomfort or show cracking.
If you have diabetes or circulation problems, professional care is essential for any foot condition. Frequent recurrence despite prevention efforts indicates underlying issues requiring professional assessment.
The Risks of DIY Treatment
Sharp instruments can cause cuts leading to infections. Chemical treatments (crocko and corn plasters) may cause burns or remove too much skin. Even aggressive filing can damage healthy skin and worsen the underlying problem without addressing pressure causes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I seek professional treatment for recurring corns and calluses?
Most people benefit from professional care every 6-8 weeks, though frequency depends on condition severity and underlying causes. Your podiatrist will recommend an appropriate schedule based on your specific needs.
Can corns and calluses be permanently eliminated?
Permanent elimination depends on addressing underlying causes. If pressure sources like foot deformities aren’t corrected, conditions may recur. However, proper management through regular podiatry care, and offloading, significantly reduces frequency and severity.
Are there medical conditions that increase my risk?
Yes, diabetes, arthritis, bunions, hammer toes, and circulation problems increase risk by altering foot structure, sensation, or healing capacity, making professional management even more important.
Taking the Next Step Towards Healthier Feet
Corns and calluses don’t have to be a permanent source of discomfort. With proper understanding, prevention strategies, and professional care when needed, you can maintain healthy, comfortable feet.
The key to successful management lies in addressing both immediate symptoms and underlying causes for long-term foot health and comfort.
Contact M Maddocks Inc today to schedule your consultation at UMED Sandton Medical Suites, 134 Grayston Dr, Sandown, Sandton, 2196 or call 078 060 6744. Take the first step towards pain-free feet and discover how professional foot care can help you get back to doing what you love.
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