Corns and Calluses - Causes and Prevention

Corns and calluses can bring you a lot of discomfort, and even make you sick if they get infected or you have health conditions that make you prone to problems with the tissues’ healing. Feet carry the weight of our entire body; they require attention and care to stay healthy.

If you feel rough fornations on your feet that bring you pain and discomfort, make an appointment with a foot doctor. The specialist will help you with your condition and advise you tips to avoid having foot problems in the future.

What is the Difference between Corns and Calluses

Corns are thickened and rough large areas of skin that are irregularly shaped compared to calluses. Most often, bunions are localized on the feet, areas of which are subject to strong weight pressure - big toe, heel, pad and outer side of the foot. You can also notice calluses on the fingertips due to constant friction. Guitarists, weightlifters, gymnasts, craftsmen are more prone to their formation.

The formation of calluses on the soles of the feet in an insignificant amount is a variant of the norm. Usually, such seals are painless and less sensitive to the touch. Calluses, unlike corns, are smaller and round in shape, mostly located on the little fingers, between the toes, on the side (soft calluses), upper (hard calluses) and lower (seed calluses) part of the toes.

Causes and Risk Factors for Corns and Calluses

• Wearing tight, unsuitable shoes
• Prolonged walking or running
• Physical activity or work that causes pressure on the limbs
• Wearing shoes without socks
• Walking barefoot
• Excessive sweating of the feet
• Warts
• Slipping insoles for shoes
• Incorrect posture when walking
• Congenital deformities of the feet
• Heel spur.

The chances of having corns and calluses increase if:

• you have rheumatological diseases (arthritis, bursitis) that contribute to foot deformation;
• several of the reasons described above correspond to your case;
• you have a history of diabetes.

The symptoms of corns and calluses are as follows:

• You notice large areas with a hard, rough surface
• Reduced sensitivity to touch in the affected areas
• You experience soreness, redness, and blisters

Treatment of Corns and Calluses

The method of treatment directly depends on the factors of occurrence, as well as the symptoms of formations. If there’s no pain, corns and calluses can be removed manually. Think of their cause and remove it - for example, change the uncomfortable shoes.

If calluses and corns hurt, itch, there is an infection or some other pathology, professional consultation of a podiatrist is necessary. In some cases, an examination by an orthopedist or orthopedic surgeon may be necessary.

With structural changes in the feet or toes, as well as severe pain, it is necessary to align or remove the bone tissue.

Prevention of Corns and Calluses

To prevent the occurrence of calluses and calluses, you need to:

• wear comfortable shoes with shock-absorbing soles, preferably made of soft leather;
• avoid wearing high-heeled shoes with a narrow toe;
• take good care of your feet (wipe after washing, moisturize regularly);
• wear soft insoles, especially for children;
• avoid walking barefoot;
• use foot powder when sweating.

When Should You See a Doctor?

A doctor's examination is necessary if you have diabetes. People with this disease often suffer from impaired blood circulation in the legs, so corns and calluses can hurt, become infected and not heal for a long time.

In addition, the recommendation of a podiatrist is necessary in case of infection (redness, swelling, discharge) or severe pain. It is necessary to consult a doctor if an abnormal structure of the bone tissue on the legs is detected.

In addition, the recommendation of a podiatrist is necessary in case of infection (redness, swelling, discharge), severe pain. It is necessary to consult a doctor if an abnormal structure of the bone tissue on the legs is detected.