What Is The Difference Between A Corn And A Callus?
Corns and calluses are abnormal growths on the skin, usually caused by a pressure point. Typically, the growth is firm and is an extension of the top layer of skin. A corn is smaller than a callus and is seen on or between the toes, while a callus forms on the bottom of the foot.
What Causes Corns Or Calluses?
Corns often occur when there is a hammertoe or other toe deformity, where the toe rubs against the shoe or the next toe. The skin tries to protect itself by creating a thick layer of skin. However, when it is too thick, it is actually harming the healthy tissue underneath it. Calluses are common at the ball of the foot. They have many causes, such as a tight Achilles tendon, wearing high heels, walking barefoot, dancing, unfit shoes, anatomical variations (e.g., a long second toe), bunion, and many other reasons, including some medical conditions.
How Can I Treat Corns And Calluses At Home?
Unless the cause of the corn and callus is addressed, they will often grow back. Home care includes gentle exfoliation during a shower using a pumice stone regularly. Do not use a razor or pull on the excess skin, especially if you have diabetes, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), or have circulation issues. This is how infections occur. Do not use any over-the-counter medicated products without consulting Dr. Manson. Using these products without supervision can make the issue worse.
What Happens If You Ignore The Corn Or Callus?
If you ignore a corn or callus, you can experience a gradual increase in pain over time. Walking and wearing shoes will cause the corn or callus to worsen. A corn or callus can damage healthy skin underneath and lead to an infection, especially if you have diabetes, have peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), or have circulation issues. You should not ignore a corn or callus.
Why Are Corns And Calluses Painful?
When the corns and calluses get thick, the pressure is damaging the skin underneath, causing pain.
What Other Treatments Are Available?
The idea in treating the corn or callus is to reduce the pressure that is causing it. Choosing wider shoes, prescribed skin softeners (ex. urea, Amlactin), routine foot care, off-loading pads, and custom orthotics are usually the first line of treatment. Recent advancement in medicine has made many foot fillers, including fat allograft (Leneva® for corns and calluses), as a nonsurgical option for pain relief. Lastly, surgery may be considered in severe cases.
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At Oregon Institute of Foot Care, we care about healthy, happy, beautiful feet. We strive to provide personalized foot care and achieve the outcomes, both functionally and cosmetically, that our patients desire. What sets OIFC apart is our dedication to providing the highest quality care available, utilizing the latest medical techniques and technologies, educating patients to make well-informed health care decisions, and restoring foot and ankle function as quickly and beautifully as possible. Our mission is to give you healthy, happy, beautiful feet.
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