4 Ways to Treat Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that can be annoying if not addressed. Calluses are most commonly formed on the ball of the foot and the heel area. Corns also form in response to excess pressure and rubbing, and frequently occur on the top of hammertoes. Thick calluses on the heels can develop into heel fissures that can become infected, so be sure to see your foot doctor for the proper care.
Treatments for corns and calluses include:
- Wear properly fitted shoes with orthotic inserts—Tight fitting shoes cause rubbing and pressure. Loose fitting shoes should also be avoided since your feet move around too much causing friction and rubbing. Comfortable and supportive shoes with properly placed custom orthotic inserts will help prevent friction and the formation of corns and calluses
- Use isolating pads and cushions—Padding with center holes are used to isolate corns and provide pain relief while the corns heal.
- Skin abrasion—Pumice stones and skin files can be used to safely remove dead skin with little chance of cutting and infection occurring.
- Acid treatment—Salicylic acid is applied to dissolve the toughened and dried skin.
For patients who have diabetes, just a small cut on the heel can quickly develop into a severe infection that could even lead to amputation.
See your foot doctor to avoid complications.
The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County Arizona, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. Our team of doctors, including Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACFAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, and Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, is dedicated to serving you with state-of-the-art, cutting edge medical technologies including the PinPointe FootLaser, custom-fitted orthotics, and Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) for chronic foot, heel, or ankle pain. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (520) 575-0800.
