How To Treat Painful Corns | Mobile Seaford Foot Clinc

Treating Painful Corns and Calluses: 

As a Foot Practitioner , I often treat patients suffering from corns and calluses, common foot issues that can cause significant discomfort.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what corns and calluses are, how they develop, and how a foot health professional can treat them. 

Additionally, I’ll provide five tips on preventing and managing painful corns.

What Are Corns and Calluses?

**Corns** and **calluses** are areas of thickened skin that develop due to repeated pressure or friction. While they are similar, there are key differences:

- **Corns**: Typically smaller, corns are usually hard and have a dense core. They often form on the tops and sides of toes, where the skin is less thick.

- **Calluses**: Larger and broader, calluses usually develop on the soles of the feet, especially on weight-bearing areas like the heels and balls of the feet. They lack the dense core found in corns and are generally less painful.

How Do Corns and Calluses Develop?

Both corns and calluses form as a protective response to pressure and friction. 

Common causes include:

1. **Ill-Fitting Footwear**: Shoes that are too tight, loose, or have high heels can create excessive pressure points.

2. **Repetitive Activities**: Actions that put repeated stress on specific areas of the feet, such as running or walking long distances.

3. **Foot Deformities**: Conditions like hammertoes or bunions can cause abnormal pressure distribution.

4. **Lack of Padding**: Walking barefoot or with insufficiently cushioned shoes.

Professional Treatment for Corns and Calluses

As a Foot Practitioner , my goal is to provide effective and safe treatment for corns and calluses. Here’s how I approach it:

1. **Assessment**: I start with a thorough examination of the feet to identify the extent and cause of the corns and calluses.

2. **Debridement**: Using sterilized instruments, I carefully remove the thickened skin. This process, called debridement, can provide immediate relief from pain and pressure.

3. **Padding and Orthotics**: I may recommend custom orthotic devices or padding to redistribute pressure and prevent recurrence.

4. **Footwear Advice**: Suggesting proper footwear that offers adequate support and cushioning to reduce friction and pressure.

5. **Follow-Up Care**: Providing advice on ongoing foot care to prevent recurrence.

Five Tips to Prevent and Manage Painful Corns

1. **Wear Properly Fitting Shoes**: Ensure your shoes fit well, with enough room for your toes to move freely. Avoid high heels and tight shoes that pinch or rub against your feet.

   

2. **Use Protective Padding**: Cushions, pads, or insoles can help reduce pressure on specific areas of your feet. Gel pads or foam inserts can be particularly effective.

3. **Keep Feet Moisturized**: Dry skin is more prone to friction. Regularly moisturizing your feet can help keep the skin soft and less likely to develop corns and calluses.

4. **Maintain Regular Foot Hygiene**: Clean and dry your feet daily, and gently exfoliate with a pumice stone to remove dead skin. Be careful not to overdo it, as this can lead to irritation.

5. **Monitor Foot Health**: Regularly check your feet for signs of corns or calluses. Early detection and treatment can prevent them from becoming more severe.

Corns and calluses, though common, can cause significant discomfort if left untreated. 

As a Foot Practitioner , I provide expert care to treat these conditions effectively, helping my patients walk comfortably again.

 By following preventive measures and seeking professional treatment when needed, you can maintain healthy, pain-free feet. 

Remember, taking care of your feet is essential for your overall well-being.