Calluses and Foot Corn Removal
Removing excess dead skin buildup with the help of a podiatrist.
What Are Calluses and Corns?
For many people, calluses and corns may cause varying levels of foot pain, making daily activity uncomfortable and unnecessarily difficult. You shouldn’t have to put up with discomfort when you try to wear shoes, go for a walk, exercise, or even just wear socks. When you develop corns, the results may be extremely painful— and yet, so many people don’t really understand exactly what exactly these growths are. So, what are corns and calluses?
A callus is an area of dead skin production, typically under the soles of the feet. These are made of keratin, and as calluses of dead skin build up they will become an area of hardened skin. These areas might seem slightly swollen and dry, with hard and thickened skin developing. Corns are very similar and made up of the same material. Painful corns are the result of a callus caused by very localised pressure, where a dense core of skin forms in the very centre of the callus. Here are the four main types of corns:
- Hard corns
- Soft corns
- Neurovascular corns
- Seed corns
Common Causes of Foot Corns and Calluses
As this excessive buildup of hardened layers of dead skin leads to corns and calluses, you may notice that areas of the foot subjected to excessive pressure or irritation will suffer the worst. This is the primary cause of corns and calluses. As you irritate the healthy skin on your foot, corns may develop. Most commonly, ill-fitting footwear is the primary cause of these painful corns or calluses. Most corns are a result of poor shoe choices and unsupported walking. Ill-fitting shoes that are narrow or tight will rub and irritate your skin, and areas that experience particular pressure or irritation are more vulnerable.
In some cases, the natural build of your foot can also be the reason for your calluses or corns developing. Poor alignment may affect your movement, as well as which parts of your foot bear the brunt of your weight. These weight-bearing areas will suffer after repeated friction, leading to hard skin and foot corns. If your foot alignment is off, it may be harder to prevent corns from developing.
How to Prevent and Treat Calluses and Corns
Calluses and corns need to be removed to eliminate your pain. Ultimately, removal needs to be performed by a podiatrist to ensure your safety. There are certain steps and treatments you can use at home, such as corn pads, salicylic acid, or over-the-counter products and home treatments, but these may lead to unwanted side effects. There are, however, steps you can take at home to prevent the development of calluses and corns in the first place.
Changing footwear is a natural first step. Your podiatrist will be able to advise you on what to look for in a pair of shoes to ensure they fit correctly and support your feet as needed. Shoe stretching or increased cushioning may help to avoid any further damage taking place to your feet by alleviating pressure. You can use an emery board or pumice stone to make sure dead skin doesn’t build up, and exfoliation aims to ensure your skin softens before anything develops.
Be sure to keep your toenails trimmed, avoid wearing shoes over wet or sweaty feet, and use warm water to help soften corns. It is crucial that you do not attempt any kind of ‘surgery’ or removal at home, as you could damage healthy tissue, surrounding skin, nerves, and even blood vessels. Your podiatrist may also be able to recommend custom orthotics or shoe inserts, padded insoles, or mobilisation exercises.
Callus and Corn Removal
Callus and corn removal is one of the most popular treatments performed by podiatrists. The removal process aims to treat corns and calluses swiftly and simply, and you may be able to benefit from personalised advice regarding ongoing prevention. A podiatrist will be able to offer immediate relief through proper foot corn removal, by removing excess skin that may be causing discomfort.
The process to remove corns and calluses will be performed using a sharp instrument known as a scalpel. Your podiatrist will scrape off excess calluses and remove painful corns. This is typically a pain-free process. If your skin has worn down or is especially fragile, a dressing may be applied to reduce the risk of infection.
Why Choose Midland Podiatry?
Experienced Team of Podiatrists
With over three decades of experience under our belt, you can trust that the Midland Podiatry team will be offering the best podiatry care available on the market.
Individualised Care
No two patients are the same. That’s why our podiatrists work hard to listen to each individual client, building a tailored treatment plan suited to all their unique health needs.
Local Expertise
You don’t have to travel far and wide to find top-quality care. Midland Podiatry takes pride in being a local provider of exceptional podiatry services, delivering crucial care to our local community
Book Your Removal Today to Get Back on Your Feet
Having too much skin building up may cause more problems in your day-to-day life than you think. Don’t put up with the increased pressure, discomfort, or pain caused by your calluses. By booking an appointment at Midland Podiatry, you can look forward to personalised treatment and ongoing advice from an experienced podiatrist. They will be able to diagnose corns, aim to perform a safe removal, and offer solutions to avoid any further developments in the future.
If you’re concerned about a yellowing patch on your foot or have noticed calluses and corns, help is readily available. Book your initial appointment today to sort your calluses out once and for all.
