Corns and calluses are a natural reaction that your body has to excess friction and pressure on the skin. These conditions are exacerbated by improperly fitted footwear, and increased pressure from sports and exercise can contribute to their formation.
Some differences between corns and calluses include:
Corns—These often occur where your toes rub together, or on the tops of your toes in response to rubbing on your footwear. They tend to be small and rounded. They can also occur on other parts of your feet that are under constant pressure.
Calluses—Calluses are generally larger than corns and don’t have the tender edges that corns frequently have. Calluses often appear on the heel or ball of the foot where the pressure from walking is most pronounced.
Treatment options
Corns and calluses can often be treated at home. However, for more complicated problems like corns growing on hammertoes, or for calluses that have developed into heel fissures, your foot doctor should be contacted. He or she will prescribe the correct treatment which may include the use of custom-made orthotic inserts.
Home treatments include the following:
Insulating moleskin pads—These specially formed pads are placed over a corn to isolate it from other toes and to prevent rubbing against the inside of your footwear.
Foot soaking and abrasion—Soaking your feet in warm, soapy water will soften the skin on calluses and make them easier to remove with an emery board or sanding stone.
If you are having problems with corns and calluses, consult with our board-certified podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC. Along with years of experience and access to advanced technologies, the center offers convenient locations in Fort Lee NJ, Ringwood NJ, Flushing Queens NY, Woodhaven NY, Brooklyn NY, and Forest Hills NY. Contact us at (201) 363-9844 and schedule an appointment today!
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