If you wear ill-fitting shoes, you might be familiar with corns and calluses, which occur on your feet due to constant friction. Since your skin is made of soft tissues, it responds by creating a thick hard layer to protect itself from irritation. Although Coral Springs corns and calluses are usually painless, sometimes they can be inflamed and painful, warranting a visit to your podiatrist.
Mostly corns occur on the tops and sides of your toes, while calluses occur on the soles or heels of your feet.
Causes of corns and calluses
Corns and calluses occur due to repetitive pressure and friction on your skin. Your skin will harden to protect itself from constant rubbing and irritation. They are usually common in people who wear ill-fitting shoes and shoes without socks. You have a higher chance of getting corns and calluses if you have underlying foot problems like bunions and hammertoes.
Treatment options
Your treatment options will depend on the severity of your condition and whether you have underlying health issues like diabetes. The following are common treatment options for corns and calluses.
Trimming away excess skin
Your doctor can recommend trimming away excess skin at home. It would help soften the affected area before using a pumice stone or nail file to remove the excess skin. Soft the corns or calluses by soaking your feet in warm soapy water for five to ten minutes. While this is an effective treatment, doctors do not recommend the treatment for patients with diabetes.
Custom orthotics
Custom orthotics can help to distribute pressure evenly in your feet. Since corns and calluses occur due to ill-fitting shoes, your doctor can recommend using orthotics so that you can relieve your toes from excess pressure.
Callus-removing medication
You can use the callus-removing medication after trimming away excess skin and drying the treatment area. Prepare for the process by soaking your foot in warm soapy water and gently removing the excess skin, the afterward, apply the topical cream to the affected area.
Can you avoid corns and calluses?
The most common strategy to prevent corns and calluses is to wear well-fitting shoes that provide enough room for your toes. The constant rubbing and pressure from ill-fitting shoes lead to calluses forming, which is why you must ensure the pressure in your feet is evenly distributed.
When to see a specialist
You should see a specialist when your corns and calluses are inflamed and painful. If you have diabetes, discuss it with your doctor so that you can have specialized treatment because your wound healing might be slow, which can increase your risk of infection. Patients with diabetes should always visit their specialist before attempting to remove corns and calluses at home.
If you have painful corns and calluses, visit Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, for treatment. The available podiatrists will examine your condition and offer treatment accordingly, especially if you have diabetes, which can affect your wound recovery. Call or book your appointment online today and alleviate your symptoms.
