What Are Corns And Calluses?

Have you ever experienced those rough, hard patches on your feet that sometimes feel painful? They might be corns or calluses.

Corns and Calluses are thick, toughened skin that develops due to pressure or friction on specific areas of your feet. They’re like nature’s way of giving your skin extra padding where it needs it the most. But sometimes, they become too protective and cause discomfort.

Calluses

Calluses often appear on the soles of your feet, heels, or the balls of your feet. They form as a way for your skin to protect itself against repeated pressure or friction. For instance, wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause calluses to develop.

Corns

Corns may seem similar to calluses, but are smaller and have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. They usually appear on the tops and sides of your toes. Corns can be quite uncomfortable, especially when pressure is applied, making walking or wearing shoes challenging.

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

When you visit a podiatrist, they carefully examine your feet, looking for signs of corns or calluses. They’ll ask about your footwear, daily activities, and any discomfort you might be experiencing. This investigation helps them understand the root cause and suggest the best solutions.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing corns and calluses involves wearing well-fitting shoes protective pads, and moisturizing your feet. A podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics or shoe inserts to distribute pressure evenly and reduce the chances of callus or corn formation.

A podiatrist might gently remove the thickened skin with special tools like a scalpel for treatment. They’ll advise on proper foot care and suggest creams or pads to soften the affected areas.

Foot Health

Pay attention to your feet, choose comfortable footwear, and keep them clean and moisturized. If you notice any unusual skin changes or discomfort, report it to your podiatrist promptly.

If you’re dealing with persistent or painful corns and calluses, seeking help from a podiatrist is a smart move. They have the knowledge and skills to keep your feet in top shape and help you stride through life comfortably and confidently.

At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we are here to address all your foot concerns. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.