How can we help you with CORNS?

Corns are small areas of thickened skin often in a circular shape. Most commonly they develop on the sole of the foot or on the tops of the toes. Calluses are rough areas of skin that are hard and often appear yellow in colour. Calluses are thick and less sensitive to touch than the surrounding skin.

Corns and calluses often develop on the feet and can cause pain and discomfort when walking

Foot People Lindsay Chiropody podiatry corn treatment

What causes it?

The main cause of corns and calluses is excessive pressure. Footwear which rubs the foot or if you are a runner, sportsman / woman etc. involved in high levels of activity, corns and calluses develop due to the pressure caused during movement. The response from the skin is to produce hardened parts of skin which then form into either corns or calluses.

What will happen if I leave it untreated?

If corns and calluses are left untreated the hard skin will continue to build up and become more painful.

Additionally, if the causes of the corns and calluses on your feet i.e. the pressure, are not removed the corns and calluses will not get better and may well return even after treatment.

What can help?

  • Footwear choices can be a great prevention tool for corns and calluses. Pressure is the main causes of corns and calluses and by removing the pressure it can prevent the corns and calluses from forming.
  • High heels increase the pressure placed on the front of your feet and can therefore increase the likelihood of corns and calluses developing.
  •  Drying your feet thoroughly after washing them and regularly applying moisturising cream can also help to prevent the formation of calluses and corns. A pumice stone or a foot file can also help to gently remove the build up of hard skin that can occur on the feet.

What are the treatment options?

  • A Podiatrist is the first port of call for the treatment of corns and callus. A scalpel is used to remove corns and calluses painlessly.
  • The aim is to prevent corns and calluses from returning. This can often be achieved by changing your footwear and / or redistributing the pressure that is causing the corns and callus. Your Podiatrist can prescribe orthotics or other devices which can help to ease the pressure.