Corns and calluses are your body’s way of protecting your skin from blisters or open sores. As a response to increased pressure or friction, your body builds up hard, dead skin to thicken and toughen an area. Calluses most commonly develop on the ball of the foot. Corns, on the other hand, are usually found on top of or between the toes. When the corn or callus becomes too thickened, increased pain and redness may result. Our experienced team is proud to offer 5-star treatment for corns and calluses in Lincoln Park, IL.
Structural changes in the toes and the ball of the foot can cause increased pressure within your shoes. Typically, the normal foot can carry a person’s weight comfortably. When corns and calluses develop, however, there can often be an underlying issue. When the long bones in the middle of the foot carry more weight than intended, a callus often forms on the ball of the foot. A hammertoe can also result in increased pressure on these bones. Additionally, as we age, we may lose the protective fat pad in the ball of the foot, making the callus worse.
Hammertoes can cause corns by rubbing skin against the shoes or between the bones of adjacent toes. Corns between the toes are called “soft corns” because they retain moisture and don’t harden. Sometimes a small, inflamed, reddish pouch may develop that becomes more painful than the corn. This pouch is known as a bursa.
Treatment options depend on the symptoms you have and whether you have any associated foot deformity. When corns and calluses are causing only mild discomfort, the simplest solution is to try wider, more comfortable shoes with adequate room for the toes to move. These may include lower heels, softer leather, wider toe boxes, or even gym shoes. Using a pumice stone to gently thin any corns or calluses may provide some relief from symptoms. Never use a medicated corn pad or corn-removing product as these contain a strong acid that cannot differentiate between normal and thickened skin. This can lead to a chemical burn or an open sore that can become infected. When these treatment options are no longer providing the comfort you need, we advise a consultation with our podiatrist to discuss surgical options.
Over 200,000 patients have found relief from their foot pain at Weil Foot & Ankle Institute, and we’re confident we can help you, too! Your feet will thank you! For additional information on corn or callus treatment or to schedule an appointment, call us at (847) 390-7666. With 16 podiatry offices in and around the Chicago area, including Arlington Heights, Bannockburn, Chicago, Des Plaines, Glenview, Lemont, Libertyville, Oak Park, Roselle, & Tinley Park, Illinois (IL), there is sure to be a podiatry office near you!