You rely on your feet to stand and get from place to place; however, as essential as they are to your health and wellbeing, you may not think about them until there’s something wrong. Two of the most common foot care concerns are corns and calluses. Here’s what you should know about each.

Foot Care 101: Calluses & Corns

Corns

A corn is a small lump, typically hard and yellow. They most often develop on the toes as a result of friction or rubbing. They may be tender to the touch and cause moderate to severe pain when bearing weight. Corns may become infected, causing them to be painful even when not supporting any weight.

Calluses

Unlike corns, calluses are usually not painful. These excess skin patches are typically rough or hard and gray or white. They’re also caused by friction and most often develop on the soles of the feet under the heels or balls. They can be sensitive when pressed.

Causes

Many athletes and active people develop calluses as a result of walking or running often, particularly without thick socks. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, whether too small or large, can also cause friction that leads to the development of corns or calluses. Corns can also be a result of wearing high heels often, as these tend to put pressure on the toes.

Treatment

For the most part, calluses and corns are harmless. However, seek treatment if they are painful. Avoid wearing ill-fitting shoes or ones that cause pain or pinch. Always wear socks or, at least, shoe liners or stockings. You can also rub calluses and corns with a pumice stone after soaking your feet in warm water to help slough the excess skin. A podiatrist can prescribe medication to shrink them if at-home remedies don’t work. If you have an infected corn, your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic ointment. 

If you’re experiencing foot or heel pain due to corns, calluses, or other issues, turn to the foot care professionals at Louise E. Tortora, DPM. As a trusted podiatrist in Fairfield, CT, and the surrounding areas, Dr. Tortora and her team provide a broad range of services ranging from diabetic foot care and bunion treatment to Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy and custom orthotics. Call (203) 254-0093 or visit the website to schedule an appointment and learn more about their services.