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Corns and calluses are among the most common pesky foot problems, but don’t let their commonality fool you into thinking they’re no big deal.
Dr. Matthew Cerniglia at Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas knows how corns and calluses can lead to a slew of foot problems. Here, he explains the differences between the two issues, why they cause a shuffle in your step, and, most importantly, how to deal with them.
Corns and calluses are similar foot conditions, so they’re easy to confuse. While their differences are subtle, knowing which is which matters when it comes to treating them.
Corns are small, circular lumps of hard skin that develop on the top, side, or ends of the toes. They can be hard or soft and usually stem from pressure or friction.
Hard corns usually form on the outside of the little toe or the top of the toes, while soft corns develop between the toes due to the pinching effect of tight shoes.
Calluses are thickened, dry skin patches that can appear anywhere there’s repeated friction. They’re larger than corns and don’t have the hard center that distinguishes corns.
Calluses are the skin’s way of protecting itself from damage. They’re the more common of the two and often appear on the soles of the feet.
Understanding the distinguishing characteristics of corns and calluses helps you understand how to treat and prevent them.
A little toe bump or thick skin doesn’t seem like it should warrant your attention until you realize how it impacts you.
Corns on the bottom of your foot make walking painful. The direct pressure elicits an “ouch” with each step.
Calluses, while less likely to be outright painful, can still cause discomfort, especially for athletes.
And don’t disregard the cosmetic side of corns and calluses. They can be unsightly, which may affect self-esteem and your desire to engage in activities where your feet are exposed, such as swimming.
One of the less immediately obvious but equally significant impacts of corns and calluses is their potential to alter your gait. When your foot hurts, you might unconsciously shift your walking pattern to minimize the discomfort. While this may provide short-term relief, altering your natural gait can lead to other issues.
Changing how you walk can lead to uneven weight distribution across your feet and legs. Over time, this can stress specific muscles and joints, leaving them more susceptible to injury.
Gait changes can cause certain muscles to overcompensate while others weaken from underuse, leading to imbalances that may extend beyond the feet, affecting your ankles, knees, hips, and even your back.
An altered gait affects the muscles and joints and increases the risk of falls and other injuries. A minor adjustment in how you step can significantly impact your overall stability and mobility.
The good news is that these annoyances are very manageable. Home remedies and medical treatments can alleviate your symptoms and reduce recurrence.
For calluses, soak your feet in warm, soapy water and rub the callus gently with a pumice stone to remove the dead skin.
Corns may require padding. You can try over-the-counter corn cushions or talk to Dr. Cerniglia about custom orthotics you can slip into your shoes.
Dr. Cerniglia is your best bet for severe or persistent corns or calluses. He can safely remove them and help you avoid infection.
Preventing corns and calluses is often a matter of making small but significant changes to your daily routines and personal care.
To get your corns and calluses checked, call Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas in Fort Worth or request an appointment online.