Calluses & Corns


A callus or corn is a build up of skin that forms at points of pressure or over bony prominence’s. Generally, calluses form on the bottom of the foot, whereas corns form on the toes.

Statistics

65 out of 1,000 people are afflicted with calluses or corns
37 out of 1,000 males are afflicted
91 out of 1,000 females are afflicted

Causes Of Calluses and Corns

Repeated friction and pressure from skin rubbing against bony areas or against an irregularity in a shoe or from an ill-fitting shoe
Clawing of the toes inside a shoe due to biomechanical imbalances
Heredity disorders

What can you do?

Wear supportive shoes with a wide toe box and a low heel.
Use over-the-counter creams, avoiding any acid preparations.
Use pumice stone or file to treat if not diabetic.

What can a Podiatrist do?

Request X-ray, bone scan, CT, MRI or other imaging studies, if needed.
Perform trimming or padding of the lesions to relieve pain.
Recommend an over-the-counter arch support or prescribe custom orthoses.
Perform surgery as indicated.

Source: British Columbia Association of Podiatrist – http://www.foothealth.ca/ Retrieved: 2009-06-01
Image Source: Wikipedia.org – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Evolucion_de_un_callo.jpg Retrieved: 2009-06-01