Foot Ankle Specialists
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Foot Ankle Specialists
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Recognizing and Conquering Corns and Calluses

One of the most common foot problems is the development of a corn or callus. Corns and calluses are similar but differ significantly. Corns are often painful smaller areas of hardened skin and appear on non-weight-bearing parts of the foot. Calluses are larger areas of hardened skin that are often created by constant rubbing of the foot.

Symptoms of a corn or callus include:

  • A raised and painful bump on your skin
  • Hardened area of skin
  • Skin that flakes, is dry and/or waxy

There are several ways to treat a corn or callus. Some can be done at home while others must be done by your podiatrist.

 Home remedies include:

  • Soaking your feet in warm water – 5 to 10 minutes, then use a pumice stone to gently rub it off with a circular motion
  • Use a skin moisturizer to loosen skin – then rub with a pumice stone
  • Stop the repetitive action that is causing the corn or callus
  • Orthotic – reduces pressure on the affected area

If necessary, a podiatrist can do the following:

  • Examination of the foot and lifestyle – determines what is causing the problem
  • Use of salicylic acid – will dissolve the corn or callus
  • May recommend a change of shoes – will help you decide what kind of shoe will help
  • Antibiotics – used if an infection occurs
  • Surgery – only if bone structure is causing the corn or callus

Certain conditions are prone to corns or calluses like bunions, hammertoes, diabetes and foot deformities. The best ways to avoid developing a corn or callus is to make sure you have shoes that have plenty of toe room, wearing non-medicated toe pads and making sure you wear gloves when using hand tools.

If you believe you have or are developing a corn or callus or have any other concerns about your feet, make an appointment with us at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Central PA and our doctors Terry H. Clarke, DPM and Karen M. Leonard, DPM will diagnose you and treat you appropriately.  We are located at 4 Flowers Drive, Suite 2, Mechanicsburg, PA, 17050. Our phone number is 717-620-8225.