Corns & Calluses
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses, two of the most frequently encountered foot conditions in podiatric clinics, manifest as hard, thickened areas of skin that have developed as a result of pressure and friction. Corns and Calluses represent the body’s natural defences against potential damage. The following, details the types, characteristics, treatment options, and prevention strategies for corns and calluses.
Types of Corns and Calluses
Corns, characterized by a distinct cone shape with the apex penetrating into the skin, are often found on bony parts of the feet, such as the outer side of the little toe and the top of other toes. Conversely, calluses lack the cone shape, presenting as more diffuse and less defined areas of thickened skin, typically displaying a yellowish hue. Varieties of corns include:
- Soft Corns: Located between the toes, these are softer due to increased moisture, contributing to heightened pain sensitivity.
- Seed Corns: Tiny corns forming on the sole of the foot.
- Subungual Corns: Developing beneath the nail.
- Neurovascular Corns: Featuring nerves and blood vessels, these can pose challenges in terms of treatment.
Causes
Understanding the causes of corns and calluses is crucial in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. These causes can be broadly categorized into internal and external factors.
Internal Factors
External Factors
Wearing High Heels
Other Causes
Internal Factors
Deformities such as hammer toes, in which the toe joints are bent, can lead to friction of the toe against the shoe subsequent corn formation. The continuous rubbing of the shoes against the skin can results in the condition being painful.
External Factors
Tight footwear, such as high heels, stands out as the most common external factor leading to corns and calluses. The body’s weight, when in high heels, exerts a downward force, squeezing the toes into a confined space and causing aggressive rubbing against the shoes.
Wearing High Heels
Although high heels may enhance appearance, they may come at a cost, with the little toe often bearing the brunt. Additionally, the altered weight distribution in high heels can contribute to callus formation. Typically, the weight of the body, when standing, is evenly distributed over both the balls and heels of the feet. However, high heels shift this distribution, placing more weight on the balls of the feet and, consequently, leading to callus development.
Other Causes
- Activities:Engaging in activities that exert considerable pressure on the feet, such as running and walking, can contribute to callus formation. While avoiding these activities is unnecessary, and in many cases unrealistic, choosing appropriate footwear becomes crucial to minimize the effects of skin-footwear contact.
- Worn Down Fat Pads: Aging can result in the wearing down of fat pads on the soles of the feet, contributing to the development of calluses.
- Prolonged Barefoot Walking: Walking without footwear for extended periods can expose the feet to increased pressure and friction, contributing to corns and calluses.
- Foot Deformities: Conditions like flat feet, high arches, and abnormal walking gaits can lead to abnormal pressure points and callus formation.
Treatment
While corns and calluses are not diseases in themselves, treating them involves addressing the underlying causes for long-term relief. Several treatment options are available:
- Physical Removal: This involves the use of a surgical blade to remove the thickened skin.
- Chemical Removal: Salicylic acid is often employed to chemically remove the affected skin.
- Padding: Applying padding helps cushion the feet, reducing pain and the likelihood of recurrence.
- Orthotics: Specialized shoe inserts, known as orthotics, correct foot posture and function. Abnormal foot posture and function can contribute to the production of hard skin.
- Subungual Corns: Corns beneath the nail require professional attention. The nail is first thinned down, followed by reducing the corn using a surgical blade.
- Surgery: In cases where bony deformities contribute to excess pressure, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Prevention
Prevention plays a pivotal role in maintaining foot health, and it primarily involves avoiding activities and conditions that lead to excess pressure and rubbing on the feet. Here are some preventive measures:
- Shoe Shape: When purchasing shoes, prioritize those with a broad and high front to comfortably accommodate the toes without causing constriction.
- Afternoon Shopping: Buy footwear in the afternoon when feet tend to swell slightly, ensuring a better fit.
- High Heels: If high heels are a preference, consider alternating them with lower-heeled or flat shoes. It may be beneficial to reserve high heels for work hours rather than wearing them during the commute.