Calluses

The formation of calluses is caused by an accumulation of skin cells that harden and thicken over an area of the foot.

A callus is usually seen as a hard growth on any part of the foot, top of the toes or bottom of the foot. It usually is painful on weight bearing areas of the foot and is relieved by rest.

There are two reasons to get calluses – from pressure or from friction.

Calluses due to pressure are usually seen on the bottom of the foot and is due to higher than normal pressures on any one given area of the foot during the gait (walking) cycle.

Calluses due to friction are usually seen on the tops of toes, when the toe is rubbing against the shoe with each step taken.

Regardless of type, the callus is an accumulation of skin on the pressure area.

Treatment for Calluses

Treatment of a callus involves determining the source of the callus formation and reducing/resolving the pressure issue causing the callus. The common reasons for developing calluses include:

• High heeled shoes
• Misalignment of the forefoot bones
• Loss of fat pad in the fore foot
• Flat feet
• Highly arched feet

Calluses can be reduced by visiting your foot care specialist’s office. The source of your callus can be identified during your visit and on-going maintenance of the callus can be discussed.

Corns

Corns form over areas of specific pressure. A callus is first formed on the high pressure area, but corns form over the specific area of pressure, typically on the joint under pressure.

Treatment of corns is done in office. In addition to removal of the corn, prevention such as silicone toe pads or extra padding in the shoe may be advised. Callouses and corns develop due to excessive pressure at a specific area of the foot. Some common causes are high heeled dress shoes, and shoes that are too small causing abnormalities in the gait cycle (walking motion), bony prominences, and the loss of the fat pad on the bottom of the feet, toe deformities such as claw/hammer toes and poor foot function such as flat or high arched feet.

Treatment for Corns

Treatment includes regular chiropody in the form of foot care, improved footwear, toe splints (to correct position and deflect pressure), and foot orthotics or pads. Some cases may also benefit from minor surgery to correct the cause ie: toe deformities.

If your feet have developed corns or calluses then visit our Registered Chiropodist at the Foot and Health Clinic for treatment and relief. We’re located at 728 Burloak Dr. Burlington, just outside of Oakville. Book an appointment online or call us at 905-632-1414.