foot callus treatment

Foot corns and calluses are common foot conditions that many people deal with at some point in their lives. Though often mistaken for one another, calluses and corns are distinct in their appearance and causes. Both can cause discomfort and pain if not treated properly. Thus, in this post, we will discuss the causes of foot corns and calluses, how to treat them effectively, and even prevent them from reoccurring.

What Are Foot Calluses and Corns?

Before we proceed with foot callus treatment, let us understand the difference between a callus and a corn.

Foot Calluses: Calluses are hardened regions of skin that arise from continued friction or pressure on the feet. The appearance is usually found on the heels, soles, or balls of the feet; indeed, calluses are usually larger, coarser, and less well-defined than corns.

Corns on Feet: These are smaller, localized areas of thickened skin that have developed as a result of pressure and friction. Like calluses, they seldom occur anywhere but on the feet: in particular, on the toes and often on top or at the sides of the toes; or between the toes.

Foot Callus Treatment: Effective Treatments

Treatments for foot corn treatment and calluses range from simple at-home remedies to professional interventions, depending on the severity of the condition. Here are some steps for effective foot corn treatment:

Soak Your Feet : The treatment and removal of calluses and corns start with soaking your feet. Soaking helps soften the thickened skin, making it easier to remove or treat the affected areas. Fill a basin with warm water and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.
Gently Exfoliate : For foot corn treatment, use a specialized corn remover or a gentle exfoliating pad to carefully remove the hard center of the corn.
Moisturize the Feet : An essential part of both foot corn treatment and foot callus treatment is moisturizing the feet. After exfoliating, apply rich foot creams or lotions to hydrate the skin.
Wear Cushioned Insoles or Cushioning : Use padded insoles or corn cushions to distribute pressure to prevent further friction and pressure on the areas affected. These help cut pain while protecting the skin from further irritation. They are particularly helpful for the protection of corns on feet.
Wear proper footwear : The most common causes of corns on feet and calluses include improper shoe-wearing. Wearing shoes that are too tight, high-heeled, or offer too little support places extra pressure and friction on specific parts of the feet, which promotes the development of corns on feet and calluses.

By following these steps, you can manage and treat foot corn treatment and calluses effectively, reducing pain and discomfort while preventing recurrence.

Expert Foot Callus Treatment: When to Consult a Doctor

If such home remedies for foot callus treatment do not help or if this condition continues to worsen, a health care provider can be consulted.

A podiatrist, or foot specialist, can provide treatment with the following:

Debridement: One of the most common methods of foot callus treatment is debridement, which involves safely removing thickened skin from calluses and corns using specialized instruments. This procedure is typically performed by a podiatrist and helps prevent infection by ensuring that the skin is exfoliated properly.
Prescriptions: In some cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger treatments for foot callus treatment, such as salicylic acid ointments or medicated pads. These treatments work by softening thickened skin, gradually breaking down the callus or corn.
Foot Surgery: For individuals with severe or recurrent calluses, foot surgery may be necessary. This is especially true for those whose calluses are caused by bone deformities like hammertoes.

With the right foot callus treatment, including debridement, prescriptions, and possibly surgery, individuals can manage and alleviate the discomfort caused by calluses, ensuring healthier and pain-free feet.

Prevention of Foot Callus and Corns

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to foot corns and calluses. Here are some tips in order to prevent developing these conditions:

Choose Proper Footwear: Wear shoes that fit properly and provide ample support. Avoid tight or ill-fitting shoes that create pressure points on the toes or heels. Look for shoes that have a wide toe box to accommodate the shape of your feet and reduce friction.
Use Moisturizing Creams Regularly: Applying foot creams or lotions regularly can help maintain soft, smooth skin and prevent the buildup of thickened skin.
Wear Orthotics: If you have the foot abnormalities such as flat feet or bunions, then some orthotics can provide relief from pressure and help prevent the calluses and corns in the first place.

Conclusion

Treatment and management of foot corns and calluses on the feet can be taken care of with proper care and timely intervention along with preventive measures. If corns or calluses become painful or resistant to home remedies, then a podiatrist’s professional care is needed. Dr KP Meda at the Foot & Ankle Clinic in Dubai specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions like foot corns and calluses.

Dr. KP Meda podiatrist in Dubai provides personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs, focusing on relieving in Foot corns and calluses and improving your overall quality of life.