Corns & Calluses
Understanding Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are thickened layers of skin that develop in response to repeated friction or pressure. While they serve as a protective mechanism for your feet, they can cause discomfort and pain if left untreated. Understanding their causes and how to manage them can help maintain healthier feet.
Common Causes
- Footwear: Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes is a leading cause of corns and calluses. Shoes that are too tight or have high heels can create pressure points, leading to the formation of these thickened skin areas.
- Foot Deformities: Conditions such as hammertoes, bunions, or other foot abnormalities can cause uneven pressure distribution, contributing to the development of corns and calluses.
- Activities: Activities that involve repetitive motions or prolonged standing can put extra pressure on certain areas of your feet, leading to these skin conditions.
- Improper Foot Care: Neglecting proper foot hygiene or not moisturising your feet regularly can make your skin more susceptible to corns and calluses.
- Walking Patterns: Abnormal gait or walking patterns can cause uneven distribution of weight across your feet, increasing the likelihood of developing corns and calluses.
Prevention Tips
- Choose Proper Footwear: Wear well-fitting shoes with adequate room for your toes and good arch support. Avoid high heels and narrow-toed shoes.
- Use Cushions: Cushioning pads or insoles can help reduce friction and pressure on your feet, preventing the formation of corns and calluses.
- Maintain Good Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and moisturised to maintain healthy skin. Regularly exfoliate to remove dead skin cells.
- Use Foot Creams Containing Urea: These creams help soften and hydrate the skin, making it easier to manage and reduce the thickness of corns and calluses.
- Address Foot Deformities: If you have foot deformities, seek medical advice for appropriate treatments or orthotics to manage pressure distribution.
- Regular Foot Check-ups: Regularly inspect your feet for any signs of corns, calluses, or other abnormalities and address them promptly.
Advanced Treatment Options For persistent corns and calluses, our clinic offers comprehensive assessments using pressure plate analysis. This advanced technology helps identify pressure points and abnormalities in your walking pattern. Based on the results, we can create custom orthotics designed to alleviate pressure and provide support, ensuring effective treatment and prevention.
Comprehensive Corn and Callus Appointments If you suffer from persistent corns or calluses, our comprehensive appointment is tailored for you. Our expert podiatrists will conduct a thorough examination, including gait analysis and pressure plate assessment, to understand the underlying causes. We will then develop a personalised treatment plan, including custom orthotics, foot care recommendations, and urea-based foot creams to soften and hydrate your skin. Let us guide you to healthier, more comfortable feet.
Call the biomechanics experts at The Worcester Podiatry Clinic on 01905 428434 in Worcester