CORNS AND CALLUSES
By: Corinne Gehegan, DPM
 Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin which develop as a result
of pressure or friction. Corns are smaller and more discrete. They often
tend to occupy deeper layers of skin when compared to calluses. Corns
may arise on the top, the side, the tip of a toe or in between toes.
Sometimes a deep corn may be found within a callus at the bottom of the
foot. Calluses tend to develop at the ball of the foot or at the heel.
Corns and calluses may arise due to ill fitting shoes, shoes that crowd
the toes, or high heeled shoes. They may also arise due to particular
bone or joint abnormalities, structural deformities, or poor foot
mechanics that lead to changes in pressure distribution and gait.
Management may be as simple as changing shoe type or shoe size. Non-
medicated pads and cushions which may be purchased over the counter or
through your doctor may ease tenderness and slow the rate of growth.
Over the counter products labeled as “corn removers” should be used with
caution as they may cause a chemical burn if used improperly.
Individuals with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or other
immunocompromising disorders should not use the products at all.
Orthotics (shoe inserts) may be used to improve the mechanics of the
foot and, therefore, allow for improved pressure distribution. The corn
or callus may be pared down by your doctor to ease the symptoms if
present. It is likely that the corn or callus will return if the source
is not addressed. Even when the source is addressed some individuals may
still be prone to recurrences.
When corns occur on the toes, surgical management may be an option
provided that the corn is symptomatic and the individual has made an
effort to address the reason for the corn. Surgery should not be
performed for cosmetic purposes. Surgical management most often involves
shaving or removing a portion of bone. Sometimes the surgery involves
fusing the joint if the individual has a structural deformity such as a
hammer toe, claw toe, or mallet toe. Even though it is “just toe
surgery” the patient must understand all of the risks and benefits, and
must be able to commit to the post operative instructions completely.
Individuals may use pumice stones or files to manage the thickened skin,
however, one should be sure that what they have is in fact a callus or
corn, and not a plantar wart, athlete’s foot, or other condition. Pumice
stones and files can trap the fungus that causes athlete’s foot and the
virus that causes plantar warts. These tools can therefore spread the
infection and create more problems. If a skin lesion does not have
typical characteristics, the doctor can submit a portion for a biopsy.
Article written by Dr. Corinne Gehegan
To schedule an appointment call (201) 840-7373.
Click here to go back to home page.
|
