Corns and Calluses - Your Options !

ANATOMY IN BRIEF:

The outermost layer of our skin is called the "epidermis". When the underlying layer ("dermis") is irritated, it stimulates the outer layer to grow thicker for more protection. A significant thickening of the epidermis ("hyperkeratosis") is called a callus; it is thicker at the center, gradually thinning at the edges over a larger area. When the hyperkeratosis is limited to a small area (1/32 to 1/4") it can become a corn; a corn can have a deep, hard central core and a sharply defined edge. A corn can also occur in and under a larger callus.

SO, WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

Since the corn or callus is a part of the epidermis, it has no nerve endings inside. So, per sé, a corn or callus itself cannot hurt. You know, however, that they do; why is that?

The callus influences the deeper, sensitive tissues and can cause burning sensations, feelings of stiffness and painful cracks in the skin. The corn acts like a tiny stone embedded in your flesh and can disturb the deeper tissues, including nerves, blood vessels, tendons and joint capsules. The deeper tissues can become inflamed (red, painful, swollen). A corn can become so thick that the dermis becomes ulcerated (broken down) and an abscess (pus-filled sac) may develop. It is the deeper tissues with their nerve endings that create the pain that bothers you.

Thus, corns and calluses can interfere with the our walking and playing comfort. They can interfere with our ability to wear conventional shoes. They can force you to walk less or walk abnormally, in turn, causing other foot, ankle, knee, hip or back problems.

WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?

Though there are some people with congenitally thickened skin or with special skin conditions (e.g. psoriasis or eczema), most calluses and corns are caused by deformities, biomechanical problems and the foot environment. Corns do NOT have dandelion-like roots. They are NOT caused by viruses. Corns and calluses are caused by internal and / or external forces, which, if not controlled, lead to their perpetual (chronic) return.

Foot deformities contribute to corns and calluses. In particular, hammertoes, claw toes and mallet toes can develop these lesions and can cause them to form on the soles of the forefoot also. Deviated great toes (bunions) can have and can create corns and calluses. Excessively high-arch (pes cavus) or fallen-arch feet (pes planus) can create troublesome corns and calluses.

Abnormal functioning of the feet (poor biomechanics) can cause corns and calluses. In-toeing, out-toeing, back, hip, knee and ankle problems, or tight muscles or tendons can cause them. They can also be caused by bowleggedness, joint diseases (arthritis), injuries, scars, work-related demands on the feet and age-related thinning of the fat on the feet.

No matter what shape your feet are in, the shoes that you put on your feet can be a significant cause of the corns or calluses you suffer from. A shoe is primarily a protective piece of clothing that is meant to match the contours of your feet and protect its sole. The more your shoe does not match your foot’s natural profiles, the more you are likely to cause your own corns. The less your shoe protects your foot from the demands of the everyday world, the more corns or calluses you may suffer from.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOURSELF?

First, select your shoes with you foot health in mind. Limit your use of unnaturally styled shoes to rare occasions. Even then, try to shield the areas most irritated with protective dressings (e.g. moleskin or gel pads). The more deformed your feet or demanding their work, the more they need special shoes to accommodate and protect them to avoid corns and calluses.

Foot and toe deformities can be surgically improved. Hammertoes can be straightened. Bunions and bunionettes can be removed. Irritating bone spurs can be removed. Deviated metatarsal bones can be repositioned. It is better to deal with these problems when you are healthy and your healing potential is greater; otherwise, there will come a time when you will just have to live with the limitations, inconveniences and disabilities of your deformed feet.

Where the cause is biomechanical, the fabrication, fitting and use of special insoles, arch supports, functional orthotics and braces can go a long way to controlling corns and calluses and improving comfort and performance. Special, toe, sole and heel shields can be worn to protect stress points or to disperse pressures which aggravate corns and calluses which can distract you and sap your endurance.

You can help yourself at home by tending to these problem areas daily. Special callus-softening salves (KeraSal® or KeraLyt®) can be used in conjunction with special skin files (e.g. Scholl’s Callus Reducer®) to reduce the thickness of distressing corns and calluses. "Medicated" (acid-containing) corn plasters should be avoided or used with considerable caution. (People with impaired circulation or nerve sensations should NOT use these products ordinarily.)

WE! ARE HERE FOR YOU!

A podiatric (foot doctor) evaluation can help pinpoint the problems so that they might be dealt with professionally. Periodic podiatric care can enhance your own efforts and improve your chances of successfully reducing or eliminating corns and calluses.

Have you had less than desirable success elsewhere? Have your own efforts at home been difficult and fruitless? Would you like a caring and competent professional for guidance and care? Then, call us and come in to see me! We will do our best to help you too.