Corns & Callouses

Central Massachusetts Podiatry  >  Our Services  >  Corns & Callouses

Corns and calluses are undesirable, thickened skin on the feet that may make you feel self-conscious. Luckily, Drs. Feldman, Saviet, Pelto, Monette, and their friendly staff have the knowledge and skills to help you manage corns and calluses and stop feeling embarrassed or annoyed by your feet. Schedule an appointment with Central Massachusetts Podiatry in Worcester, or Westborough, MA.

Corns & Callouses Q & A

What is the difference between corns and calluses?

Since the body is a natural disease-fighting system, it develops many deformities in order to protect itself from injury. If you have corns or calluses, then you have seen your body make these protective changes. Corns and calluses are hard and thick layers of dry skin. Corns develop on or in between the toes. Calluses develop beneath the foot.

How do corns and calluses form?

If you wear shoes that fit improperly, that’s probably the source of corns and calluses. These skin problems happen after repeated friction or pressure against a certain part of the foot. The skin hardens and thickens over time to protect itself from the abrasive pressure of rubbing against a too-tight shoe or being squashed. Not wearing socks is another culprit to causing these issues.

Although corns and calluses are very common foot problems, they are not serious. Nonetheless, these issues may cause great discomfort to the individual due to pain or bleeding at the site. Also, people with diabetes may be more prone to developing corns and calluses and require regular management and monitoring.

How can I get rid of corns and calluses?

Tests are generally not required to diagnose corns and calluses. Your doctor may simply perform a physical examination of the area(s) in question to assess the nature and severity of the problem. The most effective way to get rid of corns and calluses is by avoiding the actions that caused them in the first place. If you are wearing improper shoes, you will need to select a pair that is more comfortable, for example.

Your doctor may also trim away the thickened skin on a corn or callus in his office. He may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to minimize your risk of developing an infection. He also may recommend using a callus-removing medication in the form of a patch. To address underlying foot deformities, you may need to wear special orthotic devices like pad or shoe inserts to prevent future problems. Surgery is often considered as a last resort to realign a bone that may be contributing to friction.