Treating Corns and Calluses

Treating Corns and Calluses

Would you like to get rid of your corns and calluses? Although home treatment is often effective, stubborn corns and calluses may need to be removed by your Mountain Home and Harrison, AR, podiatrist, Dr. Eric Arp of Arp Foot and Ankle Clinic.

 

How corns and calluses form

Constant pressure or friction against your foot prompts causes both corns and calluses. Your body tries to protect the tender area by thickening the skin. Corns are raised bumps that can contain a hard or softcore, while calluses are flat areas of rough or thick skin.

 

Wearing tight shoes is a common cause of both corns and calluses. You may also develop them if you wear shoes that allow your foot to move around too much or wear socks that don't fit well or have thick seams. Corns and calluses may also form if you have a foot condition, like hammertoes or bunions, that causes your feet or toes to rub against your shoes.

 

Treating corns and calluses

These treatments and strategies can be helpful if you have a corn or callus:

  • Applying Pads: Adhesive pads cushion corns and calluses, decreasing friction and pain. Some types of pads may include medication that gradually removes corns.
  • Using a Pumice Stone: You may want to try removing your corns and calluses with a pumice stone or emery board. Before removal, soak your feet in warm water for about 15 minutes to soften the skin. Remove a small amount of skin every day. Never remove so much skin that your foot bleeds.
  • A Change in Footwear: Throw out uncomfortable socks, and stop wearing shoes that rub against your feet. Try not to wear the same pair or style of shoes every day.

Don't try home treatments if you have diabetes. High blood sugar levels interfere with healing and can increase your risk of infection. Ask your foot doctor in Harrison and Mountain Home to remove your corns and calluses instead. Never shave corns or calluses, even if you don't have diabetes. You may accidentally remove too much skin with the blade and develop an infection.

 

If your corns and calluses don't respond to home treatment, your podiatrist can remove them by safely trimming the extra skin or prescribing skin patches that gradually remove the thickened skin. Orthotics may help you avoid corns and calluses in the future. The prescription shoe inserts prevent excess foot motion, keep your feet properly aligned and cushion your feet, reducing pressure.

 

Need to get rid of a few corns and calluses? Make an appointment with your podiatrist in Mountain Home and Harrison, AR, Dr. Eric Arp of Arp Foot and Ankle Clinic. Schedule your visit by calling (870) 365-3668 for the Harrison, AR, office, or (870) 425-7363 for the Mountain Home, AR, office.

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