Corns and calluses are two of the most common foot problems and can affect people of all ages. While they are not usually serious, they can become uncomfortable, painful and difficult to manage if the underlying cause is not addressed.
If you have hard, thickened or painful skin on your feet, professional Widnes chiropody treatment at Arco Healthcare Clinic can help improve the comfort and condition of your feet.
What causes corns and calluses?
Corns and calluses develop when areas of skin are exposed to repeated pressure or friction. As a natural protective response, the skin becomes thicker and harder.
Common causes include:
- Wearing shoes that are too tight, narrow or poorly fitting
- Shoes that rub against particular areas of the foot
- High heels putting additional pressure on the front of the foot
- Walking or standing for long periods
- Certain foot shapes or deformities
- Changes in the way you walk or distribute your weight
- Repeated pressure from activities such as running or sports
- Wearing footwear without adequate cushioning or support
Although corns and calluses have similar causes, they are not exactly the same.
What is a corn?
A corn is usually a small, concentrated area of thickened skin that develops where there is repeated pressure or friction. Corns can often form on the tops or sides of the toes, between the toes or on other pressure points of the foot.
Because corns have a central area of hard skin, they can sometimes feel like you are walking with a small stone inside your shoe. They may become particularly painful when walking or when pressure is applied to them.
What is a callus?
A callus is generally a larger area of thickened, hardened skin. Calluses commonly develop underneath the feet, particularly around the heel, ball of the foot or other areas that experience repeated pressure.
Calluses can sometimes feel rough and dry but may become uncomfortable if they become particularly thick. In some cases, very dry callused skin can also crack.
How can corns and calluses be treated?
At Arco Healthcare Clinic, our chiropodist can assess your feet and provide professional treatment for corns and calluses.
Treatment may involve carefully and safely reducing the thickened skin using professional chiropody techniques. Removing excessive hard skin can help reduce pressure and discomfort and leave your feet feeling smoother and more comfortable.
Importantly, professional treatment can also help identify why the corn or callus has developed in the first place. If pressure or friction continues, the problem may return.
Your chiropodist may therefore discuss your footwear, foot structure, walking pattern and other factors that could be contributing to the problem.
Should you remove a corn or callus yourself?
It can be tempting to cut or file away thickened skin yourself, but this can cause injury if done incorrectly.
Avoid cutting corns or calluses with sharp instruments. Strong corn-removal products can also irritate surrounding skin if they are not suitable for you.
Professional Widnes podiatry and chiropody treatment provides a safer way to manage troublesome thickened skin and allows your feet to be assessed at the same time.
When should you see a chiropodist?
Consider booking a Widnes chiropody appointment if your corn or callus:
- Is painful or affecting the way you walk
- Keeps coming back
- Has become particularly thick or hard
- Is causing pressure inside your footwear
- Is making it uncomfortable to stand or exercise
- Is accompanied by cracked or damaged skin
- Has not improved despite changing your footwear
If you have diabetes, reduced circulation or reduced sensation in your feet, it is particularly important to seek professional advice rather than attempting to treat corns or calluses yourself.
Professional Chiropody in Widnes
Corns and calluses may seem like a minor foot problem, but persistent thickened skin can become increasingly uncomfortable when the underlying pressure continues.
At Arco Healthcare Clinic, our Widnes chiropodist provides professional foot care and treatment for corns, calluses and a range of common foot and toenail problems.
If your feet are uncomfortable because of hard skin or a painful corn, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Book your chiropody appointment in Widnes with Arco Healthcare Clinic and give your feet the professional care they deserve.
For further information contact our experienced reception team or alternatively click here to book your appointment. To use your healthcare policy and claim back treatment cost check the podiatrist register with the following link.