Just about everyone has had to deal with corns and calluses at one time or another. While corns usually appear on your toes – typically on the sides and tops of the toes – calluses can show up anywhere that friction occurs on the skin, including the palms of the hands as well as the bottoms of your feet. Here are some ways that you can avoid this issue.
Symptoms of Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are usually characterized by rough, thick areas of skin, raised, hardened bumps, waxy, and dry or flaky skin. Corns have a hard center that is surrounded by skin that has become inflamed and usually appear on areas of the foot that are not weight-bearing.
They can be painful when you press them. Calluses are not usually painful and can vary in shape and size. They are usually larger than corns and tend to develop under your heel or the ball of your foot.
Prevention
Thankfully, there are several ways that you can prevent corns and calluses. Only buy shoes that fit properly – shop for them at the end of the day when your feet are usually swollen the most. If you cannot wiggle your toes, then the shoes are too tight. Also, either replace your shoes regularly or have them repaired. If your shoes’ soles are worn, you will be more susceptible to chafing of the skin when you walk on hard surfaces.
Treatment
If you develop corns and calluses, your doctor may be able to trim your skin or provide medication to remove them. It is very important that you do not try to treat this problem yourself if you have poor blood circulation or diabetes, because that could result in a potentially dangerous infection.
Get in touch with the experts at Casteel Foot & Ankle if you need treatment for corns and calluses. Contact us online or call 972-412-4449 to schedule an appointment.