Corns can cause foot pain and burning sensations that make it uncomfortable to walk or run. Calluses can also cause discomfort, though not as often as corns. The experienced podiatrists at the offices of Robert J. Landy, D.P.M. in West Islip and Hicksville, New York, are experts at treating foot problems. If corns or calluses are causing you discomfort, book an appointment online or over the phone today.
Corns and calluses are hardened layers of dead skin cells that your body forms to protect your skin from friction and pressure. Although many people lump them together, corns and calluses aren’t the same thing.
Corns typically appear on parts of your feet that don’t bear weight, such as the tops and sides of your toes. Often smaller than calluses, corns tend to be painful when pressed.
Hard corns usually develop on the tops of your toes or on the outer edges of your little toes. Corns that form in between your toes may be soft and resemble open sores.
Rarely painful, calluses most often form on the soles of your feet. Calluses are larger than corns and vary in size and shape.
If you spend a lot of time on your feet, especially while wearing shoes that don’t fit properly, you may develop corns or calluses. Common causes of corns include:
Other foot conditions, such as having bunions or a bone spurs, may increase your chances of developing corns or calluses from increased pressure inside your shoe.
You should never attempt to remove a corn or callus at home unless instructed to do so by Dr. Landy or a member of his team. Even a minor foot injury can lead to an infection.
It’s especially important to call the practice of Robert J. Landy, D.P.M. if you have diabetes and notice a corn or another type of growth on your foot.
Dr. Landy and his team can safely and effectively treat corns and calluses that cause discomfort. Calluses rarely cause pain, so they may not require treatment.
For treatment, your foot specialist will begin by examining your foot and reviewing your medical history. If they discover an underlying foot problem is causing your corn or callus, such as a bunion, they can treat it.
To relieve pain and restore the normal contour of your foot or toe, they may carefully trim the corn or callus with a scalpel.
If you’re concerned about corns or calluses, book an appointment online or over the phone with Robert J. Landy, D.P.M. today.
