Corns/Calluses Treatment
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop in response to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. Corns typically form on the toes or top of the foot, while calluses are more commonly found on the heels or balls of the feet. At Axis Foot & Ankle, your dedicated podiatrist near you, we provide a comprehensive approach to treating corns and calluses to alleviate foot pain, reduce thickness, and prevent recurrence.
Here’s a detailed guide to the treatments we offer:
1. Diagnosis and Evaluation
- Purpose: Identify the location, size, and cause of the corns or calluses.
- Description: Your podiatrist will visually examine the affected areas and assess your footwear and walking pattern. In some cases, X-rays may be taken to rule out underlying bone abnormalities contributing to the formation of corns or calluses.
2. Conservative Treatments:
a. Footwear Modification:
- Purpose: Reduce friction and pressure on affected areas.
- Description: Wear well-fitted shoes with a wide toe box to prevent crowding and rubbing. Avoid high heels or shoes with seams that can aggravate corns and calluses.
b. Padding and Cushioning:
- Purpose: Protect sensitive areas and relieve pressure.
- Description: Non-medicated pads or cushions placed over corns or calluses can provide cushioning and reduce discomfort. Your podiatrist may recommend felt pads, moleskin, or gel inserts to alleviate pressure and friction.
c. Salicylic Acid Treatments:
- Purpose: Soften and remove thickened skin.
- Description: Over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid can be applied directly to corns and calluses to help dissolve the hardened skin over time. Follow instructions carefully to avoid irritation of surrounding healthy skin.
d. Debridement:
- Purpose: Remove thickened skin safely and effectively.
- Description: Your podiatrist may gently trim or shave down thickened skin using sterile instruments during an office visit. This procedure helps reduce pain and discomfort associated with large or stubborn corns and calluses.
3. Orthotic Devices:
- Purpose: Correct foot mechanics and reduce pressure points.
- Description: Custom orthotic inserts or arch supports may be prescribed to redistribute weight evenly across the foot and prevent recurrence of corns and calluses. These devices can also correct abnormal foot alignment contributing to friction and pressure.
4. Surgical Intervention:
- Purpose: Address underlying bone deformities or persistent corns.
- Description: In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical correction may be recommended to remove the bony prominence causing pressure on the skin. Your podiatrist will discuss the benefits, risks, and recovery process of surgical options.
5. Patient Education and Prevention:
- Purpose: Empower patients to prevent future corns and calluses.
- Description: Educate on proper foot care practices, including regular inspection of feet, trimming nails straight across, moisturizing dry skin, and wearing appropriate footwear. Avoiding barefoot walking in high-friction areas and maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce the risk of recurrence.
6. Follow-Up Care:
- Purpose: Monitor healing and address any concerns.
- Description: Schedule follow-up visits as recommended by your podiatrist to monitor the effectiveness of treatments, adjust orthotic devices if necessary, and address any new or recurring corns or calluses promptly.
Why Choose Axis Foot & Ankle?
- Specialized Expertise: Our podiatrists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of corns and calluses using advanced techniques and personalized care plans.
- Patient-Centered Approach: We place a strong emphasis on your comfort and well-being throughout your entire treatment process.
- Comprehensive Treatment Philosophy: From conservative therapies to surgical solutions and preventive education, we offer comprehensive care to effectively address and manage your corns and calluses.
If you are experiencing discomfort from corns or calluses in Middletown, Red Bank, Lincroft, or nearby areas, contact Axis Foot & Ankle for expert evaluation and personalized treatment. Schedule an appointment today to relieve your foot pain!