The relentless rubbing and pressure on the feet created by your footwear can create a thickened layer of skin called a callus or corn. This is a totally normal and natural response to the pressure and irritation. In the beginning, they are not always painful.

But when calluses form on the heel or ball of the foot, cracks in the callus can become hardened and subject to bleeding and possibly lead to an infection. These are called heel fissures and can be difficult to treat without the help of your foot doctor.

Corns can also quickly become unmanageable especially when they become tender, red, and inflamed from infection or irritation. They can also be confused with other skin conditions like plantar warts. If you have bunions and hammertoes, you are more likely to experience painful corns.

Treatments for corns and calluses include:

• Proper footwear—Wearing correctly fitted, comfortable shoes with the right arch support and a wide toe box will give your toes room and decrease corn formation.
• Orthotic inserts and padding—Moleskin pads can be placed over corns to help isolate them. Orthotic inserts can be also be used to isolate skin anomalies and shift pressure to other areas of the foot.
• Foot soaks—Soaks will soften dead skin for easier removal.
• Dead skin removal— Use a file or rough pumice stone to gently remove the dead skin.
• Acid treatments—Acid treatment can help to dissolve corns.

If you are a diabetic patient, avoid using over the counter salicylic acid kits and seek the help of your foot doctor for worry-free corn and callus treatment.

If you have painful corn and callus problems, see your podiatrist right away. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Foot doctors Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico and Dr. Payel Ghosh will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.