Corns and calluses can cause pain to the feet that can literally rub you the wrong way. If you have thickened and painful areas of skin on your feet, you may be suffering from corns and/or calluses. Corns and calluses are areas on the feet that are hardened and thick patches of skin. Corns can be differentiated as small and round areas occurring typically on the toes. Corns come in three types: hard (on bony areas), soft (in between toes), and seed (on the soles). Calluses usually occur on the balls of the feet and heels of the feet and take up a larger area than a corn. Both are acting as a protective mechanism of the body, often trying to naturally shield a bony area of the foot. Corns and calluses are the body’s attempt at adaptive and protective strategies. But when the body is sensing pain or inflammation, it is time to take a closer look at the root of the problem.
Many causes to the origin of the corn or callus are biomechanical. I often see those with bunions (a painful bump at the inside of the big toe joint) develop corns on their toes due to the bunion pushing towards the toes and forming what is known as hammertoes. Changes to the feet often accompany changes from abnormal gate and improper posture such as walking with pain. The body naturally wants to gravitate towards balance but the body also has interesting ways to compensate. Corns and calluses are attempting to bring balance to the area of instability. As we age, we tend to lose our fat pad that cushions the balls of our feet also known as the metatarsophalangeal joints. Typically a callus will form on the ball of the foot to protect this now delicate area. But, it can become painful and sometimes, hidden infections can occur under the callus. Other causes that form corns and calluses could be from wearing shoes that don’t fit properly, going barefoot or excessive walking, running or standing. For all of these biomechanical issues listed above, a good orthotic and properly fitting shoes can often work wonders.
Treatments and preventative strategies I would recommend:
- If you have diagnoses such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, edema or are prone to infections, I advise you to see a healthcare practitioner for routine foot care and to not use items such as a foot rasp or products that contain salicylic acid when trying to manage a callus or corn.
- Using a pumice stone or foot file should be fine to pare down the callus or corn if used gently and there are no open areas on the skin. Do not use sharp objects to pare down a callus. Heel fissures are deep cracks in the heels can be prone to infection. Using a file on an open wound is not advised.
- There are many products on the market that can help pad and alleviate pressure to the corn or callus. Mole skin, toe dividers and callus or corn cushions are a few examples.
- Inspect your feet daily and keep your toenails trimmed. Unkempt toenails can cause extra friction while wearing shoes.
- Wear properly fitting shoes and socks. If foot deformities are present, you may want to visit a specialty shoe store. A Pedorthist is a specialist who can help modify and find you the best footwear for your condition.
- Epsom salt soaks in warm water can help soften tough skin and also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Other natural remedies could include apple cider vinegar, chamomile tea bags and castor oil.
- Urea is an effective ingredient in many Heel Balm formulas. Other products that can be helpful are foot creams, which create a better barrier than lotions. Wash the feet before applying the cream and avoid using balms and creams on open fissures.
The average adult will have walked 75,000 miles in their lifetime! That is comparable to walking three times around the Earth! Your feet have most likely taken you to some wonderful destinations. Please be mindful of the importance of the feet to your health and work with them preventatively by giving them the proper attention and care they deserve.
This content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition.
Kirsten Antony
Kirsten Antony is a Registered Nurse and Holistic Health Care Practitioner. She has been offering in-home services in medical foot care and reflexology to the Denver Metro Area for 23 years. For more information, please visit www.kirstenantony.net or www.facebook.com/soultosoleholistichealthcare or call 303-668-8992.