Common Corns and Callus:

1. Heel Callus.

• Heel callus builds on the bottom of the heel and occurs when walking or standing without shoes.

• Our body creates callus to protect itself from it's environment.

• A podiatrist debrides callus with a scalpel blade. This is painless.

• You can prevent heel callus by wearing enclosed shoes and socks.

• Apply urea cream regularly.

• Pumice stones can also be used to remove callus.

• Cracked heels should be treated as sometimes they can ulcerate and get infected.

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2. Ball of foot callous and corns.

• The ball of the foot is susceptible to callus and corns because we propel off this part of the foot when walking and running.

• High heel shoes can also force us to overload the ball.

• Wearing worn out shoes which lack support can increase ball of foot callus.

• Certain foot types can be predisposed to ball of foot callus  such as high arched foot types.

• People with Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can get ball of foot arthritis.

• Treatment involves debridement and enucleation of corns.

• Prevention involves changes to footwear including the use of foot orthotics and a foot orthotics and padding to reduce abnormal pressure.

• Evidence suggests foot orthotics that support the structure of the arch can help reduce pressure to the ball.

• Urea based creams can help reduce callus.

• Podiatrist do not support the use of acids to treat ball of foot callus as they can cause ulceration.

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3. Interdigital corns and top of toe corns.

•  Interdigital corns are common with people who have digital deformities such as arthritis.

• Causes may include the use of shoes that are too narrows or lack depth.

• Wearing shoes which are poorly secured and the feet slip forward during gait resulting in interdigital compression can also result in corns to and around the toes.

• Interdigital corns are debrided by the podiatrist.

• Dressing may be provided and interdigital separators provided.

• Footwear advice will be provided.

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4.  Diffuse or extensive callus

• ​Psoriasis, thyroid disease, smoking and certain specific dermatological conditions can cause diffuse foot callus.

• Regular foot care and the use of urea and other applications can help.

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