Corns and calluses often develop when your shoes rub against your feet, but any activity that causes extra pressure can also lead to thickened skin. The experienced podiatrists at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery evaluate your feet, determine if foot deformities or gait problems contribute to the problem, and provide the treatment you need to relieve the pain. If you need help with corns or calluses, call the office in Burbank, Northridge, or Santa Clarita, California, or book an appointment online today!

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What are corns and calluses?

Corn and calluses are thickened patches of skin that develop when something repeatedly rubs against or places pressure on your foot. Your skin builds up extra layers, gradually thickening to protect it from the irritation.

Calluses typically appear on the bottom of your feet, where they create a flat, widespread area of thickened skin. Corns most often develop on the top of your toes and feet, creating a small, hard lump with a noticeable core. Sometimes soft, rubbery corns develop between your toes.

The most common causes include:

  • Going barefoot
  • Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Wearing shoes without socks
  • Wearing tight, loose, or high-heeled shoes
  • Having toe deformities like hammertoes and bunions

Corns and calluses often develop if you engage in activities that put extra pressure on your feet, such as prolonged standing or running.

What symptoms accompany corns and calluses?

If a corn or callus gets too large or thick, it can become painful or sensitive to pressure or touch. Since corns grow deeper into your skin, they’re more likely to cause pain.

A thick callus can develop painful cracks. Though not common, the area may become infected, developing a swollen red area around the corn or callus.

How are corns and calluses treated?

If you have diabetes, you should have your feet examined at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

People who don’t have diabetes, peripheral nerve damage, or circulation problems may be able to treat corns or calluses at home by soaking them in warm water, gently rubbing them with a pumice stone, and applying moisturizer.

It’s best to avoid treatments designed to dissolve the thickened skin. These products often contain harsh chemicals capable of causing skin irritation or burns.

Your Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery podiatrist may recommend customized orthotics. Otherwise, they treat corns and calluses by removing them, usually using a surgical blade to carefully scrape away the excess skin.

If you have an underlying foot condition or deformity causing your corn or callus, they also treat that problem.

Don’t wait to get relief from painful corns or calluses. Call Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery or book online today.