Corns and Callus

How does it feel?

Pain is associated with weight-bearing, and particularly increased in tight shoes or shoes which provide very little cushioning from the hard ground. The pain can be a ‘burning’ feeling; however, if localised, the pain can be quite sharp due to the increased pressure on the nerve supply.

What should you do?

Depending on the amount and thickness of the skin, one could use a pumice stone and rub the affected area with stone whilst in the bath. Moisturisers for the skin are also important. The professional treatment of corns and calluses is debridement of the excess skin and this can be done by a podiatrist.

What shouldn’t you do?

You should try and avoid cutting or pulling the skin off yourself as this can cause problems to the healthy tissue. Corn pads from the pharmacy are not recommended, as they can also cause problems to healthy skin.

Could there be any long-term effects?

The area of dead skin may build up and a blister or ulcer may form underneath the skin. Some people can develop infections underneath the thick/deep callus or corns. This usually creates a lot of pain until the pressure is released.

Management

Podiatrists within the sports medicine centre can help with debridement of the excess skin and can offer footwear advice. If the area is quite prominent, the podiatrist may be able to fit felt padding on the foot or in the shoe to reduce the excessive pressure.