- Podiatrists in Sippy Downs, Woombye & In Home
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are thickened skin areas caused by pressure or friction, often due to ill-fitting shoes, repetitive activities, or other foot conditions. Symptoms include rough, thickened skin and painful, hard spots. They are often easy and painless for your Podiatrist to remove.
What are Corns and Calluses?
Corns and calluses are thickened layers of skin that develop as a result of repeated pressure or friction. While both are similar, they have distinct characteristics:
- Calluses: Larger, more diffused areas of rough skin, usually forming on the soles, heels, and palms.
- Corns: Smaller, more concentrated areas of thick skin, often with a central core, typically found on the tops and sides of toes.
Causes of Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are part of the body’s defense mechanism to protect underlying tissues from pressure and friction. Common causes include:
- Ill-fitting Footwear: Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause friction areas leading to corns and calluses.
- Walking Barefoot: Regularly walking without footwear can lead to callus formation.
- Repetitive Activities: Activities that put pressure on your feet, hands, or fingers, such as playing musical instruments or manual labor.
- Foot Conditions: Conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, or other structural conditions can lead to abnormal pressure points.
Symptoms of Corns and Calluses
The symptoms can help differentiate between the two conditions:
- Calluses: A thickened, rough area of skin that can be less sensitive to touch compared to the surrounding skin.
- Corns: A small, circular, thickened spot of skin, often with a hard center (core). They can be painful when pressed or when wearing shoes.
Additional symptoms of inflammation include redness, swelling, and tenderness at the affected area.
Prevention and Management of Corns and Calluses
To prevent and manage corns and calluses, consider the following tips:
- Proper Footwear: Wear well-fitting shoes with adequate toe space and proper support.
- Moisturise Regularly: Keep the feet hydrated to maintain skin elasticity and prevent dryness.
- Protective Pads: Use cushioned pads or insoles to reduce friction points inside shoes.
- Regular Foot Care: Keep toenails trimmed, and file away thickened skin areas gently.
- Avoid Walking Barefoot: Always wear protective footwear when walking on hard or rough surfaces.
Treatment Options for Corns and Calluses
- Debridement: Professional removal of thickened skin using specialised tools to relieve pain.
- Orthotics: Custom orthotics can help redistribute pressure on the feet.
- Padding: Use of moleskin pads or soft padding to protect areas prone to friction.
- Footwear Advice: Recommendations on suitable shoes to prevent recurrence.
- Moisturisers and Creams: Daily application of urea-based creams to soften thick skin.
It is advised to avoid over-the-counter treatments like corn plasters, which can damage the surrounding healthy skin if used incorrectly .
Our Podiatrists
Our team of Sunshine Coast Podiatrists have decades of experience treating all hip, knee, leg, ankle, foot and heel pain as well as a range of skin and nail conditions including ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, warts and more.
They share a passion for helping the community stay strong and active, helping them achieve their ultimate health outcomes.
Their experience combined with the best treatment technologies available, allow us to achieve the best outcomes for our community.
Benefits of a personalised treatment plan
Reduced Pain
Using the worlds best treatment technology and methods, we can accelerate your recovery to achieve your ultimate health outcome sooner.
Increased Strength
With a prescribed exercise rehab program, your surrounding muscles will strengthen and take the load off your affected tissue. The result is lasting pain relief.
Become More Active
Working with your Podiatrist to complete your personalised treatment plan, you'll be able to do more of the things you love with friends and family.
How it works
1. Schedule an Appointment
Book online or call one of our friendly reception staff on 07 5328 3588 to find a time that suits you.
2. We Handle the Details
Our experienced Podiatrists will diagnose, create a custom treatment plan and treat in the very first session.
3. Be More Active With Less Pain
Spend more time with your family and friends being active and doing the things you love.
What you'll get...
Experienced Podiatrists
Our Podiatrists have decades of experience treating an array of conditions.
Comprehensive Consultations
Our Podiatrists will leave no stone unturned in finding the root cause of your issue.
Personalised Treatment Plans
Our Podiatrists will create a truly custom treatment plan to achieve your ideal outcomes.
Communication
Our Podiatrists will clearly explain your condition, providing insight into its nature and treatment options.
Best Treatment Technology
We utilise state-of-the-art treatment technologies including: Shockwave Therapy, 3D Laser Scanners, Lunula Fungal Nail Laser to provide our patients with the best possible care.
On-site Manufacturing
Our on-site orthotics manufacturing lab allows us to do same or next day orthotic dispenses.