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What are Corns, Calluses and Cracked Heels?
Corns, calluses and cracked heels are three of the most common conditions seen at the podiatry clinic. They are easy and (usually) painless for your Podiatrist to remove.
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened layers of skin we call ‘hyperkeratosis.’
Many people refer to corns and calluses as the same thing but they are different:
- Corns – are usually smaller hard spots on the skin and can be found on areas of high pressure and friction, such as on the tops of, and in between toes.
- Calluses – usually develop on high pressure areas on the soles of your feet, especially under the heel and the balls of your feet. Calluses are rarely painful, and vary in size and shape, though they are larger than corns.
What causes Corns, Calluses and Cracked Heels?
Pressure and friction from repetitive actions cause corns and calluses to develop and grow.
Some causes can be:
- Shoes that don’t fit – when shoes are too tight or have high heels, they compress areas of your foot. If the shoe is too loose, your foot may repeatedly slide and rub against the shoe. Poorly placed seams or stitching may also cause these problems.
- Wearing no socks – wearing shoes without socks can lead to friction on your feet, and socks that don’t fit properly can also be a problem
- Foot deformities – bunions, claw toes, tripod feet or other foot deformities.
How can you Prevent Corns, Calluses and Cracked Heels?
- Wear shoes that give your toes plenty of room (wide toe box). If you can’t wriggle your toes, your shoes are too tight.
- Wear socks or sockets to help protective high pressure areas. Special padding and strapping, non medicated corn pads over areas that rub against footwear.
- Moisturise your skin every day. This stops the skin from drying out, keeps your skin soft, and reduces the chances of calluses developing.
Elite Foot Care Podiatry can offer the following treatments for Corns, Calluses and Cracked Heels:
- Professional removal corns or callus using trained sterile techniques.
- Customised off-loading padding to redistribute pressure and painful areas
- Orthotics to offer permanent pressure relief
If you suspect you may have either one of them, come see us today! Give the team a call and talk to us about your foot care or make an online booking.
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