CORNS, CALLUSES

Gel toe protectors

Corns and calluses are build up of skin which normally sheds. This skin gets thicker and thicker until we finally feel it. It grows because of pressure and friction occurring at the same time. It causes an irritation and the skin accumulates. Many people have calluses that don't hurt. It is a protection mechanism trying to protect underlying structures from the excessive pressure that is put on that area. If you have such calluses don't worry about it. If your calluses are painful you will need to go to a podiatrist/chiropodist to have it pared down. Corns occur in the callus at the point of highest concentrated pressure. The core pushes against one of the many nerves that lives in the lower layer of the skin. This causes the pain. Corns that have been on an area for years and not treated can have a blood vessel or nerve grow into it. This type of corn is particularly and can be painful and hard to treat. It pays to go to a podiatrist/chiropodist before that occurs.

Corns and calluses occur especially when a bone joint is out of place , even slightly. The angle of joints further back in the foot can make the foot function or be in a slightly wrong position in the shoes. If you have hip or knee or some other deformity that makes you walk even slightly differently, it can cause excessive pressure in one area of the foot.

Corns and calluses are not fungal, bacterial or viral infections that you just need to put medication on it and it goes. If you take away the pressure you get rid of the problem. This is more difficult to do than it looks. How many people can change the way they walk or straighten their joints out? Cutting out the corns and calluses gives great relief. Special insoles and pads are often needed and give a longer term relief. It may even get rid of the problem. You may need surgery for the deformity. You need to go to your podiatrist/ chiropodist for such treatment.

There are pads, cushions, insoles available to help prevent or at least slow down the rate of growth. Don't use medicated corn pads as it can cause infection due to the acid in the pad opening up the pores. Moisturising creams also help soften callus.
The footshop has lots of pads to choose from.

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