The cause, treatment and prevention of corns and calluses

We all deal with weird spots on and underneath our feet, but what makes them appear, and what is actually inside of them?

Two common spots that we get on our feet are called “corns” and “calluses”, and are caused by a repeat in friction on one place on the foot. This friction causes the skin’s outer layer in that area to die, creating a hard, tough protein known as keratin.

Calluses and corns aren’t necessarily deadly; after all, they would be very common if we were still walking barefoot, due to the friction from the ground against our feet. People in cultures that typically walk barefoot develop hard feet from all the keratin that is being produced.

These calluses and corns can be irritating to people when they appear in places that may cause gait problems or hurt while wearing socks or shoes.

Corns and calluses have some key differences. Corns are located on the top of a person’s feet near the toes. They are small spots that are usually round in shape, due to the buildup of an inner core, which could either be hard or soft. Soft corn usually appears between a person’s toes, and its core is usually made of collected sweat. Hard corn is a stiff bump that will appear more yellow. If you have corns that are burning or irritating, get checked out right away with corns’ treatment in Houston.

Calluses are located underneath a person’s foot, usually on your heel, on your sole or near your big toe; places where your foot makes contact with the ground. They are commonly larger than corns and appear to be yellow or gray in color. Unlike corns, calluses do not cause a person pain, with the exception of a callus that may hurt when dry and cracked.

A main contributor to the development of corns and calluses is a pair of shoes that a person wears. If you aren’t able to wiggle your toes from inside your shoes, you know that you need a new pair. Shoes that are too narrow, to tight, or don’t give your toes enough space can give your feet a lot of friction, and thus, calluses and corns will be more likely to appear on your feet.

Another factor that can lead to calluses and corns is an abnormal gait. How you walk may cause more friction on your feet, and can commonly be corrected with physical therapy or an aide such as a walker.

Other foot conditions that lead to corns and calluses include bone spurs, bunions, and hammertoe issues. The irregularity of these conditions leads to extra friction against your feet. Sometimes a corn or callus can cause pain to a person, but it may be something else going on in that person’s foot that makes it hurt. Corns’ treatment in Houston can determine if your foot’s pain is from a corn or something worse.

The best way to deal with corns and calluses is to prevent them from appearing in the first place. If you have an old pair of shoes or shoes that feel too tight on you, replace them at once. Trying to fit in these shoes with a corn or callus will only make matters worse.

When looking for a new pair of shoes, buy ones that are flexible, breathable, and soft. Shoes with minimal designs will also minimize friction to your feet. You can also buy specialty shoes or slippers that are made for keeping feet healthy and prevent them from developing corns and calluses or any other ailment.