Corns are small, circular areas of thickened skin that develop on the feet, typically in response to pressure or friction. They usually form on the tops and sides of toes or on the balls of the feet. Corns can be painful and may cause discomfort when walking or standing. When they start to cause chronic discomfort or mobility issues, it’s time to look into corn removal in Chicago or other treatments.
What Is a Corn?
Corns usually present as hard, raised bumps that feel tender and have a rough, flaky surface. They are layers of skin that gather as a means of protecting areas of the feet from repeated pressure or friction. Soft corns can also form and usually show up between the toes. Soft corns are often painful, red in color, and have a smooth center.
What’s the Difference Between a Corn and a Callus?
While corns and calluses are similar, they are not the same thing. Both are essentially layers of thickened skin that develop due to pressure and friction, but they form in different areas and have distinct characteristics.
- Corns – Corns are usually smaller and rounder than calluses. They develop on non-weight-bearing parts of the feet, such as the tops and sides of toes. They can be hard or soft, with soft corns typically appearing between the fourth and fifth toes.
- Calluses – Calluses are larger and form on weight-bearing areas, like the bottom of the foot. They are generally not painful and have a broad, thickened top layer of skin.
Causes of Corns & Calluses
The primary causes of foot corns and calluses include:
- Ill-Fitting Shoes – Wearing shoes that are too tight or loose can cause friction and pressure, leading to the development of corns and calluses.
- High Heels – These shoes put extra pressure on the toes and balls of the feet.
- Walking or Standing for Long Periods – Prolonged pressure on the feet can contribute to skin thickening.
- Foot Deformities – Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or bone spurs can increase pressure on certain areas of the feet.
Why Seek Treatment for Corns?
Ignoring corns can lead to increased pain and discomfort. Home remedies may not always be effective and can sometimes worsen the condition. Seeking professional treatment is crucial if the following apply:
- Corns become larger, leading to further complications and skin damage.
- You experience difficulty walking or standing because of a corn.
- Pain increases and starts to interfere with daily activities and mobility.
- A corn becomes infected or inflamed.
- Home remedies aren’t working.
Treating Corns & Calluses
At Mitchell Foot & Ankle, we offer a range of treatments to effectively remove and manage corns and calluses. These include:
- Corn Removal Surgery or “Trimming” – Your podiatrist safely trims away the thickened skin while using a local anesthetic. This provides immediate relief from pain and discomfort caused by the growth.
- Medicated Patches – These patches contain salicylic acid, which helps to soften and remove thickened skin over time.
- Medicated Gels or Liquids – Similar to patches, these treatments help dissolve the corn by breaking down the thickened skin gradually.
- Custom Shoe Inserts – Orthotic inserts help redistribute pressure on the feet, reducing the formation of corns and calluses.
- Foot Surgery – When a bone issue causes corn growth, surgery may be necessary. The procedure can help correct underlying structural problems and prevent recurrence.
Home Remedies
- Wear Corn/Callus Pads – Protects the affected area of the skin and reduces pressure.
- Moisturize – Keep the skin hydrated to help prevent the formation of dry, hard calluses.
- Wear Better Footwear – Switch to proper-fitting, supportive shoes to prevent corns or calluses from worsening or new ones from developing.
- Wear Socks With Shoes – Wearing socks can help reduce friction.
- Soak and Exfoliate Your Feet – Soaking your feet in warm water and using a pumice stone or cloth to gently rub the corn or callus can help remove excess skin. This can both soften and decrease the size of the growth over time.
Choose Mitchell Foot & Ankle for Corn or Callus Removal in Chicago
Mitchell Foot & Ankle is your trusted partner for corn and callus treatment in Chicago. Our experienced Hyde Park podiatrists provide personalized and effective care for all types of foot issues.
- Our podiatrists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating foot conditions, including corns and calluses.
- We offer a full range of treatments, from conservative options to surgical interventions.
- We offer a patient-centered approach. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities.
- We take the time to understand your needs and tailor our treatments accordingly.
Contact Us
Don’t let painful corns or calluses affect your daily life. Contact Mitchell Foot & Ankle today to schedule an appointment and find out how we can help you achieve pain-free feet. From bunion treatment to callus and corn removal surgery in Chicago, you can rely on us.