Calluses & Corns Treatment Specialist
According To Dr. Nelya Lobkova
Corns and and calluses are areas of thickened and hardened skin (known as cornified skin) overlying points of pressure on the feet. Calluses are typically diffuse and span a larger area of skin, whereas corns have a central core of keratin and form where there is a smaller, focused point of pressure. To understand calluses, and why they form where they do, it is important to understand the foot bone structure, biomechanical gait patterns, and points of pressure during standing and walking. Calluses and corns can become painful and even dangerous if they aren't cared for properly. Sometimes a simple x-ray can reveal the etiology of this common and widespread ailment. Book a visit with NYC's top podiatrist, Dr. Nelya Lobkova at Step Up Footcare in our TriBeCa Downtown NYC location to have your calluses and corns expertly treated.
What causes calluses and corns?
Calluses and corns can form from poor footwear (such as non-cushioned or thin-soled or narrow-fitted), faulty biomechanics, or simply from a lot of barefoot activity. They form on the skin to protect the underlying bone from friction and pressure forces. Thus, corns and calluses act as both a protective barrier and as an indicator of the pressure points under the feet. Commonly, calluses are located under the ball of the foot, which could indicate the presence of a bunion, or on the edges of the heel indicating the presence of an inverted heel strike during walking. Corns commonly form on the toes, which could indicate the presence of a hammer toe deformity and a shoe with a narrow-fitted toe box.
What are the symptoms of calluses and corns?
Calluses appear white and dry and feel firm and superficial. Corns appear round and nucleated as if there is a white core in the center. They both may be painful while applying direct pressure over the callus or corn. Corns, due to their nature, can feel like there is a pebble in the foot, and are especially painful. Sometimes, corns mimic a plantar wart or foreign body in the skin. Corns and calluses are more painful while barefoot and with sports activities, such as running. It is important to take note of the pain or tenderness and see a specialist before attempting to avoid the tender area which causes compensatory injuries. At Step Up Footcare, Dr. Lobkova uses a 3D gait scanner to analyze the pressure points on the feet and evaluate the biomechanical origin of calluses and corns.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR calluses and corns?
One way to decrease the development of calluses and corns is to eliminate being barefoot at home or outside. The more cushioning there is in the outsole of shoes the less pressure there is on the foot bones, thus limiting callus formation. Oftentimes, calluses could be maintained with a daily use of a pumice stone in the shower. If pain or discomfort persists despite regular maintenance, consider seeing Dr. Lobkova to provide an accurate diagnosis and determine what is causing the callus or corn to form. Custom orthotics may be recommended to fix faulty biomechanics and adjust the gait pattern to prevent corns and calluses from forming.
