3 Reasons For Corns And Calluses That Go Beyond Podiatry

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Most instances of corns or calluses are caused by pressure and/or friction from wearing poorly-fitting shoes. When corns or calluses are caused by structural issues in the foot, typical removal techniques and a change in footwear may not be enough to address the issue. Surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the underlying problem and stop corns and calluses from returning.

Bunions

Constant pressure on the great toe or structural changes due to arthritis will eventually cause the toe to point inward. Additionally, there can be a growth of excess bone on the outside of the toe, creating a bump. Since your shoes create pressure and friction, a callus can eventually form on top of the bump. Your podiatrist will advise you to wear loose-fitting shoes and keep the harden skin shaved to reduce pain and pressure. Wearing bunion pads can also ease some of the pressure. To eliminate the problem and prevent the callus from returning, a bunionectomy will be necessary. During the procedure, excess bone is removed and the toe is straightened.

Hammer And Claw Toes

These types of toe deformities can easily result from inflammatory arthritis, such a rheumatoid arthritis, which often may affect the smaller joints in the feet. Corns and calluses can develop at the tip of the toe and on top of the toe joint where the toe rubs against the top of the shoe. Claw toes can be more challenging to address since there is often continuous pressure on the tip of the toe while standing and walking, which is difficult to alleviate even with padding. Thickened skin on top of the toe joint can be minimized with padding or by wearing shoes with a deep enough toe box to minimize friction. Much like bunions, the underlying deformity needs to be fixed for long-term relief. Generally, the toes are straightened and fused, which also helps alleviate pain from inflammatory arthritis.

Accessory Bones

Accessory bones can occur in various areas of the body, including in different areas of the foot. People with accessory bones are usually born with the issue and may never know the extra piece of bone exists until they develop problems. The accessory bone, especially when it occurs on the underside of the great toe, will create an abnormal pressure point and lead to a callus in this area. Similar to other methods of reducing calluses, wearing special pads that reduce pressure on the accessory bone can prevent the callus from returning as quickly once it is shaved down. Having the underlying accessory bone removed is the only way to have a long-term reduction or elimination of the callus.

Although corns and calluses are frequently associated with controllable issues, many times these problems develop from structural changes or abnormalities. Addressing the underlying problem through surgery can provide you long-term relief of corns, calluses, and additional foot pain.

To learn more, contact an orthopedic physician near you. 

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