Corns/ Callus
On the left, a corn. On the right, callus.
What is a callus?
Callus is a thickening of the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum). When an area of skin is exposed to increased pressure, either constant or intermittent, over time it will thicken. In the foot, this often occurs due to faulty foot mechanics (how one is walking) and footwear. If shoes do not evenly distribute pressure throughout the foot, certain areas will be forced to take up more pressure than normal. High heels, for example, lift the heel and force the ball of the foot to take on more pressure. It is common to feel a sensation of burning at the site of a callus.
What is a corn?
Corns are a focal, circular area of thickened skin which have the shape of a cone. Consequently, they contain a deep, central area often referred to as a "core." (This is not to be confused with a "root". Corns do not have "roots" that can be "dug out" or "killed.") As in the case of callus, they are the result of increased pressure in one area. Often this is due to footwear or a bony prominence. Corns commonly result in the sensation of “walking on a pebble.”
How can a Chiropodist help?
In addition to paring down the callus/ corn, a Chiropodist will perform a series of assessments to determine the cause of the callus/ corn. This may include asking questions about your medical history, a biomechanical assessment, gait analysis and a footwear exam, among others. The Chiropodist may suggest digital appliances, changes to your footwear or custom foot orthotics to help redistribute pressure.
The information provided is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a proper medical evaluation. Treatment options will vary from person to person.
Callus is a thickening of the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum). When an area of skin is exposed to increased pressure, either constant or intermittent, over time it will thicken. In the foot, this often occurs due to faulty foot mechanics (how one is walking) and footwear. If shoes do not evenly distribute pressure throughout the foot, certain areas will be forced to take up more pressure than normal. High heels, for example, lift the heel and force the ball of the foot to take on more pressure. It is common to feel a sensation of burning at the site of a callus.
What is a corn?
Corns are a focal, circular area of thickened skin which have the shape of a cone. Consequently, they contain a deep, central area often referred to as a "core." (This is not to be confused with a "root". Corns do not have "roots" that can be "dug out" or "killed.") As in the case of callus, they are the result of increased pressure in one area. Often this is due to footwear or a bony prominence. Corns commonly result in the sensation of “walking on a pebble.”
How can a Chiropodist help?
In addition to paring down the callus/ corn, a Chiropodist will perform a series of assessments to determine the cause of the callus/ corn. This may include asking questions about your medical history, a biomechanical assessment, gait analysis and a footwear exam, among others. The Chiropodist may suggest digital appliances, changes to your footwear or custom foot orthotics to help redistribute pressure.
The information provided is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a proper medical evaluation. Treatment options will vary from person to person.
