CORNS AND CALLUSES

Corns and calluses are your body's response to friction or pressure against the skin. If your foot rubs inside your shoe, the affected area thickens. Or if a bone is not in the normal position, skin caught between the bone and shoe or bone and ground builds up. In either case, the outer layer of the skin thickens to protect the foot from unusual pressure. Severe corns and calluses may become infected, destroy healthy tissue, or affect foot movement.  Corns can range from a slight thickening of the skin to a painful, hard bump. They often form at the top of buckled toe joints (hammertoes). If your toes curl under, corns may grow on the tips of the toes. You may also get a corn on the end of the toe if it rubs against your shoes. Corns can often grow between the toes, often between the first and second toes. Or between the second and third toes (as shown in the drawing below).

If your corns or calluses are mild, reducing friction may help. Different shoes, may be all the treatment you need. Your doctor may suggest wearing shoes that have more toe room. This way, buckled joints are less likely to be pinched against the top of the shoe.

If you have calluses, sometimes orthoses (custom-made shoe inserts) are prescribed to reduce friction and pressure. Wearing a cushioned insole, arch support, or heel counter can help reduce friction.

Complications that can result from corns

• Development of a bursitis - the formation of a painful inflamed fluid-filled sac beneath the callus

• Discomfort of the back, hips, knees, legs, or feet due to changes in posture and/or gait in an attempt to "protect" the painful callus.

• Infection

• Development of an ulcer. An open area that forms within the callus. This may even extend down to bone.