Can you stop corns/callus from coming back?
What is a corn?
A corn is a piece of hard skin that forms in high pressure areas. In an effort to prevent further injury to that portion of the foot, the body forms a layer of defence known as callus or corn. The reason why we have either a callus or corn is unknown just yet. The callus/corn protects the area on the foot, so sometimes it's advantageous, but occasionally the body produces too much extra hard skin which can become painful. It is typically more difficult to remove a corn because it buries itself beneath the callus. A callus forms on the skin over a high-pressure area, similar to the calluses on our hands from manual labour. Callus, however, is easier to remove because it is layered over the skin.
What causes a corn?
The body in response to high pressure creates this hard skin to protect the area. This can be due to the way we walk, any muscle imbalances, shoe choices, occupation, the amount of walking we do, or a genetic predisposition to developing callus/corns quickly.
Treatment options
`Nòrmally chiropody treatment with scalpel work would remove the corn. this treatment can last for many weeks or months. However, if we do not change something the same problem will return.
Apart from changing our occupation or activities, we like to do, there are options to help reduce pressure over parts of your foot.
what can we change?
We are in control of what we wear on our feet and how they move when walking.
Corns/calluses form in high pressure areas, so increasing cushioning in our shoes is an excellent way to reduce pressure. Instead of a flat canvas shoe, consider a cushioned trainer. Instead of your usual footwear for walking, try a cushioned running shoe for long walks.
It doesn’t have to be all the time you wear cushioned trainers, but if you like to walk for long periods, a shoe change may be all that you need.
Here at Dunford Health, we recommend Hoka trainers for people who are on their feet for long periods
There are many different types of footwear for all occasions, and Dunford Health can recommend footwear for your activitiy type such as brogue shoes, boots, or any shoe you prefer. Most types of shoes have comparable alternatives that provide cushioning or are a specific shape for your foot that prevents a corn from forming.
Orthotics
If you prefer to wear a certain type of shoe or are unable to change your shoes, orthotics maybe for you. Maybe you have even changed your shoe to a cushioned shoe and you still have your corn build up quickly. Specially made orthotics with pads and additions to reduce pressure over the corn are an extra way to alleviate your corn pain furthur.
Usually with a change in shoe and an orthotic, we can guarantee your corn will not be giving you the same problems as it has done before
