Calluses and Corns
A callus, or tyloma, on the foot is caused from repeated pressure and friction, leading to the build up of thickened skin. The callus, which be may hard, dry or cracked, acts to protect the area underneath it. A corn is similar to a callus but is smaller and appears on toes rather than on the sole of the foot.
Diagnosis
A callus or corn is typically diagnosed upon examination.
Treatment
Your chiropodist will remove corns and calluses at routine foot care visits. To help prevent the corns and calluses from forming in the first place, your chiropodist will look to identify whether there are any structural foot problems or biomechanical issues creating pressure points and treat them using proper footwear, padding and offloading, and sometimes with custom orthotics.
Without Treatment
While treatment for calluses and corns is not always necessary, it may provide you with more comfort. Larger calluses can cause significant pain. In some patients, especially when they become cracked, calluses can lead to wounds that can lead to serious problems, especially in people with diabetes. Calluses and corns can also be signs of other structural or biomechanical foot health issues.