Corns And Callouses Specialist

Permian Basin Foot and Ankle

Podiatrist Foot & Ankle Surgeon & Board Certified Podiatrist located in Odessa, TX & Midland, TX

Rough bumps or patches of skin on your feet are called corns and callouses, and they come from excess pressure or friction from your shoes, the ground, or even your other toes. At Permian Basin Foot and Ankle, with locations in Odessa, Midland, and Pecos, Texas, podiatrists Justin Brown, DPM, Jordan Womack, DPM and their team treat uncomfortable corns and calluses and can help you prevent them from redeveloping. To explore available treatments for corns and calluses, call Permian Basin Foot and Ankle or book an appointment online today.

Corns and Callouses Q&A

What are corns and calluses?

Corns and calluses develop when the skin in certain areas on your feet becomes thicker and tougher. They’re your skin’s way of protecting against pressure and friction, but they can be unattractive and even uncomfortable. Though they’re similar, corns and calluses are not exactly the same:

Corns

Corns are the smaller of the two. They usually develop on the top or sides of your toes, but not on the bottom. If you apply pressure, they might feel painful or uncomfortable.

Calluses

Calluses develop on the bottoms of your feet, which withstand lots of pressure when you stand or walk. They typically aren’t painful and are larger than corns.

What causes corns and calluses?

Corns and calluses both develop because of pressure placed on your feet or friction from rubbing. Factors that can lead to corns and calluses include:

Wearing tight shoes
Wearing pointed shoes
Wearing shoes without socks
Walking barefoot often
Walking, jogging, or running frequently
Using your feet with pedals and other tools

Without treatment, corns and calluses can put you at risk for other foot complications like bunions and hammertoe. To avoid this and reduce instances of corns and calluses, the team at Permian Basin Foot and Ankle recommends wearing shoes that fit well and give your feet plenty of room to breathe.

How are corns and calluses treated?

Treatment for corns and calluses is rarely necessary. If you have corns or calluses that cause discomfort, the team at Permian Basin Foot and Ankle can help you explore your treatment options and find a solution. Usually, treatment heavily relies on behavioral changes, like avoiding repeated movements or persistent pressure. Other options include:

Custom shoe inserts

Custom shoe inserts can help redistribute the pressure on the bottoms of your feet. This can relieve discomfort from corns or calluses and help prevent them from redeveloping.

Medications

Certain medications containing salicylic acid can help to remove corns and calluses. The team at Permian Basin Foot and Ankle might recommend salicylic acid patches to wear over your corns or calluses.

Removal with a scalpel

The team at Permian Basin Foot and Ankle might shave layers off your corns or calluses using a sterile scalpel in the office. Doing so can prevent them from getting infected.

If the corns or calluses on your feet make it difficult to stand, walk, or run comfortably, call Permian Basin Foot and Ankle or reserve an appointment online today.