The Impact of Corns and Calluses on Overall Foot Health

Foot discomfort can happen for several reasons. You may experience such discomfort if you have corns and calluses in Hamilton, ON. At Hamilton Foot Care, Corey Bess, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Chiropodist helps ensure patients have the highest quality care to help manage and prevent such foot formations.

A Corn Vs a Callus

Some people may confuse these foot conditions, but they are distinct.  Corns are smaller and usually form on the tops and sides of toes. Calluses often appear on the soles, particularly the heels, and balls, as those areas bear most of your weight when walking. Unlike corns, calluses can form on your hands, mostly on the palms.

Callused skin is usually spread out and flat compared to the rounder shape of a foot corn that also has a hard center. Pressing down on corns can cause pain, but you are not likely to have pain with a callus unless there is an infection. Infection can set in if the skin becomes cracked.

How They Affect Foot Health

When you have corns and calluses in Hamilton, ON, you will likely have pain when walking or standing too long. Infection can happen when either one develops cracked or broken skin. If you have diabetic feet, your foot skin is even more sensitive and susceptible to infection. Skin ulcers are open sores and can easily develop due to slow healing associated with diabetics and poor circulation.

Foot pain can cause you to change how you walk to avoid pressing those areas. However, more pain and other problems can develop as an altered gait puts more pressure on the ankles, knees, hips, and back. 

When Medical Intervention Is Needed

Some people can remove calluses and corns on their own before they worsen. If you have chronic conditions, like diabetes or poor circulation, you should have your local podiatrist handle this for you. If you trim them improperly, you risk breaking the skin. Diabetics can rely on medical pedicures for general foot care and other problems like ingrown toenails. If you have chronic occurrences of these skin formations, your chiropodist may fit you for custom orthotics to protect the feet.

Contact Us for More Information

At Hamilton Foot Care, Corey Bess, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Chiropodist will help ensure your feet are healthy so you can avoid pain and infection. You don’t have to live with corns and calluses in Hamilton, ON. To heal your feet, call us at 905-389-9711 today.