Calluses and Corns
Treatment

Calluses and corns are thickened and hardened layers of skin caused by pressure or friction. They often develop on hands, fingers, feet, and toes when the skin tries to protect itself.

Corns and calluses can usually be managed effectively without treatment unless they start to hurt or if the patient finds them unsightly. However, for most people, corns and calluses go away when they stop applying too much friction or pressure on their hands.

Certain conditions, including diabetic neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease, can make corns and calluses problematic. Attempting self-treatment or leaving corns and calluses untreated if you have one of these two conditions is ill-advised. If you are seeking callus or foot corn removal in Singapore, consult the podiatrist at Footworks Podiatry for effective solutions.

Differentiating Corns and Calluses

Calluses and corns are different conditions, each with its own characteristics:

Corns

These smaller, deeper growths often have a hard center surrounded by swollen skin and can be painful to the touch. Hard corns often develop on the tops of the toes, or the outside edge of the tiny toe, and soft corns often develop between the toes.

Calluses

Calluses typically form on pressure points like the heels, balls of the feet, palms, and knees and are rarely uncomfortable. They are often bigger than corns and can be of different sizes and shapes.

Causes of Corn and Callus

Friction and pressure are the common culprits behind the development of corns and calluses. Contributing factors include:

Ill-fitting Shoes and Socks: Shoes that are too tight or loose, as well as uncomfortable socks, can lead to your feet constantly rubbing against the shoes.
Not Wearing Socks: Wearing shoes and sandals without socks can cause friction on the feet.
Certain sports and activities: Some sports and activities The repeated pressure of sports such as running or tennis can lead to calluses on the feet
Genetic Predisposition: Genetics can play a role, particularly in the development of corns in non-weight-bearing areas like the soles and palms.

Symptoms of Corn and Calluses

Symptoms of corns and calluses can include:

Thickened and rough skin
A hardened bump
Pain or tenderness under the skin
Waxy, flaky, or dry skin

Risk Factors for Corns and Calluses

Anyone can experience calluses and corns. In fact, more people suffer from them than any other kind of foot problem.

But some factors increase the likelihood of developing these conditions:

The feet of older individuals usually have less fatty tissue and flexibility; calluses can develop in areas in which there is a lack of padding.
Prolonged periods of standing or activities that add pressure on the feet can cause your skin to get thicker over time.
If there are protrusions on your feet, your shoes may rub against those areas, resulting in corns.

Corn and Callus Treatment at Footworks Podiatry

Our treatment process is split into three phases to help you regain healthy skin and feet. The phases are as shown below:

Consultation

Our podiatrist begins with understanding the patient's medical history. To identify the most likely cause of corns and calluses for them, we will first examine their symptoms, list out potential underlying causes, and look at other possible aspects.

Diagnosis

Our podiatrist will perform a physical examination to identify the problem the patient is dealing with. It's essential to have their feet examined to determine the underlying cause of the uneven distribution of extra pressure on the foot because calluses can often be symptoms of other conditions as well.

Treatment

After the diagnosis, we will create a treatment plan for the patient. During each session, we will inform the patient about their health and address any questions or worries they might have.

Podiatric equipment, such as scalpels and vacuum suction electric files, are used to gently remove corns and calluses without causing too much pain. This method effectively removes the hardened skin without damaging the nearby skin or blood vessels.

In some situations, we may also use topical ointments. This is especially beneficial for corns, which are prone to infection and ulceration. The ointment assists in reducing or even stopping corn growth.

Remove Callus with Footworks Podiatry

Prevent callus from affecting your quality of life. At Footworks Podiatry, we are dedicated to helping you restore your healthy feet and nails.

Schedule an appointment with us for a consultation and embark on your journey to healthier, callus-free skin. Come to us for callus treatment and comprehensive foot care solutions.

We have appointments immediately available. Call us today to book an appointment with our podiatrist at +65 9437 1000