Corns and Callous

When we walk or stand, our body weight is carried first on the heel and then on the ball of the foot, where the skin is thicker, to withstand the pressure. When this pressure becomes intense, growths in the form of Corns and callous may appear.

A callous, or callosity, is an extended area of thickened skin on the soles of the feet, and occurs on the point of pressure.

If the callous is painfull and feels as if you are walking on stones, consult a State Registered Chiropodist who can remove hard skin, relieve pain , and redistribute pressure with soft padding, strapping, or corrective appliances which will fit easily into your shoes. The skin should then return to it's normal state.

Hard corns are the most common and appear as small , concentrated areas of hard skin up to the size of a small pea, usually within a wider area of thickened skin or callous, and can be symptoms of feet or toes not functioning properly.

You could use a pumice stone to remove the thickened skin a little at a time, or relieve the pressure between the toes with a foam wedge, but if you are unsure of what to do, or need special attention, consult a State Registered Chiropodist who will be able to remove corns painlessly, apply padding or insoles to relieve pressure, or fit corrective appliances for long-term relief.

Soft Corns are whitish and rubbery in texture, and appear between toes, where the skin is moist from sweat, or from inadequate drying. A State Registered Chiropodist will be able to reduce the bulk of the corn, and apply astringents to cut down on sweat retention between the toes.

Consultation: appointment by telephone 01293 784200