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Treatments

Corns & Callus

The Difference Between a Callus and a Corn

First off, you should understand the difference between a callus and a corn. They are similar conditions, as they are both the result of thickening skin but can be ease to confuse one another.

Corns are typically smaller than calluses. They consist of a hard area surrounded by thickened skin. They can develop almost anywhere on the foot, even between toes. When you press on them, corns are typically painful.

Calluses cover a larger more diffuse area of the foot and spread over a wider area, therefore they primarily appear on the bottom of the feet around the heels or ball of the foot.

Types of Corns

There are three different types of corns.
– A hard corn has a core and is surrounded by thick layers of dead skin.
– Soft corns almost always appear between the toes and are much softer.
– Seed corns are much smaller corns.

Generally all three types of corns can cause some form of pain or discomfort.

Causes of corns

Pressure is the main culprit that causes foot corns. This means that wearing shoes that are too tight, wearing shoes without socks, or standing and walking for long periods of time can all contribute to their development.

High heels, and the awkward pressure they put on the foot are a big culprit, making it more common to women.

Callus

Like corns, callus form due to areas of the foot that might experience increased pressure or shearing forces which cause hard and thickened of the skin on the balls of the foot or around the heels.

Treatment for corns and callus

Corns and calluses are easy for your Chiropodist to remove. At home, you might be able to file the the skin away with an emery board or pumice stone. Keeping your skin soften or moisturized by using foot creams can improve build up and discomfort caused by corns or callus. Some people require regular visits to their Chiropodist for maintenance, others do well with off loading. Ask you Chiropodist which is best for you.

Treatments

Warts

A viral infection of the skin caused by HPV. These bumpy growths might seem like a harmless change in the skin's surface, but there is more to it. Warts are a viral infection of the skin caused by HPV and it’s essential to know what can be done for your warts. What...

Varicose Veins

Distended or tortuous veins in the lower leg. Varicose veins impact the lives of 3.7 million Canadians. This common condition affects twice as many women, and for many, it’s an inherited trait. You may notice bulging veins or bluish strings of veins running beneath...

Sesamoiditis

Inflammation of one of the small seasamoid bones situated under the big toe joint. Never heard of sesamoid bones or sesamoiditis? You’re not alone. Many people don’t know what sesamoid bones are or how they differ from regular bones.  What are Sesamoid Bones?...

Plantar Fasciitis

A condition where the plantar fascia becomes inflamed and painful. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot-related diagnoses in Canada, causing heel pain in as many as 7% of people. While the initial discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis may not seem...

Orthotics

Custom made foot orthotics. Our feet are the foundation of our being. Surprisingly, most people ignore their feet until something starts to bother them. Only at time time, do people start to appreciate their feet, and what they do for them. Fortunately, there are many...

Metatarsalgia

A term used to describe pain in the area of the ball of the foot. It’s common for your feet to hurt after you’ve been on them all day. This is particularly true if you aren’t used to standing for hours at a time. However, there’s a difference between aching feet that...

Ingrown Toenails

Is one of your toenails causing you pain when you walk? Have you noticed that part of your nail is beginning to pierce the skin, maybe some redness in the area? While it is common to ignore minor problems like this, you may have an ingrown toenail that could...

Heel Pain

Do you have an uncomfortable ache in your heel after a long day? Are you unable to exercise due to heel pain? If you are experiencing unpleasant symptoms, it is best to seek treatment for heel pain. While some aches can go away on their own, lingering heel pain need...

Fungal Nails

A fungal infection that affects the a portion or all of the nail plate. How to Tell if You Have Fungal Nails People generally believe that they don't carry fungus and bacteria on their bodies just because they practice good hygiene. Fungus and bacteria are part of the...

Bunions

A bump on the side of the large toe due to its deviation inwards. Bunions affect approximately 23 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 65 and 36 percent of those over the age of 65. If you suffer from bunions, you’re definitely not alone. You may have...

Arthritis of the Foot

Are you experiencing pain in your feet? Does this discomfort result after rest? You may be suffering from arthritis of the foot. This is a condition that can manifest in many ways and it is important to seek treatment to relieve symptoms. What is Arthritis? Arthritis...

Forefoot or Digital Deformities

Hammer toes, claw toes and mallet toes are forms of lesser toe deformity. Generally, lesser toe deformity affects the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes. Symptomatic digital deformities can be most often treated using conservative means. However, surgical intervention can be...

Flat Feet

Flat feet, or fallen arches is a common deformity where there is collapse in the arch of the foot. This can result in the arch of the foot nearly touching or completely contacting the ground. This deformity can occur solely in one foot or can occur in both feet. Flat...

Diseases of The Nails

Have you ever noticed that one or many of your toenails seem different? Have you noticed thickening of the nail, detachment from the nail plate, pitting or riding in the nail(s), maybe discolouration? Changes in nails appearance can be due to many factors such as:...

Diabetes & Foot Problem

Having diabetes puts one at greater risk of developing foot problems, such as foot ulcer and infections and at the worst could lead to amputation. Why? Raised blood glucose (blood sugar) can damage the nerves/sensation in one’s feet. It can also affect the blood flow...

Compression Stockings

What Are Compression Stockings? Compression stocking are a medical treatment you can wear. They are part of the core treatment for venous and lymphatic disorders and diseases. Graduated compression therapy is the application of external pressure applied to the limb to...

Orthopaedic Footwear

Orthopedic shoes are designed to support the foot and accommodate specific foot abnormalities, such as bunions, hammertoes, wide fitting feet etc. Orthopedic footwear can be categorized in 2 various types : Off-the-shelf (ready to wear) and custom. Custom Orthopaedic...

Foot Ankle Orthoses (AFO)

AFO are slightly more complex than a typical foot orthotic as they support both the foot and ankle. AFOs provide support and assistance, and allow a patient to move through the various stages of gait. They provide support and stabilization at the ankle to allow more...