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Corns and calluses

Corns are cone-shaped accumulations of callus that causes pain under the foot or between toes. They can be compared to the sensation of walking on a small pebble.  
They may appear on any point of the foot that is under friction or pressure, including between the toes and under the forefoot. They require the attention of a skilled professional even though and recurrence is frequent.

Symptoms:

  • Sensation of a lump or sharp rock under the foot or between the toes

  • Underfoot corns often have a yellow halo and a darker center

  • Pain more intense barefoot than with shoes
     

Causes:

  • Excessive pressure on a focal point

  • Ill-fitting or tight shoes

  • Scar tissue

  • Bony proeminence

  • Problematic biomechanics (for example, a hallux valgus causing increased pressure under the 2nd metatarsal head)

Home treatments:

  • Wearing more suitable shoes, in particular with the mention "wide", or wide at the forefoot

  • Using a pumice stone and moisturizer

  • Shoe modifications

  • Shoes with flexible tissue for corns between the toes
     

Treatments by the podiatrist:

  • Debridement of corns by a podiatrist using a scalpel and specialized tools

  • Prevention

  • Some toe orthoses can be prescribed by the podiatrist

For more answers to your questions,
see your neighborhood podiatrist.

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