Most everyone has experienced blisters from a pair of poor fitting shoes or running a few too many miles. It turns out these painful sores aren't the only complications that can result from such behaviors. Calluses can develop as well.
Fortunately, treatment is available.
At Advanced Care Foot and Ankle in Corona and Ontario, California, our highly skilled podiatric surgeons provide expert care for a wide variety of foot and ankle concerns. Whether it's an injury, chronic condition or issue like calluses we provide personalized care and customized treatment plans to speed recovery as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Calluses are thick, hardened patches of skin that can form anywhere on the body but most often occur on the feet, hands, and fingers. They are frequently the result of repeated friction or rubbing such as from ill-fitting shoes, running long distances, and activities like playing the guitar. They may be painful or become painful over time.
Calluses are similar to corns in that they both consist of hardened skin and may cause discomfort, redness, and blisters. Calluses, however, are flatter and less likely to be sensitive while corns are small, raised bumps that are more often painful.
Ignoring calluses allows them to grow larger which then makes them more difficult to treat. It can also raise the risk of infection which not only affects walking but could increase the chances of needing antibiotics or surgery.
Some people may try to care for their calluses at home by wearing donut-style adhesive pads or soaking the area and filing off the dead tissue with a pumice stone or emery board. For fast and permanent relief, however, seeing a doctor is best as they can safely remove the dead skin with a minor procedure.
Never try an over-the-counter product designed to dissolve calluses as the harsh chemicals could injure nearby healthy skin if they are not applied exactly correctly.
Similarly, people should not cut the callus out themselves. This could result in injury or infection.
In addition to addressing the existing callus, a medical professional can make customized recommendations like shoe suggestions, footwear padding, orthotics, and more. They can also evaluate if there are any structural issues in the feet or toes that are contributing to calluses.
If you're suffering from a callus or other foot or ankle ailment, we can help. Click to book an appointment or call the Corona office at 951-735-8806 or the Ontario office at 909-983-5710 today.