Corns vs. Calluses: What’s the Difference and How to Treat Them?

Treat your corns and calluses in Westbury, NY, by partnering with Dr. John Kolberg of Westbury Foot Care.

How Do Corns and Calluses Differ?

Spending much time standing or walking around can be hard on your feet. In addition to tiring your feet out and causing considerable discomfort, the aforementioned activities may also lead to the emergence of corns and calluses.

While many folks are already familiar with corns and calluses, they may not realize they are using those terms correctly. Despite their similarities, corns and calluses are not the same thing.

First off, calluses are thickened patches of skin that tend to develop on different sections of the foot and other parts of the body exposed to friction and pressure. They are more commonly found near the balls of the feet and the heels.

Calluses can vary quite a bit in terms of size and color. Some calluses have a yellowish hue, while others may not have that much color to them. It’s also worth mentioning that calluses often don’t cause discomfort.

Meanwhile, corns usually grow on the tops and sides of the toes. Occasionally, corns may also grow between the toes. They don’t have as much color variety as calluses, and they also tend to be smaller for the most part. Corns are also thicker and harder compared to calluses.

Pain is still not a major issue for corns, but they can cause more discomfort when pressed. You may experience more foot pain due to corns if you wear tight-fitting shoes.

Are you still struggling to tell if you are dealing with corns or calluses? If so, you can contact Dr. Kolberg of Westbury Foot Care for an accurate read on your corns or calluses in Westbury, NY.

How Are Corns and Calluses Treated?

While corns and calluses differ in quite a few ways, they are remarkably similar in how they should be addressed.

Your podiatrist can treat your corns and calluses by recommending footwear changes. They can always look at the shoes you wear and suggest replacements that won’t crowd your feet as much. If you struggle to find new shoes, your podiatrist may provide orthotics instead. Place those orthotics inside your shoes to reduce friction on your feet.

Corns and calluses can also be trimmed using a scalpel. However, you may need to soak your feet and moisturize the hardened patches of skin beforehand so they can be trimmed properly.

Surgery can also address the structural issues that contribute to corns and calluses.

To schedule treatment for your corns and calluses in Westbury, NY, call 516-338-8802 and speak to Dr. Kolberg of Westbury Foot Care.