Corns & Calluses

Corns and calluses form when your skin rubs against your socks or shoes, causing pressure and friction. At Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine, on the East Side of Manhattan in New York City, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Robert Maccabee, DPM, offers complete care for corns and calluses. A quick, outpatient procedure removes the excess skin to relieve pain and promote healing. Call Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine today to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online. 

Is the thickened skin on my feet a corn or callus?

Yes. Corns and calluses are hard, thickened areas of skin that form due to excess pressure or friction. Corns and calluses are often mentioned together, but they have distinct differences:

Corns

These growths are small and round. They often form on the tips or sides of the toes and look similar to a popcorn kernel, hence their name. 

Calluses

These growths are thick and oblong. They’re common on the heels and bony areas of the feet that experience friction with your shoes or socks. 

What are the symptoms of corns and calluses?

Corn and callus symptoms include:

• Small, round, raised bumps of hardened skin
• Raised areas or bumps that are painful to touch
• Thick, hardened patches of skin
• Pain, redness, and blisters

Corns and calluses typically aren’t dangerous, but if you have a medical condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet, like diabetes, they can increase your risk of infection. 

How does a board-certified podiatrist diagnose corns and calluses?

Dr. Maccabee reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your feet and toes. He inquires about your lifestyle, including the type of shoes you wear, and checks for underlying health problems that might affect the alignment of the bones in your feet. 

Most corns and calluses are diagnosed with a simple visual exam, but Dr. Maccabee might also order digital X-rays to assess your bone and joint alignment.

How does a board-certified podiatrist treat corns and calluses?

At Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine, Dr. Maccabee treats corns and calluses with a conservative, hands-on approach. He might suggest:

• Soaking your feet in warm water several times daily
• Applying moisturizing cream to the corn or callus
• Using a pumice stone or emery board to remove excess skin
• Wearing properly fitting shoes that reduce skin friction
• Keeping your toenails trimmed
• Applying an ice pack to reduce swelling

If you have diabetes or another medical condition that affects circulation to your feet, Dr. Maccabee might recommend removing the corn or callus in-office. That can reduce your risk of infection and prevent complications. 

You might also benefit from surgery if you have an alignment problem, like flat feet, that increases your risk of corns and calluses. 

Call Advanced Footcare & Sports Medicine today to schedule treatment for corns and calluses, or book your appointment online.