Although corns and calluses are very common and something we treat often at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, we often find that our patients have a number of misconceptions about them. Find out how much you know about corns and calluses with our true/false statements below:

Corns and Calluses are pretty much the same thing.

False. Although corns and calluses both involve the thickening of the skin in response to repeated pressure, corns have a small, hard center.

Corns and calluses are basically skin problems.

False. Actually, corns and calluses are indications of a bone problem. They form in response to an internal issue in your foot. You might have a heel spur or a dropped metatarsal head under the ball of your foot. When there is a bony enlargement or a bone is out of place and receives excessive pressure as you walk a callus or corn may form as a way of protecting the tissue beneath the surface of the skin.

Calluses can be painful.

True. Nerves can become compressed and bursa sacs inflamed when you continue to exert pressure on an area where a callus has formed. This pain can range from aching and sore to extremely sharp or stabbing pains. Another cause of pain is the friction caused by shoes rubbing over the callus or corn which can create a blister or an open sore and possibly lead to an infection.

Treatment for calluses can include orthotics, cortisone injections and even surgery.

True. Technically the callus itself can be removed with exfoliation or an over the counter product or at the podiatrist’s office but it’s the underlying cause that needs to be treated in order for the callus to be permanently eliminated. Our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley and Dr. Constance Omelas will examine your foot and determine the problem beneath the callus. Relief from pain and pressure on the affected area may be achieved with a cortisone injection or by using orthotics to shift weight away from the trouble spot. Surgery may be recommended to remove a spur or correct a bone that has become displaced.

If you have a callus or corn that causing you discomfort, contact us for an appointment at our Long Beach office.