Corns vs. Calluses: How to Get Your Feet Sandal Ready and Pain Free

Corns and calluses are two of the most common foot conditions caused by friction. Depending on their location, they can be painful or impact mobility, and the way they look can make you want to cover your feet. 

Now that summer is here, many people are transitioning to flip-flops and sandals. Corns or calluses might have you second-guessing that choice, but they’re easy to treat.

At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, Drs. Edward Buro, Christine Peterson, and Rosario Saccomanno specialize in treating corns and calluses. 

Read on to discover the difference, when to seek a podiatrist’s help, and what to expect in terms of treatment. 

Corns and calluses: how to tell the difference

Corns and calluses develop when the skin on your feet rubs against your shoes or socks. While often grouped together, corns and calluses are two different things:

Corns

Corns are small, round bumps that typically form on the tops, sides, or tips of the toes. They look similar to blisters, but instead of containing liquid, they have a hard center that resembles a corn kernel.

Calluses

Calluses are large, thickened patches of skin that form due to persistent friction or pressure. They often occur where your toes, heels, or feet make contact with your shoes or socks, such as the heels or the balls of the feet.

Tips for preventing corns and calluses

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent corns and calluses, but there are things you can do to lower your risk. We recommend:

Wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes

The leading cause of corns and calluses is wearing tight shoes, such as high heels, that place excess pressure on certain areas of your feet. You can prevent this type of irritation by wearing shoes that fit well. If you can’t wiggle your toes comfortably when your shoes are on, they’re probably too tight.

Monitoring your feet daily

Corns and calluses develop slowly, over weeks or months. Checking your feet daily, whenever you get out of bed or after you bathe, can help you catch them early and prevent them from worsening. 

Wear moisture-wicking socks

Many people’s feet get sweaty. If your socks tend to get damp, you’re more likely to experience corns and calluses. Moisture-wicking socks made from materials like polyester or merino wool can help keep your skin dry and reduce irritation. 

When to see a professional 

Corns and calluses typically aren’t a cause for concern, especially when they’re small. If they don’t cause pain or make you feel self-conscious about wearing sandals or going barefoot, you don’t necessarily need to treat them.

However, if they make it difficult to walk or complete daily activities, it’s important to see a podiatrist. This is especially true if you have a chronic health condition like diabetes that increases the risk of infection or other complications. You may also benefit from professional care if you’re worried about how your feet look and want to have your corns or calluses removed.

How corns and calluses are treated

We treat corns and calluses using a minimally invasive, integrative approach. After discussing your symptoms and completing a foot exam, we may recommend:

• Exfoliating your skin with a pumice stone
• Applying hydrating creams to keep your skin moisturized
• Wearing comfortable shoes that don’t rub against your skin
• Wound care if you have ulcers or blisters
• Diabetic foot care if you have diabetes
• Treating foot conditions that increase the risk of corns and calluses, such as hammertoes and bunions

If you worry about how your feet look due to corns or calluses, we may remove them with minimally invasive surgery. Combined with preventive care, this can keep corns and calluses from returning.

Don’t let corns and calluses keep you from moving comfortably or wearing your favorite seasonal shoes. To learn more about professional treatment options and schedule an appointment, contact Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, today. Call (631) 864-3338 or book online.