Calluses and Corns
Prevention and Treatment of Calluses and Corns
To prevent calluses and corns, IPFH suggests the following:
Wear properly selected and fitted, as part of an integrated approach, padded socks with shoes with non-slip outsoles and any inserts or orthotics prescribed or recommended by a doctor or foot health professional. Peer-reviewed, published studies have shown that wearing clinically-tested padded socks can help protect against injuries to the skin/soft tissue of the foot. Padded socks also reduce stress on the feet, and thereby the possibility of abnormal pressure points and overstress in areas where calluses may form.
It’s also important to wear properly designed and fitted footwear with few seams or raised areas that can cause pressure points or rub the skin.
Don’t try to cut or remove a callus on your own. Gentle paring with a pumice stone or an emery board may help reduce the callus if it is enlarged. People with diabetes or circulatory problems should seek medical help to remove a callus.
Check your feet at least a few times a week to see if any red or rough areas have formed. If you see unusual or severe pressure points, see your doctor.