Many people will develop a corn, callus or bunion at some point in their life. Often caused by ill-fitting shoes or uneven pressures from walking or running, these bothersome foot problems can cause feet to look unsightly, or even worse, result in pain and discomfort. At-home care and prevention can help maintain the overall health of your feet, but it's always best to treat any long-lasting foot problem by visiting a professional podiatrist or foot surgeon in Memphis. He can advise you on the best treatments for preventing and eliminating these pesky foot conditions. Corns A corn is a thickened growth of skin that forms on the toes when the bones push against shoes or other toes, creating friction against the skin. Hard corns typically develop on the top of the toe or on the side of the small toe, while soft corns are similar to open sores which develop between the toes. Corns are almost always caused from wearing restrictive shoes that place repeated pressure on the toes. But hammertoes and other toe deformities can be the source of their development as well. The first and most obvious step for treating a corn is to stop wearing shoes that are building up pressure. Buy shoes that allow plenty of toe room, and if needed, ask your podiatrist about a corn foam pad that can prevent pressure and reduce further irritation to the affected area. A corn can be removed easily and painlessly by a podiatrist by shaving it with a scalpel. And if the pain persists and the corn isn't reducing in size, see you're podiatrist for professional care and treatment. Calluses Similar to corns, calluses are areas of excess thickened skin that gradually develop due to repeated pressure and friction. Calluses typically cover a larger area than corns, however, and generally form on the heels or balls of the feet. Like corns, the formation of a callus is often caused by poor-fitting shoes, and with proper fitting footwear and simple at-home remedies, the callus will usually reduce in size and disappear on its own. To remove the callus, try gently exfoliating the skin with a pumice stone. This is often enough to remove the excess skin and ease any pain or discomfort. Cutting away a callus on your own may cause more harm than good, so if you need assistance visit your podiatrist, especially if you suffer from diabetes. A professional foot surgeon or podiatrist can help alleviate callus pain by shaving the skin away and applying a pad to the affected area for relief. Bunions Bunions are typically more serious than corns or calluses, and usually appear as a bony prominence over the big toe joint. This can cause the big toe to bend towards the other toes, positioning the bones in your feet out of alignment, which produces pain, inflammation and restricted motion. Bunions can form for various reasons, but typically develop as a result of poor fitting footwear, such as narrow-toed shoes or high-heels. Individuals with flat feet or have a history of bunions in their family are also more prone to bunions. If you are suffering from bunion pain, there are a few things you can do at home to alleviate the pain and inflammation. Wear shoes with a wide toe box, and ice the affected area throughout the day. You can usually purchase bunion pads at your local drug store for additional relief. Because bunions tend to be more serious and painful than corns or calluses, it's often advisable to see a podiatrist or foot surgeon if the pain persists. He can examine the severity of your bunion and recommend the best treatment to stop the pain and reduce the size of the bony enlargement. And if conservative approaches aren't effective, bunion surgery (bunionectomy) from a professional foot surgeon could be a viable option for correcting your foot's alignment, removing the bony enlargement and stopping the pain. Corns, calluses and bunions are three common foot problems caused by repeated pressure and friction, often a result of ill fitting shoes. But they don't have to hinder your every day activities. Start with a comfortable pair of shoes to reduce the pain and irritation. And if the pain persists, see a podiatrist or foot surgeon for an evaluation and professional consultation.
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