Corn & Calluses

  Corn / Clavus, Hyperkeratosis & Callosities

                        

Corn and callous are your body,s way of protecting  from your blisters and open sores. Your body builds up hard, dead skin to thicken and toughen an area where their is increased pressure or friction. The most common location for calluses is on the ball of the foot, They most often develop on the feet

and toes or hands and fingers. Corns and calluses can be unsightly  

A corn (also termed clavus) is a thickening of the skin due to intermittent pressure and frictional forces. The medical term for the thickened skin that forms corns and calluses is hyperkeratosis. Corns, also known as helomas or clavi, sometimes have a dry, waxy, or translucent appearance. A callus is also known as a tyloma. The extensive thickening of the skin in a corn may result in chronic pain, particularly in the forefoot; in certain situations, this thickening may result in ulcer formation.

People of all ages can be affected but they are particularly common in people over 65 years of age.  They affect woman more than man. Corns and calluses have been shown to affect 20% - 65% of people in this age range. 
Corns won’t disappear overnight, but you can see them lessen in appearance in as little as two weeks with treatment. It may be a month or more before they completely disappear. If you regularly develop corns, look for more supportive, comfortable shoes. 

Introduction  

Picture of Foot

                               

Foot : The end of the leg on which a person normally stand and walks. The foot is an extremely complex anatomical structure made up of 26 bones and 33 joints that must work together with 19 muscles and 107 ligaments to execute highly precise movements. At the same time the foot must be strong to support more than 100,000 pounds of pressure for every mile walked. Even small changes in the foot can unexpectedly undermine its structural integrity and cause pain with every step. 

Foot function has been in conflict with fashion for many years. In china girls once had their feet bound to shorten them by bending the toes backward. Foot function has been in conflict with fashion for many years.

Picture of Foot Anatomy 

Corns and calluses occur on parts of the feet and sometimes the fingers. They happen when the skin tries to protect an underlying area from injury, pressure, or rubbing. Neither is dangerous, but they can cause irritation. Calluses and corns are not normally harmful, but sometimes they may lead to infections or ulcerations of the skin, especially among people with diabetes and those with poor circulation in the feet.

            "Corns and calluses develop naturally to help protect the skin underneath them."

Taking Care of Your Feet

Your feet are two of the most abused and often used parts of the body, what with all the walking and running that you do everyday. This being said, you should make sure to give your feet the attention and care they deserve every so often. Taking good care of your feet will prevent you from getting foot problems. No matter what the season is, it is always important to keep your feet and toenails in tip-top condition. During the hotter months, for example, your feet are constantly visible due to footwear choices such as sandals and slippers, so it would be a good idea to keep them looking fabulous and presentable. But even during the winter months when you feet are bundled up in socks and boots, it would still be advisable to take extra measures in keeping your feet well-cared for.

Here are some useful steps in taking care of your feet and toenails, which will get you to putting your best feet forward -- literally -- in no time.

* Make sure to wash your feet daily. With all the running about from place to place that most people do everyday, the feet would have been exposed to a lot of dust and dirt by the end of the day. If you take showers in the morning and not at night, at least make feet-washing a part of your nightly routine when you get home. Lather up with soap,and pay extra attention to the spaces in between the toes. Wipe the feet gently with a towel afterward. Aside from being a mark of good hygiene, doing this would also ensure that you do not step onto your bed with dirty feet, and thus prevent from bringing dirt to your place of rest and relaxation.

 Give your feet a pedicure : Soak your feet for about 5-10 minutes in a large bowl with lukewarm water. As an added treat, you may also wish to infuse the water with a few drops of essential oils or Dead Sea salts, to keep the feet smelling good and to soften hard skin respectively. The soaking time indicated here is merely just a suggestion -- you may choose to soak your feet for much longer if you want to relax, or if the hardened skin on your feet need extra hydration. Exfoliate your feet with a foot scrub to slough off dry and dead skin, and to moisturize your feet as well. Massage the scrub in circular motions, and rinse off afterward. To exfoliate the hardened skin on the heels and bottom part of the feet, use a foot file or a pumice stone. Make sure to use a gentle filing motion, and to never rub too hard.

Cut your toenails straight across, as opposed to a curved shape, to prevent ingrown toenails from occurring.Don't cut your nails too far down

Moisturize your feet everyday. Put lotion or foot cream on as a part of your routine. One way to achieve soft, moisturized feet is to rub on some lotion or petroleum jelly before bed, and slip on some socks. When you wake up in the morning, you'll find that your feet are very soft and are free from dryness! Just remember to never let the area between toes become over-moisturized, as this will cause fungus

Corns

 A corn (or clavus, plural clavi) is a specially shaped callus of dead skin that usually occurs on thin or glabrous (hairless and smooth) skin .A corn is a sharply demarcated callosity, which has developed a central, and often painful, leading to foot pain  if they interfere with walking  or other activity.Types ; A hard corn is a small patch of thickened, dead skin with a packed center. A soft corn has a much thinner surface and usually occurs between the 4th and 5th toes. A seed corn is a tiny, discrete callous that can be very tender if it's on a weight-bearing part of the foot. Seed corns tend to occur on the bottom of the feet, and some doctors believe this condition is caused by plugged sweat ducts.  . Corns can be hard and dry or soft and mushy.

Common locations for corns are

*  On the  bottom of the foot (sole or plantar surface), over the metatarsal arch (the "ball" of the foot)

*   On the outside of the fifth (small or "pinky") toe, where it rubs against the shoe;

*  Between the fourth and fifth toes. Unlike other corns that are firm and flesh-colored, corns between the toes are often whitish and messy; 

*  Corns : generally occur on the tops and sides of the toes.

Calluses

  Calluses: A callus refers to a more diffuse, flattened area of thick skin. Calluses can develop on hands, feet, or anywhere there is repeated friction -- even on a violinist's chin. Like corns, calluses have several variants. The common callus usually occurs when there's been a lot of rubbing against the hands or feet. A plantar callus is found on the bottom of the foot..Calluses can develop anywhere on the body where there is repeated friction, such as a guitar player’s fingertips or a mechanic’s palms. 

*   Calluses are rarely painful.

*   Calluses are usually larger than corns, and they vary in shape, while corns tend to be smaller, round and well-defined.

*   They usually develop on the soles of your feet, especially especially under the heels or balls, on your palms, or on your elbows,knees. Calluses vary in size and shape and are often larger than corns.

*   A callus is a section of skin that has become toughened and thick because of friction, pressure, or irritation. 

*  They typically form over the bony area just under the toes, areas of skin that take the person’s weight 

Causes

*    Corns develop due to bone pressure against the skin.
*   Abnormalities in anatomy of the feet or toes such as a bone spur, can cause constant rubbing inside your shoe.
*   Some corns and calluses on the feet develop from an improper walking motion.
*   Wearing ill-fitting shoes. Tight shoes can compress areas of your feet. When footwear is too loose, your foot may repeatedly slide and rub against the shoe. Your foot may also rub against a seam or stitch inside the shoe. Inappropriate shoes, abnormal foot mechanics, and high levels of activity produce pressure and friction that lead to corns and calluses
*   Skipping socks. Wearing shoes and sandals without socks can cause friction on your feet. Socks that don't fit properly also can be a problem.

*  Not protecting your hands. Using hand tools without wearing gloves exposes your skin to excessive friction. Using equipment, tools that exerts pressure at specific sites. or Playing musical instruments such as the guitar,   that exert pressure on specific locations on the fingers.
*  Bunions :  A bunion is an abnormal, bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. 
                            

*   Hammertoe:   A hammertoe is a deformity in which your toe curls like a claw. A hammertoe is a toe that is bent because of a weakened muscle. The weakened muscle makes the tendons (tissues that connect muscles to bone) shorter, causing the toes to curl under the feet Hammertoes can run in families. They can also be caused by shoes that are too short. Hammertoes can cause problems with walking  and can lead to other foot problems, such as blisters, calluses, and sores. Splinting and corrective footwear can help in treating hammertoes. In severe cases, surgery to straighten the toe may be necessary 
                                                  

*   Arthritis common causes of corns are arthritis
                                                     

*  Abnormalities  gait or movement that result in increased pressure to specific areas can also be the cause.

*   Certain occupations, such as farmers or garden workers, riksha puller.
*   High heels :  Shoes that are too tight or too high-heeled, causing pressure, are the worst offenders. They put pressure on the toes and make women four times as likely as men to have foot problem.

                                          

*    Some shoes scrunch up the smaller toes, causing claw or hammer toes wit painful corn and calluses  on the tops of these toes  
                                          

*   They are more common among people having sweaty feet, and those who stand for long periods each day.
*  A badly placed seam in a shoe that rubs against the skin
*   Socks that do not fit well
*   Wearing  shoes or sandals without socks, which leads to friction on the feet.
*    Walking barefoot regularly, as the skin will thicken to protect itself
*    Repeated actions such as jogging or walking in a particular way
*    Old age, as there is less fatty tissue in the skin, which means less padding and a higher risk of developing calluses, especially on the ball of the foot.
*  People who frequently cycle or use hand tools without wearing gloves can develop them. Repeated kneeling or resting elbows on a table can cause calluses on the knees or elbows.

                  "Consult a doctor, Dermatologist, Podiatrist, or a  Surgeons ."       

Symptoms & Sign

If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet, you're at greater risk of complications from corns and calluses. Seek your doctor's advice on proper care for corns and calluses if you have such a condition.

*  A thick, rough area of skin
*  A hardened, raised bump
*  Tenderness or pain under your skin
*  Flaky, dry or waxy skin

*  Painful, leading to Foot pain  if they interfere with walking or other activity. Calluses are typically painless.

                                                                   

 Diagnosis 

The diagnosis can be made by observing the characteristic changes in the skin. Specialized tests are not necessary

"Caution: corns and calluses treated, but they may return without lifestyle or footwear changes."

Lifestyle

*  Wearing well-fitting comfortable shoes is useful. The idea is to avoid having foot gear press on the outside of the fifth toe or pressing the fourth and fifth toes together to prevent corns in these areas.
*   Wear MCR (Micro Cellular Rubber) /MCP (MICRO CELLULAR POLYMER ) Chappals OR Foot Wears :MCP forms to the shape of bottom of the foot within a short period of usage by which foot pressure is distributed and pain is relieved. Innovation for comfort, protection and therapy.

                                                       

                                                          MCR/MCP CHAPPALS         
                              

*   Moisturize your skin. Apply moisturizer to your hands and feet to help keep the skin soft.
Another approach is to pad the potentially affected area.  Apply a specially moisturizing foot cream after washing and drying them well. 

                                           

*   Foot massage (पादअभ्ययंग) After washing with soap and water, massage the foot with sesame (til), mustard or coconut oil. foot massage with oil. If you massage these points you will find relief from pains. Walking barefoot at home is also good practice. 

*   The best way to prevent corns from forming or returning is to make sure you wear comfortable footwear (shoes / slippers)  that fit your feet properly. Your toes should be able to move easily in them. 

*    Cushioned insoles to pad the feet and alleviate mechanical pressure   

                                                                   

 

*    If you’re breaking in shoes, wear socks that are thick over your toes. You can also cover the tops of your toes and sides of your feet with breathable bandages where they are prone to corns.  

*    Keep your toenails trimmed, as long toenails can cause your toes to be in an abnormal position. When trimming the toenails, cut straight across, and not down at angles or over the edges
*  Shop for shoes later in the day, when the feet are at their largest, because feet swell slightly as the day progresses.
*  Wear clean socks every day and use talcum powder to prevent sweating. 
*  Wear shoes that give your toes plenty of room. If you can't wiggle your toes, your shoes are too tight. Have a shoe shop stretch your shoes at any point that rubs or pinches.

*   Use protective coverings. Wear felt pads, non medicated corn pads or bandages over areas that rub against your footwear. You can also try toe separators or some lamb's wool between your toes.

*   Wear padded gloves when using hand tools. Or try padding your tool handles with cloth tape or covers.

                  

" People with fragile skin or poor circulation in the feet (including many people with conditions like Diabetes  or peripheral arterial disease) should consult their health care professional as soon as corns or calluses develop."

Treatment 

Most lesions can be managed conservatively by proper footwear, orthoses, The lesions usually disappear when the causative mechanical forces are removed. Surgery is rarely indicated and should be specifically aimed at correcting the abnormal mechanical stresses.

 *   Antibiotics   If corns or calluses show signs of infection (such as increasing pain , the presence of pus or other drainage, swelling, and redness).

*  Soak your hands or feet. Soaking your hands or feet in warm, soapy water softens corns and calluses. This can make it easier to remove the thickened skin.

*  

*   Corn cap: Use over-the-counter pads. Apply a pad to protect the area where a corn or callus developed. Be careful using over-the-counter (nonprescription) liquid corn removers or medicated corn pads. These contain salicylic acid, which can irritate healthy skin and lead to infection, especially in people with diabetes or other conditions that cause poor blood flow.

What is salicylic acid ? :-   This is a keratolytic, which means it dissolves the protein, or keratin, that makes up the corn and the dead skin around it.-  It is available in creams, pads, and plasters, or it can be applied using an applicator or a dropper.-  The top of the skin will turn white, and the dead tissue can be cut or filed away.-The ingredients can irritate surrounding skin, so care should be taken when applying it. Do not use this on a cracked corn or callus.

*   File away the corn : It may be possible to remove the corn. Use these steps:-   Soak your feet in a warm bath with Epsom salt -   After the soak, pat your feet dry with a clean towel and moisturize with a hydrating lotion or cocoa butter.-   Continue this process daily until your corn has softened.

*   Thin thickened skin. During or after bathing, rub a corn or callus with a pumice stone, nail file, emery board or washcloth to help remove a layer of toughened skin. Don't use a sharp object to trim the skin. Don't use a pumice stone if you have diabetes.After it’s softened and not painful, try gently rubbing the corn with a pumice stone.-    If the corn is between your toes, use an emery board, also known as a nail file, to rub them.-   Repeat these steps until your corn has disappeared, which may take a few weeks.

                                                      

*  Pad the potentially affected area. Many sorts of padding are available at the drugstore

*  Cushions to put between the toes

*  Foam or moleskin pads to put over the places where corns form

*  Foam pads with holes in the center (shaped like donuts or bagels), which redistribute pressure around the corn instead of right over it

* Apply Castor oil and corn pads -   Pat dry your feet and apply castor oil. This is a vegetable-based oil that you can purchase at your local pharmacy.-   After moisturizing your corn with castor oil, protect it with a special corn pad that you can find at your pharmacy. Corn pads help relieve the pressure from the area so that the corn can heal.-   After applying, make sure to wear socks that are not too tight and ones you don’t care for because the castor oil can stain. It could take several weeks for the corn to heal.

Ayurveda

                                                 

You only need a House leek and a Band Aid to eliminate a nuisance on your feet or hands. House leeks are found on the walls or rocks. Some people actually grow them in their homes, welcoming them in pots right at their roof of their houses. Once you have located house leeks do the following steps:

1 . Prepare one slip of House leek

2 . Get rid of a thin skin around it. You can easily do it with one hand..

3 . Once the skin is off, put the house leek slip directly on your corn.

4 . Secure the house leek in place with a Band-Aid.

5 . It is recommended that you this in the morning, so that when the evening comes, you can replace house leek with a new one. Don,t remove until the next day.

Continue with the treatment for few days. When done correctly you will notice that at least three corn will be removed along with the roots. This treatment is proven to be effective and best of all . It is safe and very cheap.

Treatment for painful Bunion

 " Do not attempt to cut or shave away corns and calluses at home. This can lead to potentially dangerous infection of the surrounding tissues. This should be performed by a podiatrist or other health care professional."

  *  Surgery :  Surgical removal of corns is rarely necessary. When a corn is surgically removed, the pressure that caused it to form in the first place will just make it come back if this pressure is not removed or reduced. When necessary, surgery for corns involves shaving the underlying bone or correcting any deformity that is causing undue pressure or friction on the skin.

"Podiatrists also can measure and fit people with orthotic devices to redistribute their weight on their feet while they walk so that pressure from the foot bones doesn't focus on their corns." 
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IMAGES

CornsSee a medical illustrations of the foot and foot anatomy plus our entire medical gallery of human anatomy and physiology