Corns & Calluses2025-02-03T13:14:41+00:00

Corns & Calluses

Learn all about the varying types of Corns and Calluses that you may be suffering with and delve deep into the origins of these conditions.

WHAT IS A CORN?

Understand the different types of corns and how they can be a warning sign from your feet.

A corn is a small, thickened area of skin that develops due to repeated pressure or friction, typically on the feet or toes. It forms as a protective response to prevent skin damage but can become painful over time.

Types of Corn:

Hard Corns (Heloma Durum)
These are the most common type of corn and often appear as small, dense, circular patches of thickened skin. Hard corns usually develop on bony areas of the foot, such as the tops of the toes or the outer edge of the little toe.

Soft Corns (Heloma Molle)
Soft Corns have a whitish, rubbery texture and tend to be softer due to moisture. They usually form between the toes, where sweat and moisture keep the skin from hardening completely. Soft corns tend to be particularly painful due to friction between the toes.

Seed Corns
Seed Corns are tiny hard corns that often appear on the bottom of the foot, especially in weight-bearing areas like the ball of the foot or heel. They also may be linked to dry skin and sometimes appear in clusters.

The staff at Chiltern Wellbieng welcoming customers into the reception area for their foot and ankle treatments
The staff at Chiltern Wellbieng welcoming customers into the reception area for their foot and ankle treatments

WHAT IS A CALLUS?

 

Understand how a Callus is created and who may be more prone to this condition.

A callus is a thickened, hardened area of skin that forms in response to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. It is the body’s natural defence mechanism to protect the skin from damage. Unlike corns, which are smaller and more concentrated, calluses are usually larger, have a diffuse border, and are not as painful. Calluses commonly develop on the soles of the feet, particularly on weight-bearing areas like the heels, balls of the feet, and sides of the toes. While they are generally harmless, they can cause discomfort or pain if they become too thick or are left untreated.

causes of a corn

Corns develop as a result of repeated friction or pressure on specific areas of the foot. The body responds by thickening the skin to protect itself, but this build up can become painful over time. One of the leading causes of corns is improper footwear, which increases pressure and friction on certain areas of the foot. People who stand or walk for long periods or partake in repetitive high impact sports such as running can be at a greater risk of developing corns.

It has also been found that if a person walks unevenly or has an abnormal gait, certain parts of the foot experience excessive pressure, leading to corns in those areas. Flat feet or high arches can also contribute to uneven weight distribution, causing corns to form where the foot takes the most impact.

The staff at Chiltern Wellbieng welcoming customers into the reception area for their foot and ankle treatments
The staff at Chiltern Wellbieng welcoming customers into the reception area for their foot and ankle treatments

Causes of a Callus

A Callus is normally developed as a protective mechanism when the skin experiences excessive pressure or friction. One of the many causes can be down to something as simple as improper footwear. This can be from shoes that are too tight, too loose or excessive use of high heeled shoes. Athletes are especially prone to developing calluses as well as avid walkers and running enthusiasts. This is due to the repeated friction and movement from these activates which can eventually go on to hinder your performance. Another cause can be flat feet or high arches which affect weight distribution, increasing pressure on certain areas. It is also important to take extra care if you have been diagnosed with Diabetes, as it has been found that poor circulation can make calluses more prone to infection.

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Podiatry Services

A Podiatrist can treat anything from an ingrowing toe nail requiring surgery under local anaesthetic to designing a custom made foot orthotic to assist with tendon or joint dysfunction or pain. We are also highly specialised to manage the Diabetic or High-Risk foot and the subsequent wounds that can arise.

Verrucas & Warts

Verrucas, or plantar warts, are small, rough growths on the soles of the feet caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They may cause discomfort or pain while walking.

Plantar Fasciitis

A common foot condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, causing heel pain and stiffness.

Achilles Tendonitis

An overuse injury characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It causes pain and stiffness in the heel area.

Ingrown Toenail

Occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Proper trimming and footwear help prevent it.

Corns & Calluses

Thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. They are the body’s way of protecting itself from excessive rubbing or pressure, usually on the hands, feet, or toes.

Flat Feet

Flat feet, or pes planus, is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. It may lead to foot pain or discomfort.

Chiltern Wellbeing accolades, accreditations, qualifications and awards include hcpc
Chiltern Wellbeing accolades, accreditations, qualifications and awards include College of Podiatry
Chiltern Wellbeing accolades, accreditations, qualifications and awards include College of Podiatry
Chiltern Wellbeing accolades, accreditations, qualifications and awards include College of Podiatry
Chiltern Wellbeing accolades, accreditations, qualifications and awards include Vionic
Chiltern Wellbeing accolades, accreditations, qualifications and awards include Strive
Chiltern Wellbeing accolades, accreditations, qualifications and awards include Swift Therapy

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FAQs

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see any of your clinicians?2024-04-22T13:16:07+00:00

You do not need a referral to book an appointment. You can book a treatment at a time that suits you. Some private insurance providers will however require a referral from the GP.

What is a podiatrist?2024-04-22T13:20:05+00:00

A Podiatrist is a medical professional that specialises in the diagnosis, prevention, management and treatment of the lower limb (generally regarded as specialists in foot and ankle conditions). To become a Chiropodist/Podiatrist you will need to undertake a three/four year full-time degree in Podiatric Medicine and complete 1000 hours of supervised clinical practice. Podiatrists are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council.

What happens in a Podiatry appointment?2024-04-22T13:21:02+00:00

Following booking your appointment, we firstly require a medical history form to be completed. This can be completed prior to the appointment, though if you have any questions do save them for the practitioner. Much like visiting the dentist, your consultation will be with a practitioner where you will sit in a podiatrists chair. The podiatrist will ask questions prior to any treatment being given, and if applicable, discuss the treatment options available. Treatment will not be undertaken until you have given consent. Dependent on your individual needs, a variety of different pieces of diagnostic equipment and tests may be used. Treatment can often commence during your initial assessment; however, this depends on the problem at hand and is not always the case.

What should I bring to my First appointment?2024-04-22T13:21:29+00:00

If you have not already completed the secure, online medical history form, please bring a full list of any medication you are currently taking. If you are wearing nail varnish please remove it prior to your appointment. If you are arriving with an injury or for sporting purposes, please bring 2-3 pairs of regularly worn shoes. If you wear insoles or orthotics, please also bring these with you to your appointment.

How much will my appointment cost?2024-04-22T13:21:56+00:00

Please see prices.

Should I be embarrassed about my feet?2024-04-22T13:22:49+00:00

Absolutely not. We are here to help!

Do the treatments hurt?2024-04-22T13:23:18+00:00

A common concern. Conditions such as in growing toenails may be sensitive to treat, however great relief is typically experienced following the treatment of the painful area. In some cases anaesthetic may be used to make your treatment more comfortable.

Why do I need regular foot health tests if I am diabetic?2024-04-22T13:24:24+00:00

At ChilternWellbeing we take diabetes seriously because Diabetes is the leading cause of ulceration and amputation. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to:

  • Peripheral neuropathy – damage to the nerves supplying the feet and legs.
  • Peripheral arterial disease – damage to the blood vessels supplying the feet and legs.
  • Weakened Immune system – reduced ability for the body to fight off infections.
  • Retinopathy – impaired eyesight.
  • Nephropathy – impaired kidney function These factors mean that you may not notice an injury due to nerve damage or poor eyesight. Reaching your feet may become difficult due to swelling caused by kidney damage, and wounds may be slow to heal due to poor blood supply. Your body may not be able to fight off an infection effectively. Regular treatment by a Podiatrist can drastically reduce your risks of suffering from diabetic foot complications.
Do you do home visits?2024-11-01T15:17:59+00:00

Unfortunately we do not offer a home visiting service at our clinic.

What is your DNA Policy?2024-04-22T13:25:27+00:00

We understand that there are times when you must miss an appointment due to emergencies or obligations for work or family. However, when you do not call to cancel an appointment, you may be preventing another patient from getting much needed treatment. Conversely, the situation may arise where another patient fails to cancel and we are unable to schedule you for a visit, due to a seemingly “full” appointment book. If an appointment is not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance you will be charged the full amount of your appointment fee.

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