Crofton Office

1657 Crofton Blvd, Suite 201

Crofton, MD 21114

(410) 721-4505

(410) 721-2394

Woodbridge Office

14010 Smoketown Rd., Suite 103

Woodbridge, VA 22192

(703) 583-5959

(703) 890-4970

Chantilly Office

3914 Centreville Road, Suite 200

Chantilly, VA 20151

(703) 490-5599

(703) 583-5995

Sterling Office

46440 Benedict Dr., Suite 111

Sterling, VA 20164

(703) 444-9555

What are Corns and Calluses?

You may have seen medications for corns at your local drugstore. If you’re a gym rat, you’ll have experiences with calluses on your hands. They are not the same, but can be similar in many ways. They are both formations on the skin that arise out of a need for protection – and both can affect your feet.

Both exhibit some form of thick, hard layers of skin. Corns are usually smaller, sometimes painful bumps that are harder in the middle, whereas calluses are usually larger and cover the areas that are affected by pressure or friction and no particular hard bump in the middle. Corns are usually on the top and sides of the toes, due to friction from tight shoes, or foot deformities like bunions or curly toes. Calluses are usually formed by friction from poorly fitting shoes. Neither are specifically bad, unless they cause you pain.

Safe At-Home Remedies

  • Make sure that your shoes fit well. If the tops are too tight or the fit is loose, your feet will experience pressure or slide around and cause irritation on your feet. Wearing socks will ensure a snug fit to prevent calluses.
  • Use padding to reduce rubbing if you have a certain spot that is constantly irritated.
  • After soaking in warm water, file down the thickened skin with a pumice stone or emery board, but be careful not to rip or cut it open. Then, moisturize to help keep your feet smooth.

Podiatrist Solutions

When the bumps have become painful or incessant, it’s time to see your podiatrist. The following are possible treatments he may recommend:

  • Trimming away thickened skin with a scalpel
  • Callus or corn-removing medication, like salicylic acid
  • Orthotic insert (for foot deformities)
  • Surgery (in severe cases)

Painful corns bothering you? Too many unsightly calluses? Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll, can help you get rid of them safely. Especially for diabetics, safe treatment is important because poor circulation that can make things worse and prevent healing if the skin is pierced. Make an appointment today at Crofton Podiatry by calling (410) 721-4505. Our team is ready to help you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.

 

 

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Office Hours

(We have new hours as below!)

Crofton Podiatry

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-3:30 pm

Friday:

By Appointment Only

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed