Calluses develop as a response to your skin trying to protect an underlying injury caused by friction, unnecessary pressure, and rubbing. Corns are a type of callus with a hard core in the center that can occur on the top of, between, or on the tip of the toes and feet — usually on non-weight-bearing parts of the skin.
Patients with a hammertoe condition, where the middle toes are bent upward, can form uncomfortable corns or calluses.
Every patient is unique, so the decision between conservative treatment versus surgical correction is a personal one. Before coming to a decision, the patient and doctor must take into consideration current lifestyle, medical conditions, age, and the severity of the corn and callus issue.
What shoes are good for corns?
If conservative treatment fails, the option to not have surgery is as important as the decision to opt for surgical intervention.
With surgical removal, not only can the thick and discolored portion of the corn be removed, but if the patient chooses surgery, the surgeon can also remove the offending portion of the bone (or bone spur) to prevent the corn from returning.
Conservative treatment options that can reduce or eliminate pain caused by corns and calluses include the following:
Wear Different Shoes
If the corn or callus is rubbing uncomfortably against the sides or tops of your shoes, choose wider or larger shoes with softer material to eliminate that pain. Make sure the new shoes have enough room in the toe box — the area in the front of the wear shoes — for your toes to move freely without friction.
Treat Corns and Calluses at Home
Instead of surgery, individuals with corns or calluses can remove them via professional sharp debridement (shaving) or consistent filing. Over-the-counter medicinal pads are available to remove corns, but should be used with caution since they contain a type of acid that can cause an ulceration if used in excess.
Surgical Treatment for Corns and Calluses
Depending on the location and severity, a patient may opt for surgery to remove calluses corns to prevent them from repeated development.
Surgical corn removal involves an elliptical incision and excision of this tissue. The underlying prominence will be excised as well as the surrounding inflamed soft tissue.
The foot should be elevated for up to 48 hours after surgery, and the patient should be completely off their feet for at least three days.
Sutures are placed under the skin with steri-strips (surgical tape) and then removed after 2 weeks. Avoid full weight bearing and normal shoes for about three weeks after surgery.
Insurance Coverage for Corn and Callus Removal Surgery
Navigating insurance coverage for medical procedures like corn and callus removal or surgery can be intricate. At Modern Foot and Ankle, we prioritize helping our patients understand their insurance benefits and the coverage scope for these treatments.
Our dedicated team works closely with you to decipher your insurance plan, detailing covered services, co-pay amounts, and any non-covered services. By providing clear and comprehensive assistance, we ensure our patients are well-informed about their insurance coverage, enabling them to make educated decisions regarding their foot health care.
This approach simplifies the financial aspects of treatment, allowing patients to focus on their recovery and health. For specific insurance questions related to corn and callus removal/surgery, visit Modern Foot and Ankle's Insurance Information Page.
Why Choose Us
When it comes to treating corns and calluses, finding a healthcare provider who understands the complexity of foot health is paramount.
At Modern Foot and Ankle, we stand out for our comprehensive approach to treating these common but bothersome conditions. Here's how we address each aspect of care, integrating key terms related to corn and callus removal.
Expert Team
Our team is not just a group of professionals; they are specialists in foot and ankle care with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating conditions like corns and calluses.
This specialization means that whether you're dealing with thickened skin from repetitive pressure or soft corns caused by toe friction, you're receiving care from experts who understand the nuances of foot health.
Personalized Care
Each patient's feet are unique, with differences in structure, usage, and how they respond to stress. This individuality calls for personalized treatment plans that might range from simple lifestyle changes, like wearing shoes that fit better, to medical interventions.
For instance, if dead skin buildup is causing discomfort, we might recommend specific treatments for corns, including careful use of a pumice stone or applying salicylic acid products to soften and reduce hardened skin.
Advanced Techniques
We leverage the latest medical technologies and surgical techniques to treat corns and calluses efficiently, aiming for outcomes that not only address the present discomfort but also minimize the chances of recurrence.
This could include minimally invasive surgery for corn and callus removal or employing laser treatments to carefully remove dead skin layers without damaging healthy tissue.
Comprehensive Support
Our care doesn't stop at treatment. We offer continuous support through your recovery process, ensuring skin soft and healing is progressing well. Education on preventing future corns and calluses is part of this support, focusing on the importance of wearing shoes that fit well and using protective padding when necessary.
Patient Education
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to preventing corns and calluses. We prioritize educating our patients on how to maintain soft skin, the benefits of using a pumice stone for gentle exfoliation, and the importance of salicylic acid in treating thickened skin.
Understanding why soft corns develop and how wearing shoes with a proper fit can prevent them is crucial in keeping your feet healthy.
In Summary
Corns and calluses are protective responses of the surrounding skin to friction and pressure, often leading to discomfort and pain. While there are various conservative treatment options, including wearing different shoes and at-home care, some cases may require surgical intervention for permanent relief.
Understanding the differences between corns and calluses, recognizing the importance of proper footwear, and knowing when to seek professional help are key to effective treatment.
At Modern Foot and Ankle, we offer personalized care tailored to each patient's needs, from conservative management to advanced surgical options.
With our expertise and support, patients can navigate their treatment options confidently, including understanding their insurance coverage. Choosing us means opting for a partner committed to your foot health, offering the latest treatments, comprehensive care, and dedicated insurance assistance.
The information on our website is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. For any health-related concerns, we strongly recommend consulting with a healthcare professional. Please note that any reliance on the information found on our site is solely at your own risk. For more details, please see our Medical Disclaimer.
FAQs
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How long does it take to recover from corn removal surgery?
Recovering from corn removal surgery depends on the type of corn and procedure, but usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. A true, permanent corn removal surgery involves removing the bone prominence or spur beneath the thick skin, and takes 2 weeks for the incision to heal and another 2 weeks to fit comfortably into shoes. Some consider pairing or trimming too much skin a corn removal surgery, and after that “procedure” recovery is immediate.
Is hammer toe surgery painful?
Hammer toe surgery is not commonly painful, and usually requires only an anti-inflammatory after surgery, or low-level pain reliever like codeine at most.
What's inside a corn?
Inside the corn itself is alpha-keratin protein, the same protein found in calluses, hair, and nails.
How do you get rid of corns permanently?
Getting rid of hard corns permanently requires a small surgical procedure. The pressure (usually bone spur or prominent joint) underneath the corn produces alpha-keratin protein production.
What happens if a corn is left untreated?
An untreated corn is not dangerous unless the pressure that forms the corn is excessive. Trimming the corn or surgically removing the corn are options to prevent blistering, infections, or more serious problems. Looser shoes are good for corns, especially ones with a wider forefoot or toe box area, with mesh-like material.
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