Foot Corns & Calluses Treatment St. Louis
At Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute, we take your feet seriously. With years of experience treating conditions of the feet, ankle, and lower leg, we give our patients an excellent foundation to stand on. Our professionals are qualified to treat a variety of issues, with foot calluses being one of those. Whether this is something you’ve been dealing with for a long time, or have just noticed it for the first time, let our medical professionals help you take care of your calluses.
What are Foot Calluses?
A callus is a thick area of skin that has become tough due to an irritant, pressure, or some form of friction. They are quite common on the feet and appear yellow in color. As calluses thicken they can become painful and may hurt when you walk. Some common causes of foot calluses include:
- Wearing new shoes
- Foot deformities
- Not wearing socks with shoes or sandals
- Improper walking motion
- Frequently going outside barefoot
- Aging
- Improper shoe gear
Individuals who experience other issues with their feet are also at higher risk for developing a callus. Those with hammertoe, bunions, and other similar deformities often experience calluses.
What are the Symptoms?
You may notice a thick area of skin that may become painful with pressure. You may notice dry skin or flaking around the callus.
You may also notice pain when standing or walking. Certain shoes may cause more pain than others due to pressure areas. You may also notice a hard central core in the middle of the callus which can cause pain with pressure.
Any area of increased pressure can cause a callus. Be sure to check your shoes for abnormal wear and tear.
What are the Treatment Options?
While there are some treatment options you can try at home, we recommend visiting with a professional to evaluate the cause of your pain.
At Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute, we will take a serious look at what is causing your callus. Determining the cause of your callus is key. We will work with you to evaluate and treat any abnormalities and help to fix the underlying cause.
Some things you can start at home today include:
- Soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salt. Be sure to test the temperature prior to soaking to avoid burning. Make sure there are no cuts or wounds prior to soaking. After the skin is moist, you can gently remove the top layer of dead skin with a pumice stone with care not to cut or injure the healthy skin underneath. Avoid soaking if you have an open wound.
- Using a daily foot moisturizer containing urea 1-2 times daily.
- Placing moleskin pads inside the shoes where the calluses frequently rub.
- Purchasing shoes that fit well and have plenty of cushion on the sole. You can also purchase insoles and new socks that fit well.
Contacting Our Office for a Consultation
If your calluses are quite painful, or if you have experienced other issues of the feet, it may be time to get a professional involved. Contact Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute today at (314) 381-1800, and let’s set you up with a consultation to get started with your callus treatment.