Calluses and corns on the feet are common problems that affect the quality of life of many people. These thickening of the skin can cause discomfort, pain and, if not treated properly, lead to infections or more serious complications, especially in patients with pathologies such as diabetes. At Clínica San Román we have a team of specialists in podiatry that offers effective and safe solutions to eliminate them permanently.
What are calluses and corns?
Calluses and corns are thickening of the outermost layer of the skin, produced in response to excessive pressure or friction in specific areas of the foot. This reaction of the body seeks to protect the deeper tissues, but over time it can become pathological, causing pain and discomfort when walking or performing daily activities.
Calluses (diffuse hyperkeratosis) are usually more superficial, more extensive and with poorly defined borders. They are frequently located on the sole of the foot, especially in the metatarsal area. Calluses (helomas), on the other hand, are deeper, localized and painful, and can form a core or “root” that presses on the nerve endings.
Difference between Hyperkeratosis and Helomas
It is important to distinguish correctly between both types of lesions in order to apply the appropriate treatment:
- Hyperkeratosis: It is a diffuse and superficial thickening of the skin, generally painless, although it may cause discomfort over time. It is usually caused by prolonged pressure on support areas.
- Helomas: Also known as “calluses”, they appear as more compact, hard lesions with a central nucleus. They are painful, especially when direct pressure is applied, and can appear between the toes (interdigital helomas), on the back of the toes or in plantar areas.
Most frequent symptoms of its appearance
The initial symptoms often go unnoticed, but over time, calluses and corns cause:
- Visible thickening and hardening of the skin.
- Localized pain when walking or pressing on the affected area.
- Swelling or redness around the area.
- Hypersensitivity or sensation of constant pressure.
- Fissures or cracks that can become infected if left untreated.
At Clínica San Román we analyze each case in a personalized way to identify the origin of the problem and apply the most effective treatment from the first consultation.
Causes of calluses and corns on the feet
The main causes of the development of these lesions are:
- Use of inappropriate footwear: High heels, narrow shoes or shoes with very hard soles increase friction and pressure on certain areas of the foot.
- Bone deformities: Bunions, claw toes or cavus toes cause the weight of the body to be distributed unevenly, generating points of overload.
- High-impact activities: Sports such as running, hiking or professions involving prolonged standing increase the risk.
- Biomechanical alterations: The way of walking or supporting the foot may favor constant rubbing areas.
- Age and dryness: With the passage of time, the skin loses elasticity and hydration, favoring hardening.
Identifying the exact cause is essential to prevent calluses and corns from reappearing after removal.
Treatment of calluses and corns
The podiatric treatment of calluses and corns seeks not only to alleviate the symptoms, but also to eliminate the cause that provokes the continuous pressure or friction. At Clínica San Román we use advanced and safe techniques that are adapted to each specific case, with visible results from the first session.
Chiropody
Chiropody is the most common treatment to remove calluses, corns, thickened or deformed nails, and other skin disorders of the feet. The podiatrist uses high-precision sterilized instruments to carefully remove the thickening without pain and without damaging healthy tissue. This treatment allows an immediate improvement in walking comfort.
Custom-made templates
When hardness and calluses have a biomechanical origin, as in cases of alterations in the gait or bone deformities, it is essential to correct the structural problem. Customized orthopedic insoles are designed after a gait study and allow pressure to be redistributed appropriately, reducing overload in the affected areas and preventing the recurrence of injuries.
Soft tissue surgery
In chronic cases or when there are deformities that do not respond to conservative treatments, minimally invasive podiatric surgery can be considered. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and corrects recurrent helomas caused by bony prominences or structures that generate constant pressure on the skin. After a short recovery period, the patient can walk again without pain or recurrence.
Specialists in the treatment of corns and calluses
At Clínica San Román we have a team of qualified podiatrists with extensive experience in the treatment of dermal lesions of the foot. We work with advanced technology, rigorous sterilization protocols and an approach focused on the patient’s well-being. Each case is evaluated in a personalized way to offer a definitive solution and prevent future complications.
In addition to eliminating lesions, we teach our patients to take proper care of their feet through recommendations for footwear, hygiene, hydration and regular check-ups. This is especially important for people with diabetes, circulatory problems or reduced mobility, where a poorly treated callus can lead to ulcers or serious infections.
Do you have any questions about the treatment of corns and calluses?
If you notice discomfort when walking, pain in pressure areas or hardening of the skin on your feet, do not wait for the problem to worsen. At Clínica San Román we help you recover the comfort and health of your feet with safe, effective podiatric treatments adapted to your needs.
Contact us now and request your personalized podiatric assessment. Our team will be happy to help you walk without pain.
