Corns and Calluses

If you have large or unsightly corns and calluses you’d like removed, turn to High Desert Limb Salvage Institute in Apple Valley, San Bernardino, and Indio, California. Podiatric specialist Norris Morrison, DPM, and the exceptional team diagnose and treat corns and calluses to restore the appearance and feel of your feet. Call the office to schedule an appointment, or book one online today.

What are calluses?

Calluses are thick, hard skin layers that develop because of friction or pressure placed on your skin. They often appear on your fingers, toes, hands, or feet. While calluses can protect your skin from blisters and other skin damage, they might also be painful or make you feel self-conscious. If this is the case, High Desert Limb Salvage Institute is here for you.

What is a corn?

A corn is a small buildup of hard, dry, dead skin that typically develops on a non-weight-bearing part of your foot, such as the sides of your feet or around your toes. They usually have a hard center, and the tissue surrounding them is inflamed and tender. Your corn might be painful when you put pressure on it. 

What causes corns and calluses?

Corns and calluses develop when extra friction triggers your skin into producing extra cells to cushion the pressure. Physical deformities like bunions, hammertoes, and bone spurs can also increase your risk of developing a corn. 

For example, if you have a hammertoe and the top of your toe rubs against the inside of your shoe, you may develop a corn or callus at that spot.

How are corns and calluses treated?

Many corns and calluses don’t require treatment, but your podiatrist can remove them if needed or desired. They might recommend:

Home remedies

Home remedies include:

• Wearing proper footwear
• Using shoe insert.
• Soaking your feet
• Using a pumice stone or emery board to slough away corns and calluses
• Using moisturizers or protective pads

If you have diabetes, you shouldn’t try to remove corns or calluses at home; always have a podiatrist take care of your feet for you. 

Medical treatments

Medical callus and corn treatments your podiatrist offers include:

• Trimming away excess tissue
• Using callus-removing medications
• Completing surgical procedures that repair the underlying cause of calluses or corns

If your corns and calluses are painful and don’t respond to your at-home care, the team at High Desert Limb Salvage can help. They can safely remove the excess skin with a scalpel or dissolving solution and offer antibiotic creams to prevent infection.