HCPC registered podiatrists
Swift microwave therapy
Treatments for all ages
What are corns & calluses?
Callouses are areas of hard skin. They form as a result of pressure and friction. The skin hardens to protect itself. Most people have a little callous on their feet which is harmless. It is only a problem if it gets too thick or cracks and starts to hurt.
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Corns are small areas of concentrated callous. They form under or over pressure points; between the toes, on the toes, on the sole of the foot and even in the grooves of the toenails. The pressure usually comes from footwear. They can be very painful and if untreated can break down underneath becoming an abscess and ulcerate.
Treatment & removal
This involves straightforward removal of the hard skin down to the healthy skin. The concentrated core of the corn is cut away and relief should be almost immediate. Padding may be needed if the area is inflamed. Ideally the source of the pressure can be found and footwear changed appropriately or gait (walking assessed) and improved with exercises or supports if necessary. Otherwise the callous and corns will gradually regrow.
Sometimes the best treatment is simply to regularly pare down the callous to keep it comfortable.
Our podiatrists specialise in:
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Fungal nail treatment
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Musculoskeletal pain including plantar fasciitis
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Toenail issues including ingrowing, damaged and distorted nails
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Gait analysis and overall foot health
Our chiropodists can also take care of:
Cracked heels: This occurs when heavy callous (hyperkeratosis) gets too thick and dry. It is often associated with open backed sandals which put a lot of stress on the skin on the back of the heels. They can split deeply causing bleeding and severe pain.
Treatment: Requires the callous to be removed as much as possible, and the rough skin smoothed down. The edges of the fissures can be taped together, and strong emollients applied to soften and sooth the skin.
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Blisters: Blisters occur when there is too much friction on the skin. Badly fitting footwear or new shoes with hard inner surfaces can rub. The skin separates forming fluid filled bubbles which can burst and if rubbing continues, become sores. Socks can protect the skin and strapping can help it to heal.
Treatment: If it is painful it usually means the fluid is under pressure. Using sterile equipment, it can be drained and dressed safely to avoid infection allowing rapid healing.
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Ulcers: Ulcers are breaks in the skin which are weeping fluid, inflamed and painful. If they are not healing there is often an underlying problem with blood circulation.
Treatment: Tests for diabetes and a general assessment of circulation may be carried out. The ulcer can be cleared of dead tissue and dressed with special dressings to help healing. It will need regular redressing until healed
"I saw Alan in the hope he could help with a large cyst I had on my finger. He drained it and we agreed to stop it refilling, that he pop some cortisone into it too. The cyst is completing gone, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. Wonderful receptionist too!! Thank you all very much."
You don't have to put up with foot pain
Book your corn and callus removal at Twickenham Health Care
