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Corns & Calluses Specialist

NoVa Foot and Ankle

Podiatrists located in Herndon, VA & Springfield, VA

Corns and calluses are common among both men and women, and while they may not seem like major problems, they can cause considerable pain and even affect the way you walk. Without proper care, corns and calluses can eventually take a toll on mobility, causing gait changes that can even contribute to pain in the ankles and knees. Serving patients of all ages in Herndon and Springfield, Virginia, the the surrounding area, NoVa Foot and Ankle offers complete care for corns and calluses, helping patients relieve painful symptoms while preventing recurrence.

Corns & Calluses Q & A

What’s the difference between a callus and a corn?

Corns and calluses do share some similar characteristics: They’re both areas of hardened skin that form as a result of friction or rubbing on a highly localized spot on the foot or toes, or as a result of repetitive pressure, usually from ill-fitting shoes, and both can be accompanied by blisters. The main difference between calluses and corns is that corns have a core, a central portion that extends into the deeper tissue. The core is usually extremely sensitive and painful, appearing lighter than the surrounding tissue. Both corns and calluses can cause significant discomfort when walking, and over time, the discomfort can cause changes in gait patterns that can increase pain in the feet, ankles, knees and even the lower back. Finding comfortable shoes also becomes problematic.

What causes corns and calluses?

Corns and calluses form as a result of increased friction and pressure. Over time, these issues cause the skin to “react” by forming a hard, protective barrier. At first, corns and calluses may cause few issues; but as the layers of hard tissue build up into lumps and bumps, they can cause pain similar to the sensations caused when a stone or other object becomes lodged in footwear.

How are corns and calluses treated?

Corns and calluses require professional care to relieve symptoms and remove the built up layers of hard tissue without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. Depending on how deep and extensive they are, corns and calluses may be treated with topical preparations designed to help dead skin naturally slough away, or they may require trimming to remove the upper layers of tissue so topical preparations can be more effective. When corns and calluses are chronic, custom orthotics or a change in shoe style may help prevent recurrence by redistributing weight and pressure to prevent friction. Seeking treatment at the first signs of corn or callus development is important for getting quick relief.

Is it OK to trim corns and calluses myself?

Corns and calluses should never be trimmed at home because even a small cut can enable harmful germs to enter the skin where they can cause widespread infection and serious complications. Instead, corns and calluses should be treated by a podiatrist, who can also help patients prevent these problems from occurring in the future.

Major Insurance Providers Accepted

At NoVa Foot and Ankle, we accept most major insurance plans. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.

AARP
Aetna
Anthem Healthkeeper
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island
CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
Caterpillar
Cigna
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