CORNS, CALLUSES, HEEL PAIN TREATMENT
Corns, Calluses, Heel Pain Treatment
Expert Care for Common Foot Problems at RR Hospitals
Foot discomfort is a frequent issue that can arise from everyday activities, improper footwear, or underlying health conditions. Among the most common causes of foot pain are corns, calluses, and heel pain. Though often dismissed as minor annoyances, these conditions can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life if left untreated. At RR Hospitals, our specialized foot care team offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plans to relieve pain, promote healing, and restore foot health.
Understanding Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated friction or pressure. While they serve as protective mechanisms against further injury, excessive thickening can lead to discomfort, pain, and even infections.
- Corns: These are small, circular areas of hard skin, usually found on the tops and sides of toes. They often develop from toe deformities or poorly fitting shoes that cause constant rubbing. Corns can be hard (dense center) or soft (moist and rubbery, often between toes).
- Calluses: Larger areas of thickened skin typically found on the soles or heels of the feet. Calluses develop from prolonged pressure or friction, often due to walking or standing for long periods, or wearing shoes without adequate cushioning.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to the formation of corns, calluses, and heel pain, including:
- Ill-fitting footwear that is too tight, loose, or lacks support.
- Abnormal foot mechanics such as flat feet, high arches, or gait abnormalities.
- Repetitive activities that place pressure on specific foot areas.
- Foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes increasing friction points.
- Diabetes and other conditions that affect foot sensitivity and healing.
- Obesity, increasing stress on the feet.
Heel Pain: Causes and Symptoms
Heel pain is another common foot complaint that can arise from various underlying conditions:
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- Plantar Fasciitis: The most common cause, resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. It causes stabbing pain, especially with the first steps in the morning.
- Heel Spurs: Bony growths on the heel bone that can develop alongside plantar fasciitis, causing chronic pain.
- Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon leading to pain at the back of the heel.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs cushioning the heel.
- Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the heel bone due to overuse or trauma.
Symptoms of heel pain include sharp or dull aching, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods.
Diagnosis at RR Hospitals
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Our foot care experts conduct:
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- Detailed patient history and physical examination to identify the cause and assess foot structure.
- Visual and tactile evaluation of skin thickness and areas of pain.
- Imaging studies like X-rays or ultrasound to rule out bone spurs, fractures, or soft tissue inflammation.
- Gait analysis to detect abnormal walking patterns contributing to pressure points.
Treatment Approaches
Corns and Calluses
Our treatment plans focus on relieving discomfort and preventing recurrence:
- Debridement: Careful removal of thickened skin using sterile instruments to reduce pressure and pain.
- Footwear Advice: Recommendations on properly fitting shoes with adequate cushioning and support to prevent friction.
- Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts to correct abnormal foot mechanics and redistribute pressure evenly.
- Protective Padding: Use of cushions, pads, or toe separators to shield vulnerable areas from repeated trauma.
- Moisturization and Skin Care: Specialized creams to soften thickened skin and maintain foot health.
In severe cases where conservative treatment is insufficient, minor surgical procedures may be performed to correct underlying deformities causing pressure.
Heel Pain
Treatment is tailored to the specific cause:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing activities that exacerbate pain to promote healing.
- Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises targeting the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles.
- Orthotic Devices: Arch supports or heel cups to cushion and stabilize the foot.
- Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Shockwave Therapy: A non-invasive procedure stimulating tissue repair and reducing pain.
- Steroid Injections: Administered in resistant cases to control inflammation.
- Surgical Intervention: Reserved for chronic, unresponsive cases to release tight fascia or remove bone spurs.
Prevention Tips
Maintaining foot health and preventing corns, calluses, and heel pain involves:
- Wearing properly fitting, supportive footwear suitable for your activity and foot type.
- Avoiding high heels or narrow-toed shoes that increase pressure points.
- Keeping feet clean and moisturized to prevent skin cracking and thickening.
- Using protective pads or orthotics if you have foot deformities.
- Gradually increasing activity levels to avoid overuse injuries.
- Regular foot inspections, especially for those with diabetes or reduced sensation.
Why Choose RR Hospitals for Foot Care?
- Experienced Specialists: Skilled podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons dedicated to foot and ankle health.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Advanced diagnostic tools and treatment technologies.
- Comprehensive Care: From conservative management to surgical solutions under one roof.
- Patient-Centered Approach: Customized treatment plans respecting individual needs and lifestyles.
- Focus on Prevention: Education and follow-up care to ensure long-term foot health.
Conclusion
Corns, calluses, and heel pain can interfere with your daily life and mobility, but with timely, expert care, these conditions are manageable and often preventable. RR Hospitals offers a full spectrum of foot care services aimed at relieving pain, correcting underlying causes, and promoting lasting foot health. If you experience persistent foot discomfort or pain, our dedicated team is here to provide compassionate, effective treatment to get you back on your feet comfortably.