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When the feet are repeatedly exposed to pressure, most often caused by poor-fitting shoes or an inherited structural defect, irritating, unsightly and painful foot conditions, such as corns, calluses and bunions can form. Preventing the pressure that is causing the friction is key to avoiding and alleviating the symptoms that accompany calluses, corns and bunions. Generally simple at-home care and modifications of footwear can effectively treat and eliminate the pressure that is causing your foot problems. But when these treatments fail, it's best to visit your Brooklyn podiatrist for professional care. Corns and Calluses While calluses and corns don't generally present long-term or serious health risks, these two very common foot conditions can be irritating, painful and unattractive. Corns and calluses form as the body's natural defense to protect the foot from pressure points caused by tight-fitting shoes or repeated rubbing. Both conditions are caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells that form thick, hardened areas on the foot. The main difference between the two is where they form. A corn generally forms near a bony area of a toe or between toes, while a callus usually forms on the balls of the feet or the heel. To stop the pressure that is causing the thick areas of skin to accumulate, find a supporting shoe that has a wide toe box. Over-the-counter items such as pads, creams and pumice stones can also be helpful for reducing the skin build-up. If corns and calluses persist, talk to your Brooklyn podiatrist about other treatment options. If you have diabetes or other conditions that cause circulatory problems or numbness, talk to your podiatrist before trying any treatment for calluses or corns, and never try to cut the skin away on your own. Bunions Unlike corns and calluses, a bunion involves a joint deformity, and will generally require more attention and special care. A bunion is a bony bump on the joint at the base of the big toe. As the bump gets bigger, it causes the big toe to turn in toward the second toe. The tissues around the joint may be red, swollen and tender. Bunions develop due to prolonged abnormal pressure or motion on your big toe joint, most often caused by inherited structural defects, poor-fitting shoes, foot injuries, or congenital deformities. Since bunions involve the bone, it's necessary to treat the bunion in order to prevent progressive damage. Many times conservative treatments, such as padding, modified footwear, orthotic devices or splints can be highly effective for preventing further growth and reducing the pressure and pain. When these treatments aren't affective, however, other treatment options or minimally-invasive surgery from your Brooklyn podiatrist may be necessary in order to remove the bony bulge and realign the toe. Your podiatrist can advise you on the best treatment options available to slow the progression of the joint deformity. From irritating corns and calluses to painful bunions, knowing how to detect these foot conditions and eliminate the pressure is important in order to stop the progression. When conservative treatments don't work, talk to your Brooklyn podiatrist for professional care.
Dr. Perlstein is a podiatrist in Brooklyn, NY, treating more than 25,000 patients since 1986. This experienced Brooklyn podiatrist offers a wide range of foot and ankle care including emergency care and treatment for bunions. His office is also open on Sundays.
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