Show Those Summer Toes!

With summer here, many of us are ready to shed those heavy shoes and socks in favor of sandals and flip-flops. But over the winter, corns and calluses many have developed, making your feet and toes not quite ready for "prime time". Help is on the way!

Corns and calluses are protective layers of compacted, thick, dead skin cells. They are caused by repeated firction and pressure from skin rubbing against bony areas or against an irregularity in a shoe. Corns ordinarily form on the toes, and calluses on the soles or the balls of the feet. Corns and calluses can also form when the position of the bones in your feet change. The corns and calluses initially form to provide protection, but as they thicken, they can become painful and inflamed.
The friction and pressure from both corns and calluses can cause a painful or burning sensation. Often one visit to the podiatrist can be all that's needed to relieve the pain, although most corns and calluses will reoccur without regular monitoring or changes in either your shoes or your foot function. The podiatric physician can work with you to relieve the pain by using a variety of pads or mateirals on the affected areas.
It is important that you never cut your corns or calluses with any instrument and never apply home remedies, except under a podiatrist's instructions. Many over-the-counter remedies are advertised frequently, but often these home remedies can be dangerous. Self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into a major one.
Corns and calluses can be particularly problematic for patients with diabetes. These patient should always schedule regularly yearly visits with their podiatrist to check for foot problems and circulation issues. If more frequent visits are required, the podiatrist will work with you to make sure your corns and calluses are monitored and treated as needed.
One way to control corns and calluses is to make sure that your shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest and replace worn out shoes as soon as possible. Select and wear the right shoe for the activity that you are engaged in (i.e. running shoes for running). Also, it is important to alternate shoes- don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.
A visit to your local podiatrist can be all you need to get your feet in shape for summer footwear, so schedule that now and be ready to show off your fancy feet!
Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
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