Corns on the feet can make every step uncomfortable, especially when shoes press against a tender spot. A corn is a small area of thickened skin that develops in response to repeated pressure or rubbing. It usually forms over a bony part of a toe. Hard corns appear on the tops or sides of toes, while softer corns can develop between them. Unlike a callus, which spreads across a wider area, a corn usually has a firm center. Some corns cause little discomfort. Others create sharp pain when pressure pushes that center into sensitive skin. Larger corns can make walking difficult and affect your daily routine.

Shoes with narrow toe areas can squeeze the toes and increase friction. Toe changes, like hammertoes, can also create pressure where the skin rubs against shoes. Calluses are more likely to develop on the soles of the feet, especially beneath areas that carry extra weight. Both corns and calluses are the skin's response to repeated irritation. Sometimes thickened skin becomes discolored or breaks down, increasing the risk of infection. People with diabetes or poor circulation need particular attention because foot problems can become serious. A painful spot is not always a corn; a plantar wart can look similar. Identifying the cause helps guide appropriate care.

A podiatrist can examine the affected skin and check for pressure points caused by your foot shape or walking pattern. Treatment can include carefully removing excess thickened skin to ease discomfort. A podiatrist can also recommend protective padding and properly fitted shoes to reduce rubbing. Custom shoe inserts may help spread pressure more evenly across the foot. Because corns can return when pressure continues, follow-up visits can help manage recurring trouble spots. A podiatrist can also distinguish corns from other skin problems and watch for signs of infection. If you have developed corns on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention tips. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Alice Kim, DPM of 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Camarillo, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels develop when dry, thickened skin around the heel splits under pressure. The cracks, also called fissures, can range from shallow lines to deep openings. Standing for long periods of time increases pressure on the heel, when skin loses moisture. Shoes that fit poorly can create friction and make the problem worse. Wearing open-back sandals can allow the heel to spread outward, placing extra strain on dry skin. Aging makes skin less flexible. Because the soles lack oil glands, they have less natural protection against dryness. These factors can leave heels rough, uncomfortable, and more likely to crack.

At first, cracked heels may appear as dry patches or thick, hard skin along the heel's edge. Deeper cracks can cause pain while walking or standing. Some patients notice bleeding when the skin splits. Redness, swelling, or drainage can suggest an infection requiring attention. Certain health problems, including diabetes, can increase concern about breaks in the skin. Athlete's foot and psoriasis can contribute to cracking. Hot water and harsh soaps can strip moisture from the skin, adding to the problem. Identifying the cause matters because cracked heels can return when the underlying pressure or skin condition remains.

A podiatrist can examine the heels, assess the depth of the cracks, and look for signs of infection. Treatment can include reducing thick callused skin and applying protective dressings. A podiatrist can recommend suitable moisturizing products to help restore the skin's protective barrier. They can also evaluate shoe fit and suggest cushioned shoes that support the heel. When another skin condition is responsible, treatment can address that cause as well. Follow-up care can help monitor healing and reduce the chance of further cracking. If you have  cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Alice Kim, DPM from 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Camarillo, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet are low or flattened, causing much or all of the sole to contact the ground while standing. Some people naturally have low arches, while others develop changes in their arches later in life. Factors that can contribute to flat feet include changes in the muscles or tissues that support the arch. An injury can also affect the structure of the foot. Some patients with flat feet have no discomfort, while others experience pain that affects daily activities. Symptoms can include aching in the arches, heel pain, and tired feet after standing. Discomfort can also develop around the ankles. Flat feet can change how weight and pressure move through the feet while standing or walking.

A podiatrist can evaluate flat feet by examining the arches and overall structure of the feet. An examination can include checking foot flexibility, ankle movement, and areas of tenderness. The podiatrist can also observe how the patient stands and walks to identify changes in foot movement. X-rays can provide additional information about the bones and joints when a closer evaluation is appropriate. Treatment can focus on supporting the arches and improving how pressure is distributed across the feet. Custom orthotics can provide support based on the patient's specific foot structure. A podiatrist can also recommend properly fitted shoes that provide suitable arch support and cushioning. Targeted treatment can address tightness or weakness that affects foot movement.

Flat feet can influence more than the appearance of the arches. Changes in foot movement can place additional stress on the ankles, lower legs, or knees. Patients can also change the way they walk when discomfort develops. A podiatrist can determine how flat feet affect movement and create a treatment plan based on the patient's symptoms. Care can focus on reducing painful pressure, improving support, and promoting comfortable movement. Treatment can be adjusted according to activity level and changes in symptoms. Professional evaluation can also help identify related foot problems that contribute to discomfort. If you have symptoms of flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Alice Kim, DPM from 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Camarillo, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns on the feet are small areas of hard, thickened skin that develop in response to repeated pressure or rubbing. They are different from calluses, which usually cover a larger area of rough, thick skin. Corns frequently form on the toes or other parts of the foot exposed to concentrated pressure. They can feel tender or painful, especially when shoes press against them. Some corns remain painless, but discomfort can increase when the hardened area continues to receive pressure. Pain from a corn can eventually interfere with walking and normal daily activities.

Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or the wrong size can contribute to corn formation. High heels can also increase pressure on certain areas of the foot. Foot structure can play a role because bone problems may create areas that rub against shoes. As people age, the natural fat padding on the bottom of the feet can decrease. This can leave some areas exposed to greater pressure. Corns that bleed or produce pus or discharge require attention. Severe pain that limits normal activities is another reason to have the foot evaluated.

A podiatrist can examine the hardened skin to confirm that it is a corn and identify the pressure causing it. Treatment can include carefully removing thickened skin and using specialized pads to reduce pressure on the painful area. A podiatrist can also provide custom insoles when foot mechanics contribute to repeated friction. Patients with diabetes or circulation problems should have corns evaluated because foot problems can become more serious. Addressing shoe fit and pressure points can also help reduce the chance that corns will return. If you have symptoms of corns on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Alice Kim, DPM of 101 Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Camarillo, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.