Bunions, Corns & Calluses Treatment in Thousand Oaks
Bunions, corns, and calluses are some of the most common foot problems, and they can make walking and wearing shoes painful. Left untreated, they can worsen over time and even lead to serious complications such as foot ulcers, especially for people with diabetes. At Performance Foot & Ankle, our podiatrists in Thousand Oaks, CA offer safe, effective treatment to relieve pain, protect your skin, and correct the underlying cause.
Request an AppointmentWhat Are Bunions?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe joint. It develops when the big toe gradually shifts toward the smaller toes, pushing the joint outward. Bunions form slowly, so once you notice a lump on the side of your foot, it will likely continue to grow without treatment.
Causes and Symptoms of Bunions
Bunions can be caused by genetics, poorly fitting shoes, foot structure, and arthritis. Common symptoms include:
- A visible bump on the side of the big toe
- Pain, redness, and swelling around the joint
- Difficulty finding comfortable shoes
- Corns or calluses where the toes overlap
- Limited movement of the big toe
Bunion Treatment Options
Not every bunion requires surgery. Treatment depends on how much discomfort it causes and how much it affects your daily life. Conservative options include wider, supportive footwear, padding, icing, and custom orthotics to improve foot mechanics. For painful or progressing bunions, our surgeons offer bunion correction through advanced foot and ankle surgery, including minimally invasive techniques.
What You Need to Know About Corns
A corn is a small, concentrated area of thickened skin that usually forms on the top or side of the toes. Corns are typically caused by friction and pressure from tight shoes or toe deformities such as hammertoes. They may not hurt when left alone, but they can be very painful when pressed.
There are two main types of corns:
- Hard corns – Small, dense bumps that form on firm areas of skin, often on the tops of the toes
- Soft corns – White, rubbery corns that develop between the toes where moisture is trapped
Understanding Calluses
A callus is a larger area of thickened skin that forms in response to repeated pressure or irritation. Calluses are the body’s way of protecting itself and usually develop on the bottom of the foot. Most calluses are not a major concern, but you should have a callus examined if it is painful, persists for a long time, or if you have diabetes, since calluses can break down into ulcers.
Professional Corn and Callus Removal
Our podiatrists can safely reduce large corns and calluses by gently shaving away the thickened, dead skin. This procedure is painless because the skin being removed is already dead. If a corn or callus returns, additional treatments, padding, footwear changes, or custom orthotics can reduce the pressure causing it. In some cases, cortisone injections may relieve severe pain, and surgery may be recommended to correct the underlying toe or bone deformity.
Do not cut corns or calluses at home. Doing so can lead to infection, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Call (805) 273-1415 to schedule an appointment with Performance Foot & Ankle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bunions, Corns, and Calluses
Can bunions go away without surgery?
Bunions will not go away on their own, but conservative treatments such as wider shoes, padding, and custom orthotics can relieve pain and slow their progression. Surgery is the only way to correct the deformity itself.
How long is recovery after bunion surgery?
Recovery varies by procedure, but many patients return to regular shoes in about six to eight weeks, with full recovery taking several months. Minimally invasive techniques may shorten recovery time.
What is the difference between a corn and a callus?
A corn is a small, concentrated area of hard skin that usually forms on or between the toes, while a callus is a larger, broader patch of thickened skin that typically forms on the bottom of the foot.
Is it safe to remove corns and calluses at home?
We do not recommend cutting or shaving corns and calluses at home. This can cause cuts and infections, particularly for people with diabetes. A podiatrist can remove them safely and painlessly.
Why do my corns keep coming back?
Corns return when the pressure or friction causing them is not addressed. Changing footwear, using padding or custom orthotics, and correcting toe deformities can help prevent recurrence.
Are calluses dangerous for people with diabetes?
Yes. Calluses can break down and form ulcers in people with diabetes, especially those with neuropathy. Regular professional care is important to prevent complications.
What kind of shoes are best for bunions?
Choose shoes with a wide, deep toe box, soft uppers, low heels, and good arch support. Avoid narrow, pointed shoes and high heels that push the toes together.