Corns and calluses

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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

Pressure and friction from repetitive actions cause corns and calluses to develop and grow. Some causes include:

  • Ill-fitting shoes. When shoes are too tight or have high heels, they compress areas of your foot. When they're too loose, your foot may repeatedly slide and rub against the shoe. Your foot may also rub against a poorly placed seam or stitch inside the shoe.
  • Skipping socks. Wearing shoes and sandals without socks can lead to friction on your feet. Socks that don't fit properly also can be a problem.
  • Using hand tools. Calluses on your hands may result from the repeated pressure of using tools on the job, around the house or in the garden.
References
  1. Goldstein BG, et al. Overview of benign lesions of the skin. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 13, 2010.
  2. Smith BW, et al. Disorders of the lesser toes. Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review. 2009;17:167.
  3. Calluses and corns. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch113/ch113b.html. Accessed Dec. 19, 2010.
  4. Corns & calluses. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. http://www.aofas.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/cms/review.html?Action=CMS_Document&DocID=34&Time=1594904778&SessionID=7971732q9hp5yh5dy37bavztg8mbo8b8n5pm0obw17xtxh089e25es8586jcdqv3&MenuKey=123. Accessed Dec. 19, 2010.
DS00033 April 5, 2011

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