Health Topics A-Z

How Can I Prevent Corns and Calluses?

Have both feet professionally measured and buy only properly fitting shoes. Be sure the width is correct. Allow up to half an inch between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. If you can't wiggle your toes in your shoes, they are too tight. Avoid pointed shoes and high heels. Women who wear stylish shoes at work can take some of the pressure off their feet by walking to and from the office in correctly fitted athletic shoes.

Have your shoes repaired regularly. Worn soles give little protection from the shock of walking on hard surfaces, and worn linings can chafe the skin and harbor bacteria. Worn heels increase uneven pressure on the heel bone. If the soles or heels of your shoes tend to wear unevenly, see an orthopedist or podiatrist about corrective shoes or insoles.