If you’re an athlete, or simply someone who leads an active lifestyle, chances are you’ve encountered the discomfort of corns and calluses. These common foot issues can cause pain and disrupt training, but they’re actually easily treatable with the right foot care routine and over-the-counter corn treatment.
Why Do Athletes Get Corns and Calluses?
Whether you’re pounding the pavement or lifting heavy at the gym, repetitive friction and pressure can cause thickened areas of skin to develop. Calluses usually appear on weight-bearing areas like the soles, while corns are smaller, more concentrated, and often form on toes or between them.
Sports That Increase Your Risk
Certain sports and workouts make athletes more vulnerable to these conditions:
- Running and Hiking – Repeated impact on the foot can trigger thick skin formation.
- Basketball and Dancing – Constant pivoting and quick movements lead to pressure points.
- High-Impact Workouts – Exercises like box jumps and stair climbing put strain on the ball of the foot.
- Racquet Sports – Gripping racquets can lead to hand calluses.
- Golf – Repeated gripping of clubs causes friction on palms and fingers.
- Gymnastics and Weightlifting – Bar work and heavy lifts cause skin thickening on hands and feet.
Prevention: Foot Care for Athletes
Preventing corns and calluses is all about reducing friction and pressure. Here are top tips for active individuals:
1. Choose Proper Footwear
Poorly fitted shoes are the leading cause of corns. Invest in shoes that allow room for your toes to move and avoid tight spots that rub.
2. Know Your Size
Your foot size can change over time – and varies across brands. Runners often go up a full size for better comfort. Always try shoes in the late afternoon when feet are most swollen.
3. Replace Old Shoes
Worn-out soles and damaged linings don’t protect your feet properly. Swap out athletic shoes regularly – especially if you train often.
4. Wear Quality Socks
Never skip the socks! Choose cushioned, moisture-wicking athletic socks to reduce skin-on-shoe friction.
Best Corn and Callus Treatments for Sports
When prevention isn’t enough, it’s time to treat. Kroko offers a complete range of corn treatments for runners, athletes, and anyone on their feet all day. Here’s what works:
1. Kroko Corn and Callus Remover
Kroko Corn and Callus Remover – a tried-and-true solution since the 1930s. This salicylic acid-based ointment softens thickened skin so the corn or callus naturally falls away. Just apply, cover with a plaster, and repeat every two days.
2. Kroko Corn Protectors
Kroko Corn Protectors – perfect for sensitive skin, these foam-ring cushions offer instant relief during sport by reducing pressure on the affected area. No medication – just comfort.
3. Kroko Medicated Corn Plasters
Kroko Medicated Corn Plasters – a dual-action solution that combines powerful medication with a cushioned ring. Great for between-the-toe corns and even warts. These plasters stay put during intense movement.
4. Kroko CornFix
Kroko CornFix – a targeted liquid treatment for hard-to-reach areas. Comes with an applicator and protective foam-ring plasters. Ideal for precision care after tough workouts.
Foot pain shouldn’t hold you back. Whether you’re looking for corn treatment for runners, corn treatment for athletes, or just a reliable callus treatment, Kroko has you covered with effective, easy-to-use solutions trusted by South Africans for generations.
Visit www.kroko.co.za or email info@kroko.co.za for more information. Follow @krokofootcare on Facebook or @kroko_footcare on Instagram to stay updated on the latest in foot treatment tips and products.