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Corns and callouses are thickened areas of skin that develop in response to repeated pressure or friction on the feet. They often appear on the toes, soles, or heels and may look hard, rough, yellowed, or raised. Corns are usually smaller with a central core, while callouses cover a broader area. These areas can feel uncomfortable, tender, or painful, especially when walking or wearing shoes, and some people notice a burning or aching sensation. Causes include ill-fitting footwear, high activity levels, repetitive motion, and lack of cushioning or support. A podiatrist can help from the start by identifying the source of pressure and confirming the diagnosis. Initial treatment may include safe removal of thickened skin. Care can then move into custom orthotics, gait evaluation, and preventive strategies to reduce recurrence and improve comfort. Addressing corns and callouses early can help protect overall foot health. For care, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact John Killough, DPM of Regional Foot Center. 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 offices located in Charleston and Effingham, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people wonder whether running shoes are suitable for walking, and the answer depends on impact-biomechanics and shoe design. Walking and running place different forces on the feet, which is why footwear is designed differently for each activity. Running shoes often have greater cushioning to absorb higher impact, while walking shoes emphasize steady support and flexibility. Differences such as heel drop, sole stiffness, and upper construction affect comfort and performance. A higher heel drop may feel unstable for walking, and increased sole stiffness can limit natural foot motion. Upper construction also varies, influencing breathability and fit during longer wear. A podiatrist can assess arch type, gait pattern, and activity needs to determine whether running shoes are appropriate for walking, or if a specific walking shoe is better. If you have foot pain or fatigue, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for personalized advice and guidance on proper shoe selection.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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

When children experience heel pain, it can interfere with their ability to play, walk comfortably, or participate in daily activities. One of the most common causes is Sever disease, an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel that often develops during growth spurts. Other possible issues include overuse injuries, poorly fitting shoes, flat feet, or biomechanical imbalances that place added strain on the heel. Although heel discomfort in children is often temporary, it should never be ignored, especially if the pain persists, worsens with activity, or changes the way a child walks. Early evaluation allows a podiatrist to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate care, which may include activity modifications, stretching, wearing supportive footwear, or custom orthotics. It is suggested you see a podiatrist if your child has ongoing heel pain or difficulty walking without discomfort.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact John Killough, DPM of Regional Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Falls at home are a common cause of injury, especially for older adults and individuals with balance concerns. Improving lighting throughout living spaces helps reduce shadows and makes obstacles easier to see. Removing trip hazards like loose rugs, cords, and clutter can significantly lower fall risk. Additionally, placing frequently used items within easy reach reduces the need for stretching or bending, while avoiding ladders limits the chance of losing balance. Wearing proper footwear and walking on stable surfaces also play an important role in safety. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot health, balance, and gait, as well as recommending supportive shoes or custom orthotics to improve stability. If you have foot pain from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and can guide you on additional falls prevention tips.  

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with John Killough, DPM from Regional Foot Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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