Relief from Corns and Calluses

What You Need to Know

Learn how corns and calluses form, what causes them, and when to see a podiatrist.

Understanding Corns and Calluses

A corn is a small circular thickened lesion in the skin of the foot. It usually forms due to repeated pressure on the skin, such as the rubbing of a shoe. The name “corn” comes from its resemblance to a kernel of corn. A corn is different from a callus in that it has a central core of hard material. A callus is a thickened area of skin on the foot caused by pressure and repeated rubbing, such as from a shoe or sock.

Many people use the terms corns and calluses interchangeably. However, they are two different things. Corns are smaller in size than calluses and feature a hardened bump in the center. Corns are also painful and usually develop on non-weight-bearing areas of your feet like the sides or tops of your toes. Calluses develop on the heels, balls, or soles of your feet, are typically larger than corns, and usually are not painful.

Corns and calluses are easy to spot. Telltale signs include a thick, raised area of skin, a hardened or rough bump, tenderness or pain, and waxy or dry skin. Over time, a corn or callus might also start flaking or shed layers of skin.

If your skin experiences pressure or friction on a regular basis, you might develop a corn or callus. They can also develop due to irregularities affecting your feet, such as bunions, hammertoes, or bumps caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Other factors include flatfeet, bone spurs, or pressure caused by an abnormal gait.

If a corn or callus becomes inflamed or painful to the touch, make an appointment today. You should also visit a podiatrist if you have diabetes and develop a callus or corn.

Treatment Options and Safety

There are a number of treatment options for corns and calluses. When corns get hard enough to cause pain, a podiatrist will recommend the treatment option most appropriate for you. However, if the underlying cause of the corn is not treated or removed, the corn may return.

It is important to avoid trying to remove a corn at home or using medicated corn pads, as serious infection may occur. People who have calluses are also cautioned against performing “bathroom surgery,” as this can lead to cuts and infection. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause and recommend the treatment most appropriate for your condition.

Our providers use conservative treatments to address corns and calluses. Following an exam and discussion of your symptoms, your doctor might recommend trimming away your excess skin or using shoe inserts. If necessary, your doctor might also prescribe a callus-removing medication. If you develop recurring calluses or corns, surgical intervention may be necessary to better align the bone that is causing friction.

In most cases, conservative measures of care are enough to treat corns and calluses. For example, wearing roomier shoes may prevent pain and allow your skin to heal. Many times, eliminating the source of friction is enough to ease your symptoms.

If you have diabetes or another condition that affects your circulation, corns and calluses may lead to an infection or more serious health problems. If you suffer from painful corns and calluses, do not hesitate to call us or request an appointment online so we can get you back in action as soon as possible.