What Are Corns and Calluses?
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop in response to repeated pressure or friction. They form as the body’s natural way of protecting the skin, but when the buildup becomes excessive, it can lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking.
Although they are similar, corns and calluses affect different areas of the foot and behave differently.
Corns vs. Calluses
- Calluses usually develop on the bottom of the feet, especially on the heels or the balls of the feet. They tend to cover a larger area and are usually less defined.
- Corns typically form on the tops or sides of the toes or between toes. They are usually smaller, more concentrated, and more painful, especially when pressure is applied.
Proper diagnosis is important to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Common Symptoms of Corns and Calluses
Symptoms of corns and calluses may include:
- Thick, hardened areas of skin
- Pain or burning sensation when walking or standing
- Tenderness under pressure
- Dry, cracked skin, especially on the heels
- Redness or inflammation around the affected area
If left untreated, symptoms may worsen over time.
What Causes Corns and Calluses?
Corns and calluses develop due to repeated pressure or friction, often caused by:
- Poorly fitting or narrow shoes
- High-pressure or high-friction areas on the foot
- Foot deformities such as hammertoes or bunions
- Abnormal walking patterns or gait issues
- Prolonged standing or repetitive activity
Addressing the underlying cause is key to preventing recurrence.
Why Treatment Is Important
When left untreated, corns and calluses can become increasingly painful and may crack, bleed, or ulcerate. This is especially dangerous for patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage, where even small skin injuries can lead to serious complications.
Professional treatment safely relieves pain and reduces the risk of infection while protecting healthy skin.
How We Treat Corns and Calluses
Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of the condition.
Treatment options may include:
- Gentle in-office debridement (safe trimming of thickened skin)
- Padding or offloading to reduce pressure
- Shoe modifications and footwear guidance
- Custom orthotics to improve pressure distribution
- Treatment of underlying foot deformities when needed
Our goal is to relieve discomfort and prevent future buildup.
Prevention & Long-Term Care
We help patients prevent corns and calluses from returning by providing guidance on:
- Proper footwear selection
- Pressure redistribution with orthotics
- Regular foot care and skin maintenance
- Monitoring areas prone to friction or pressure
Ongoing care helps maintain comfort and mobility.
When to See a Podiatrist
You should seek professional care if:
- Corns or calluses are painful or keep returning
- Walking becomes uncomfortable
- You have diabetes, circulation problems, or nerve damage
- The skin becomes cracked, red, or shows signs of infection
Early treatment helps prevent complications and supports healthier feet.
Safe, Professional Foot Care You Can Trust
What is the difference between corns and calluses?
Calluses usually form on the bottom of the foot and cover a larger area, while corns are smaller, more concentrated, and commonly develop on or between the toes.
What causes corns and calluses?
They are commonly caused by poorly fitting shoes, high-pressure areas, foot deformities, abnormal walking patterns, and prolonged standing or activity.
Are corns and calluses painful?
Yes. When they become too thick, they can cause pain, burning, tenderness, and discomfort when walking or standing.
How are corns and calluses treated by a podiatrist?
Treatment may include gentle debridement, padding or offloading, footwear guidance, custom orthotics, and addressing underlying foot deformities.
Can corns and calluses come back after treatment?
Yes. Without addressing the underlying cause, corns and calluses may return. Preventive care helps reduce recurrence.
Are corns and calluses dangerous for people with diabetes?
Yes. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage are at higher risk for skin breakdown and complications and should seek professional care.
When should I see a podiatrist for corns or calluses?
You should see a specialist if corns or calluses are painful, keep returning, affect walking, or if you have diabetes or circulation problems.