Corns and calluses are among the most common foot complaints. They are areas of thickened skin the body forms to protect itself from pressure and friction, and while they are not usually serious, they can be genuinely painful. The good news is they are easy to treat properly. Here is what to know.
What Causes Corns and Calluses?
Both form in response to repeated pressure or rubbing. Footwear that is too tight, too loose or unsupportive is a common cause, as is the way your foot loads when you walk. They tend to appear where pressure concentrates, over the sole, the heel, the tops of toes or between them.
How Corns and Calluses Differ
They are related but not the same:
- A callus is a broad area of hard skin, often on the sole or heel
- A corn is smaller and more concentrated, with a hard central core
- Corns tend to be more painful because they press into deeper tissue
- Soft corns can form between the toes where skin stays moist
Both respond well to treatment, and both come back if the cause is not addressed.
How a Podiatrist Treats Corns and Calluses
A podiatrist can reduce corns and calluses safely and painlessly, giving immediate relief, as part of our foot care service. Just as importantly, they look at what is causing the pressure, usually footwear or foot mechanics, so the problem does not simply return.
Why Not to Treat Them Yourself
It is tempting to cut or file corns and calluses at home, but blades and strong over-the-counter corn removers risk injury and infection, and they do not fix the underlying pressure. This matters especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation, where any skin break needs care. Professional treatment is safer and more effective.
At Advanced Footcare Group we treat painful corns and calluses and tackle the cause, so you get lasting relief.
For comfortable, pain-free feet, call 01306 883 332 or book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between a corn and a callus?
Both are areas of thickened skin caused by pressure or friction. A callus is a broader patch of hard skin, often on the sole or heel. A corn is smaller and more concentrated, usually with a hard centre, and tends to be more painful because it presses into deeper tissue. The causes and treatment overlap.
Should I cut corns and calluses off myself?
It is best not to. Cutting them yourself risks injury and infection, and it does not address the pressure causing them. This is especially important if you have diabetes or poor circulation. A podiatrist can reduce them safely and painlessly and advise on preventing them.
Do corns and calluses come back?
They can, because they are caused by ongoing pressure or friction. Reducing them gives relief, but preventing recurrence means addressing the cause, usually footwear or foot mechanics. A podiatrist can treat them and help stop them returning.