Corns and Calluses: Causes, Treatments, and Essential Foot Care Tips

What Are Corns and Calluses?

Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin, our body’s natural response to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. They’re often found on the feet and toes but can appear anywhere the skin is subject to pressure. While these conditions aren’t typically harmful, they can become painful if left untreated.

Simply put, calluses tend to spread over larger areas and are flat with less defined edges. Corns are smaller, circular, and often more painful, pressing deeper into the skin due to concentrated pressure.

At South Florida Multispecialty Hospital, we frequently see patients with foot discomfort caused by these conditions. Most of them are surprised to learn just how treatable, and preventable, corns and calluses can be with proper foot care.

Differences Between Corns and Calluses

Recognizing the difference is key to successful treatment. Here’s how they differ:

Corns:

• Smaller and rounder
• Usually found on non-weight-bearing areas like the tops or sides of toes
• May be hard or soft, depending on location and moisture
• Painful when pressed

Calluses:

• Larger and more diffuse
• Develop on weight-bearing areas like soles, heels, or balls of the feet
• Typically less painful but can become uncomfortable over time
• Often yellowish or pale in color

Understanding which one you’re dealing with helps determine the right approach, whether it’s an at-home fix or a visit to a podiatrist.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Not all foot pressure is avoidable, but understanding what’s behind your corns or calluses helps you manage them more effectively.

Common Causes:

• Wearing ill-fitting or tight shoes
• High-heeled shoes that pinch toes or apply uneven pressure
• Walking barefoot frequently
• Prolonged standing or walking, especially on hard surfaces
• Repetitive motions or activities like running or playing certain sports

Risk Factors:

• Foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes
• Altered gait resulting in uneven pressure
• Advanced age, thinner skin loses protective fat padding
• Diabetes or peripheral arterial disease, which compromises skin integrity and healing capacity

According to studies, about 10–15% of adults will deal with foot calluses at some point. Those with metabolic or circulation-related conditions face higher risks and complications.

Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Advice

Many people live with corns and calluses for years, brushing off the discomfort until it becomes unbearable. Watch for the following symptoms:

• Thick, rough, or flaky skin on feet or toes
• A hardened, raised bump on the skin
• Tenderness or sharp pain under pressure
• Waxy, dry skin that cracks and bleeds

If pain becomes persistent or you’re unable to manage symptoms at home, it’s time to seek care. Individuals with diabetes or neuropathy should consult a specialist even for minor foot issues, delays in treatment can lead to serious infections.

Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Treatments

Many mild cases respond well to gentle at-home care. Here’s how we recommend managing early-stage corns and calluses:

1. Soak and soften skin:
   Spend 10–15 minutes soaking your feet in warm water to soften hardened skin.
2. Gentle exfoliation:
   Use a pumice stone or foot file to reduce thickness. Avoid being too aggressive, especially if you have sensitive skin or circulation issues.
3. Moisturize daily:
   Apply a urea-based or alpha hydroxy acid cream. These soften keratin buildup and restore suppleness.
4. Consider OTC pads:
   Non-medicated pads reduce friction. Medicated options with salicylic acid can help, but be cautious. These can damage healthy skin and should be avoided by diabetic patients or those with open sores.

Professional Treatment Options and Podiatric Care

Professional intervention becomes necessary when home care doesn’t provide relief or complications arise. At South Florida Multispecialty Hospital, our podiatrists are equipped with advanced tools and techniques to manage both pain and its underlying cause.

Conservative Treatments Include:

• Custom orthotics to rebalance your gait
• Debridement, where we safely shave excess skin
• Padding and strapping to redistribute pressure

Why Professional Care Matters:

A study in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found professional treatments reduce discomfort in more than 80% of patients. That’s powerful, and it shows that timely, expert care goes a long way in preventing recurrence.

The Importance of Footwear in Prevention

Footwear often plays a starring role in both problem and solution. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or lack cushioning can quickly turn daily steps into a painful ordeal.

Tips for Shoe Selection:

• Choose shoes with a wide toe box
• Avoid high heels or narrow styles for daily wear
• Opt for cushioned insoles if you stand or walk for extended periods
• Shop for shoes in the evening when your feet are slightly swollen, this offers a more accurate fit

Special Considerations for Diabetic Patients

If you’re living with diabetes, foot care isn’t just about comfort, it’s about safety. Diabetes can impair nerve function and heal less efficiently, making it easier for a small corn or callus to turn into a chronic wound.

Key Practices Include:

• Daily foot inspections for any signs of redness, swelling, or cuts
• Never self-treat with sharp tools or medicated OTC corn removers
• Prioritize professional foot care visits every few months
• Ensure shoes fit properly and avoid pressure points

Preventive Measures and Daily Foot Care Tips

An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Regular maintenance helps you stay ahead of problems before they occur.

Our Go-To Prevention Tips:

• Keep feet clean, moisturized, and dry, especially between toes
• Trim toenails straight across to prevent rubbing
• Rotate shoes daily to allow drying
• Wear moisture-wicking socks
• Don’t ignore pain, address it early

When we talk about foot care at our clinic, we often use the analogy: just like brushing teeth prevents cavities, daily attention to your feet keeps corns and calluses in check.

If you’re noticing persistent hard spots on your feet or dealing with foot pain that’s not resolving, don’t wait. Connect with South Florida Multispecialty Hospital’s podiatry experts for personalized care and lasting relief.