← What we treat

Painful Calluses and Corns

Calluses and corns are areas of thickened skin that build up where the foot takes too much pressure or friction. A callus is usually broad and flat, often on the ball of the foot, the heel, or the side of the big toe. A corn is smaller and harder, with a dense core that presses into the skin, and it is usually found on the tops or tips of the toes or between them.

The thickened skin is the body's way of protecting itself, but once it builds up it can feel like walking on a stone. Corns in particular can be surprisingly painful for their size.

Why they keep coming back

Trimming a callus or corn gives quick relief, but it will return unless the pressure causing it is addressed. That pressure usually comes from foot shape, a prominent bone, bunions or hammertoes, shoes that rub or crowd the toes, or the way weight is spread across the foot when you walk.

Wart, corn, or callus?

Some spots that look like calluses are actually plantar warts, which are treated differently. Getting the diagnosis right first saves time and keeps the skin from being irritated by the wrong treatment.

What your visit looks like

Painful calluses and corns are carefully trimmed down in the office the same day. It is usually painless, and most people walk out noticeably more comfortable.

From there, the focus is on keeping them from coming back. Depending on the cause, that can include padding, changes in shoes, and custom orthotics to take pressure off the area. When a hammertoe or bone prominence is the underlying cause, we will talk through the options for addressing it.

When to come in

A callus or corn that is painful, keeps returning, or shows bleeding or dark discoloration underneath is worth having looked at.

If you are diabetic or have poor circulation or neuropathy, do not trim calluses or use medicated corn pads at home. Those pads contain acid that can injure the skin, and a callus can hide a sore underneath. Routine callus care should be done in the office.