What are calluses and corns?
Calluses and corns are areas of thick, hardened skin. They build up where the skin is under repeated pressure, often over a bony spot. Calluses usually form on the soles of the feet; corns tend to form on the toes.
Thickened skin is the body's way of protecting itself, but it can become very sore. Treating the pressure behind it is the key to lasting relief.
Common causes
They're usually caused by:
- Repeated rubbing and pressure against a bony area
- A seam or rough spot inside a shoe, or shoes that don't fit
- Toes that curl or grip inside the shoe because of how the foot moves
- Inherited conditions
What you can do at home
To keep them under control:
- Wear supportive shoes with a wide toe area and a low heel.
- Use a softening cream from the pharmacy — but avoid acid-based corn treatments.
- Gently use a pumice stone or foot file.
If you have diabetes, please don't file or cut calluses yourself. Let us take care of them.
How a podiatrist helps
We can bring quick relief and work out why the pressure is there in the first place. Dr. Rosenfeld can:
- Arrange X-rays or other scans, if needed
- Safely trim the hard skin and pad the area to relieve pain
- Recommend a store-bought arch support or prescribe custom orthotics
- Perform surgery when it's the right choice