Corns and Calluses: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Corns and calluses are among the most common foot concerns we see, and while they are often dismissed as a minor nuisance, they are the body's response to repeated pressure or friction, which means the underlying cause deserves attention. At Foot and Ankle Specialists of The Woodlands, Huntsville and Downtown Houston, our approach is to address the cause, not just the symptoms, so that relief lasts.

What Are Corns and Calluses?

A callus is a broad area of thickened, hardened skin that develops where the skin experiences repeated pressure or friction, most often on the heel, ball of the foot, or the side of the big toe .A corn is a smaller, more concentrated area of thickened skin with a hard center, which typically forms on the toes or between them and can be painful when pressed.

What Causes Corns and Calluses?

• Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or poorly fitted
• High heels or footwear that shifts weight to the front of the foot
• Walking or standing for long periods
• Foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes
• Abnormal walking patterns or foot structure
• Going without socks, which increases friction

What Are the Symptoms?

Thick, rough, or flaky patches of skin, a hard bump surrounded by irritated skin, and pain or tenderness when walking or when pressure is applied are the most common signs. A thickened area that becomes red, warm, or drains may indicate irritation or infection and should be evaluated.

How Are Corns and Calluses Treated?

A callus is a broad area of thickened, hardened skin that develops where the skin experiences repeated pressure or friction, most often on the heel, ball of the foot, or the side of the big toe. A corn is a smaller, more concentrated area of thickened skin with a hard center, which typically forms on the toes or between them and can be painful when pressed.

What Causes Corns and Calluses?

• Shoes that are too tight, tooloose, or poorly fitted
• High heels or footwear thatshifts weight to the front of the foot
• Walking or standing for longperiods
• Foot deformities such asbunions or hammertoes
• Abnormal walking patterns orfoot structure
• Going without socks, whichincreases friction

What Are the Symptoms?

Thick, rough, or flaky patches of skin, ahard bump surrounded by irritated skin, and pain or tenderness when walking orwhen pressure is applied are the most common signs. A thickened area thatbecomes red, warm, or drains may indicate irritation or infection and should beevaluated.

How Are Corns and Calluses Treated?

Treatment begins with identifying why theskin is under pressure, and may include:

• Footwear changes: Properly fitted shoes with adequate room for the toes.
• Protective padding: Non-medicated pads to reduce friction.
• Professional removal: Safe,typically painless trimming of thickened skin in the office.
• Orthotics: Custom devices that redistribute pressure across the foot.
• Correcting underlyingdeformities: When a bone or joint problem isdriving the pressure, addressing it can prevent the corn or callus fromreturning.

Why You Should Avoid Home Surgery

Cutting or shaving corns and calluses athome, or using strong medicated products, can lead to injury and infection.This is especially important for patients with diabetes, poor circulation, orreduced sensation in the feet, who should have thickened skin evaluated andtreated by a professional.

When to See a Specialist

Schedule an evaluation if a corn or callus is painful, keeps returning, orlimits your activity, if the skin is red, swollen, or draining, or if you havediabetes or circulation problems. Our experienced providers use advanceddiagnostics to find the source of the pressure and create an individualizedtreatment plan.

With decades of combined experience andhundreds of five-star reviews, our team is proud to serve The Woodlands,Houston, and Huntsville. Book an appointment with Foot and Ankle Specialists ofThe Woodlands, Huntsville and Downtown Houston and stay a step ahead of footpain.

‍

‍