Corns and Calluses

Are you dealing with foot pain caused by thickened skin on your feet? Corns and calluses are common foot issues that can cause discomfort, especially when walking or wearing shoes.

If persistent foot pain or thickened skin is affecting your daily life, our team at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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What Are Corns and Calluses?

While they may look similar, corns and calluses are not the same. Both are areas of thickened skin, but they differ in appearance, location, and cause.

Calluses are larger, flatter areas of hardened skin that typically form on weight-bearing areas like the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands. They develop as a natural response to friction or pressure.
Corns are smaller, more focused areas of thickened skin that tend to have a hardened core. Hard corns form on the tops or sides of the toes, while soft corns tend to develop between the toes due to moisture.

Understanding these differences is key to managing and treating the affected skin effectively.

What Causes Corns and Calluses to Form on Feet?

Both corns and calluses develop as the body’s defense mechanism against pressure and friction. The most common causes include:

Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly: Ill-fitting shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause rubbing, leading to thickened skin on the feet.
High-heeled or narrow-toed shoes: These shoes put excess pressure on specific parts of the foot, increasing the risk of hard corns and calluses.
Walking barefoot or on hard surfaces: Regular contact with hard surfaces can encourage the skin to harden for protection.
Certain foot shapes or deformities: Conditions like bunions or hammer toes can create pressure points, causing the skin to thicken.

Addressing the root causes of friction and pressure can prevent the development of corns and calluses.

How to Tell if You Have Corns or Calluses on Your Feet

If you notice unusual patches of hardened skin on your feet, you may be dealing with corns or calluses. Here’s how to identify them:

Calluses: These are larger, rough, and flat patches of thickened skin. They’re usually painless but may feel uncomfortable when walking.
Hard corns: Look for small, dense, and firm bumps that may have a central “core” of hardened skin. Hard corns are often found on the top or side of the toes.
Soft corns: Unlike hard corns, soft corns tend to form between the toes. They have a whitish, rubbery appearance and feel softer because of moisture from sweat.

If your foot pain persists or you’re unsure whether you have calluses or corns, it’s time to seek professional guidance.

How to Get Rid of Corns on Feet: Effective At-Home Methods

Getting rid of corns requires patience and the right approach. Here are some at-home methods to treat corns and reduce discomfort:

Use a pumice stone: After soaking your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes, gently rub the corn with a pumice stone in circular or sideways motions. This helps remove dead skin gradually.
Apply over-the-counter treatments: Products with salicylic acid can help soften the affected skin, making it easier to remove dead skin. Be sure to follow instructions carefully.
Moisturize your feet: Hydrated skin is less likely to harden. Apply a foot cream daily to keep skin soft and reduce the likelihood of developing corns.
Wear properly fitting shoes: Switch to comfortable, well-fitting shoes with ample room for your toes. Avoid shoes that squeeze or rub against specific areas of your feet.
Use protective padding: Toe sleeves, cushions, or pads reduce friction and pressure on specific areas, preventing corns from forming or worsening.

If home remedies aren’t working or if your corn becomes painful, it may be time to seek professional treatment.

How to Treat Corns and Calluses

When at-home treatments don’t bring relief, professional treatment is often the best course of action. Here’s what you can expect:

Debridement: This involves safely trimming away thickened skin to reduce pressure and discomfort.
Custom orthotics: Special shoe inserts can redistribute pressure on your feet, reducing friction and preventing future corns or calluses.
Medical removal: In some cases, more advanced procedures may be necessary to address severe or persistent corns.

The experts at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus offer personalized care to treat corns, reduce foot pain, and prevent recurrence.

What to Do if a Corn Becomes Infected?

Corns that are not properly cared for can become infected, leading to swelling, redness, and increased pain. If bacteria enter through a crack in the skin, it can lead to an infection that may require medical treatment. Signs of infection include:

Red, swollen, or hot skin around the corn
Pus or fluid drainage from the affected skin
Intense pain or tenderness

If you notice signs of infection, it’s important to seek care immediately. Ignoring an infected corn can lead to more serious complications.

Why You Should Understand the Differences Between Corns and Calluses

Knowing the difference between calluses and corns is essential for effective treatment and prevention. Each type of thickened skin requires a specific approach:

Calluses: Focus on reducing friction on weight-bearing areas of the foot.
Corns: Target the small, dense areas of hardened skin on and between the toes.

Prevention is just as important as treatment. Wear well-fitting shoes with plenty of room for your toes, avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces, and use protective padding if you develop pressure points on your feet.

If you’re dealing with ongoing foot pain, hardened skin, or uncomfortable corns, professional treatment can provide long-lasting relief.

Get Professional Treatment for Corns and Calluses

Don’t let foot pain slow you down. Whether you’re struggling with hard corns, soft corns, or large patches of callused skin, Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus is ready to help.

Our expert team can assess your feet, develop a personalized treatment plan, and provide long-term relief. Take the first step toward healthier, pain-free feet. Contact us today and get back to doing the things you love!

Medically reviewed by Lynette R. Mehl, DPM

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