Corns and calluses are common foot conditions that, while generally harmless, can cause discomfort or pain if left untreated. These skin conditions develop due to repeated friction or pressure, often from tight footwear or high-impact activities. At footfeet, our mission is to help you care for your feet, reduce discomfort from corns and calluses, and maintain smooth, healthy skin. Here’s a guide to understanding, preventing, and treating corns and calluses effectively.
What Are Corns and Calluses?
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Corns: Corns are small, round areas of thickened skin that typically form on the tops or sides of toes, where the skin is subject to regular rubbing or pressure. They have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin, and they can be painful when pressed.
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Calluses: Calluses are larger, rough patches of thick skin that appear on the soles of the feet, particularly under the heels and balls of the feet, and sometimes on the sides of toes. Unlike corns, calluses are usually not painful but can feel rough or uncomfortable.
Both conditions serve as the body’s response to prolonged pressure and friction, but if left unmanaged, they can lead to discomfort and even pain.
Causes & Risk Factors of Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses form as a protective response when the skin thickens in reaction to consistent pressure or friction on the feet. This can be caused by various factors, including:
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Poorly Fitting Footwear: Shoes that are too tight or narrow can rub against the skin, while shoes that are too loose may cause the foot to slide, leading to friction and thickened skin.
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Excessive Pronation: When the arch collapses inward during walking, it increases pressure on the forefoot and toes, contributing to callus formation.
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High Arches: Individuals with high arches may experience greater pressure on the outer edges of the feet, increasing the likelihood of calluses.
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Limited Joint Mobility: Reduced range of motion in foot joints can affect gait, leading to pressure build-up in certain areas.
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Repetitive Activities: High-impact sports, standing for long periods, or walking on hard surfaces can increase friction and pressure, especially if footwear is unsupportive.
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Previous Trauma or Surgery: Past injuries or surgeries that alter foot structure can shift pressure to new areas, encouraging corns and calluses.
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Bony Prominences: Conditions where bones sit close to the skin surface, like bunions, tailor’s bunions, hammer toes or rheumatoid arthritis, often lead to rubbing and irritation.
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Specific Walking or Running Patterns: Unique gait patterns, like flat feet, can place extra pressure on certain areas of the foot, making corns and calluses more likely.
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Dry Skin: Dry, rough skin is more prone to thickening, which can intensify corns and calluses over time.
- Skipping Socks: Wearing shoes without socks can lead to direct friction on the skin, which encourages corns and calluses to develop.
Understanding these risk factors can help in taking preventive steps, such as wearing properly fitting shoes and maintaining foot hygiene, to reduce friction and pressure on the feet.
How to Prevent Corns and Calluses
Reducing friction and pressure is key to preventing corns and calluses. Here’s how:
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Choose Proper Footwear: Shoes with a wide toe box and soft, cushioned insoles can help prevent corns and calluses by reducing pressure and friction on your feet. Shoes with good arch support can also distribute weight evenly, helping to prevent foot irritation.
Archies Footwear -
Wear Moisture-Wicking Socks: Socks create a barrier between your skin and shoes, reducing friction. Look for cushioned or moisture-wicking socks that keep your feet dry and comfortable. Make sure socks are snug enough that they don't bunch up under your feet.
Steigen High Performance Running Socks
OS1st Performance Moisture-wicking Socks
Lightfeet Evolution Sports Performance Socks -
Use Orthotic Insoles or Padding: Gel pads or orthotic insoles can help distribute pressure evenly across the foot, reducing friction on high-risk areas.
Emily Braidwood EB Medigel Insoles -
Limit High-Impact Activities: When possible, avoid prolonged time on hard surfaces, take regular breaks, and alternate shoes throughout the day.
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Maintain Good Foot Hygiene: Wash your feet in warm, soapy water, dry them and apply a moisturising foot cream. Regularly exfoliate your feet with a pumice stone or foot file to prevent excess skin buildup and keep feet smooth.
Fiume Chiropody Sponge
Diamond Dust Foot Files
Akileine Pro Blue Nutri-Repair Cream for Very Dry Feet
Effective Treatment for Corns and Calluses
If you’re dealing with painful corns or calluses, there are several ways to treat them and ease discomfort:
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Soak and Exfoliate: Soak your feet in warm, soapy water to soften the skin - usually 5 to 10 minutes. Then, use a wet pumice stone or foot file to gently remove thickened skin. Be cautious to avoid over-filing, as this can worsen irritation.
Fiume Chiropody Sponge
Diamond Dust Foot Files -
Moisturise Daily: Applying a thick foot cream with urea can hydrate and soften the skin, making it easier to manage thickened areas. Regular moisturising helps prevent calluses from returning.
Walker's ULTRA 25% Urea with Ceramides Heel Conditioner
Restorate - Urea Foot Collection -
Apply Cushioning Pads: Corn or callus pads are designed to reduce pressure on the affected area. They’re available in various shapes and can be used with most shoes to protect sensitive areas.
TheraStep Gel Corn Pads
ENGO Blister Prevention Patches
Toe Separators -
Wear properly sized and shaped footwear. Wear shoes with increased width and height in the toe area.
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Keep your toenails trimmed. Long toenails can make your toes push against the top of your shoe causing friction and increased pressure. Cut toenails straight across. Don’t round the corners.
Professional Toe Nail Clippers and Files
- Consult a Podiatrist: For persistent or painful corns and calluses, a podiatrist can provide safe, professional removal and recommend further treatments. This is especially important for people with diabetes, as foot complications can develop more easily.
FAQS
Q: What’s the difference between corns and calluses?
A: Corns are smaller, round, and form on areas with focused pressure, such as the tops or sides of toes. They often have a hard center. Calluses are larger, rough patches on the soles or heels, caused by repeated friction and pressure. Corns are often painful, while calluses are generally not.
Q: Can I cut off a corn or callus at home?
A: No!! Please don't. It’s not recommended to cut or shave off corns or calluses yourself, as this can cause skin damage or infection. Instead, use a pumice stone after soaking your feet to gently reduce the thickness. For stubborn or painful cases, consult a podiatrist.
Q: Are corns and calluses permanent?
A: With proper care and by eliminating sources of friction, corns and calluses can be reduced and may disappear. However, they can return if the underlying causes, such as tight shoes or certain activities, are not addressed.
Q: What’s the best way to remove calluses on feet?
A: The most effective way to remove calluses is by soaking feet in warm water, exfoliating with a pumice stone, and applying a callus-removing foot cream with urea. Avoid cutting calluses yourself, as this can lead to infection.
Q: Are there specific shoes that help prevent corns and calluses?
A: Yes, shoes with a wide toe box and soft, cushioned insoles can help prevent corns and calluses by reducing pressure and friction on your feet. Shoes with good arch support can also distribute weight evenly, helping to prevent foot irritation.
Q: Can calluses be a sign of an underlying foot condition?
A: Calluses can sometimes indicate structural issues like flat feet, high arches, or bunions that cause uneven pressure on certain areas of the foot. If you frequently get calluses in the same area, a podiatrist can assess for any underlying foot mechanics that may need correction.
Q: Is it safe to use over-the-counter callus removers on sensitive skin?
A: Over-the-counter products used to dissolve corns and calluses contain harsh chemicals. If you aren’t precise in applying the chemical, it can injure the surrounding healthy skin. For sensitive skin, try using a gentle foot file and a moisturising foot cream. If you have diabetes, don’t self-treat. See your healthcare provider, due to the foot complications possible with diabetes.
Q: Can corns and calluses lead to other foot problems?
A: If left untreated, thickened corns and calluses can crack or become infected, leading to discomfort and further complications. Regular care, including moisturising and reducing friction, can prevent other foot issues related to corns and calluses.
Q: What’s the difference between hard and soft corns?
A: Hard corns typically form on the tops of toes or other bony areas where there’s direct pressure. Soft corns, on the other hand, develop between toes and are softer due to moisture. Both types can cause discomfort and may benefit from protective padding and regular care.
Q: Can children get corns and calluses?
A: Yes, children can develop corns and calluses, especially if they wear tight shoes or play sports that create friction on the feet. Make sure children wear properly fitting shoes and socks to help prevent corns and calluses from forming.
Q: How often should I exfoliate calluses on my feet?
A: Exfoliating once or twice a week with a pumice stone or foot file is typically sufficient for managing calluses. Consistent moisturising after exfoliation helps keep the skin soft and prevents thickening.
Q: Is walking barefoot bad for calluses?
A: Walking barefoot can lead to callus buildup, especially on hard surfaces. While occasional barefoot walking is fine, wearing supportive, cushioned footwear can help reduce friction and prevent calluses from forming.
Q: Can diabetes affect corns and calluses?
A: Yes, people with diabetes need to be cautious with corns and calluses, as foot injuries can lead to complications. It’s best for diabetics to see a podiatrist for corns and calluses to avoid cuts, infections, or further issues related to diabetic foot care.
Q: How can I relieve pain from corns immediately?
A: Cushioning pads or patches can provide temporary relief by reducing pressure on the corn. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and soft, padded interiors also helps alleviate discomfort.
Q: Are there specific creams for calluses?
A: Yes, creams containing urea are ideal for softening calluses. Urea hydrates and breaks down thick skin. Consistent moisturising can make calluses softer and easier to manage.
Q: Can people with diabetes treat corns and calluses at home?
A: People with diabetes should avoid at-home treatments for corns and calluses and instead see a podiatrist, as their skin is more vulnerable to complications. Professional treatment minimises the risk of infection and other issues.
Our Corns & Calluses Collection at footfeet offers a wide range of products designed to relieve discomfort, reduce thickened skin, and protect sensitive areas. Explore our carefully curated selection to find the tools and treatments you need to keep your feet smooth, comfortable, and healthy!