Foot corns and calluses are thick, hardened areas of skin that form when your feet experience too much friction or pressure. It is often caused by tight shoes, standing for long hours, or walking frequently. While they may seem harmless at first, they can become painful, cracked, or even infected if left untreated. This is especially important for people with diabetes or sensitive skin, as these conditions can make the feet more prone to complications.
In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about foot corns and calluses, including the removal treatments available from a podiatrist. At My Foot Dr Singapore, our podiatrists provide safe and effective treatments to remove foot corns and calluses. Whether you’re looking to relieve pain or keep your feet soft and healthy, we’re here to help you walk comfortably again.
What are Foot Corns and Calluses?
Foot corns and calluses are common skin conditions caused by repeated friction, pressure, or irritation on the feet. While they may seem minor at first, these thickened areas of skin are actually your body’s way of protecting itself from continuous stress or rubbing. Over time, thickened skin can alter how you walk, causing additional strain on your feet and joints.
Foot Corns
Corns usually appear as smaller, more localised, and tend to be painful when pressed. They typically form on non-weight-bearing parts of the feet, such as the tops or sides of toes, or between them, where shoes may rub or squeeze the skin. Corns can be either hard (with a dense, central core) or soft (white and rubbery, usually found between moist toes).
Foot Calluses
On the other hand, foot calluses appear as broad, flat, and hard patches of thickened skin. They often develop in weight-bearing areas such as the heels, balls of the feet, or along the edges of the toes. The skin may appear dry, rough, or yellowish-grey. Calluses form gradually as a protective response, but if the pressure continues, they can become painful and even crack, making it uncomfortable to walk or stand for long periods.
What’s the difference?
Foot Corns
Corns are smaller, more localised, and often more painful than calluses. They develop in areas that experience concentrated pressure, usually from tight or ill-fitting shoes. Corns have a hard central core surrounded by inflamed skin, which causes sharp, pinpoint pain when pressed. They typically appear on non-weight-bearing parts of the feet, such as the tops or sides of toes, between the toes, or along the outer edge of the little toe. Even small corns can make walking uncomfortable, as every step places pressure on the sensitive area. There are two main types of corns:
- Hard corns (Heloma Durum): Firm, dense, and usually found on the tops or outer edges of toes where shoes rub.
- Soft corns (Heloma Molle): Whitish, rubbery in texture, and form between the toes due to trapped moisture and friction.
Foot Calluses
Calluses, in contrast, are larger, flatter, and less painful. They usually form on weight-bearing areas of the feet, such as the heels, balls of the feet, or along the outer edges. This is where the skin thickens to protect itself from ongoing friction or pressure. Calluses appear as broad, dry, yellowish or greyish patches and often feel rough or flaky to the touch. Unlike corns, calluses don’t have a central core and tend to cause a dull, general discomfort rather than sharp pain. They are a natural defence mechanism of the body, but when the thickened skin becomes too hard, it can crack or lead to further discomfort.
Causes of Foot Corns and Calluses
Understanding what causes corns and calluses is the first step to effective prevention and treatment. These skin conditions are the body’s natural response to repeated pressure, friction, or irritation. When the skin experiences excessive stress in one area, it thickens to protect the underlying tissues, forming either a corn or a callus. However, if this pressure continues, the thickened skin can become painful and even lead to infection.
1. Tight or Poorly Fitted Shoes
Wearing shoes that are too tight, narrow, or loose is one of the most common causes of corns and calluses. Tight shoes squeeze the toes together, while loose shoes allow the feet to slide and rub against the shoe’s inner surface. Both create friction that leads to hard, thickened skin. High heels also put excessive pressure on the forefoot, increasing the risk of corns and calluses under the ball of the foot.
2. Foot Structure and Gait Problems
Structural issues such as flat feet, bunions, or hammer toes can cause uneven pressure when walking. Over time, this uneven distribution of weight makes certain areas more prone to friction and hard skin buildup. Even subtle gait abnormalities, like walking on the outer edges of your feet, can contribute to recurring corns and calluses.
3. Prolonged Pressure on the Feet
Spending long hours on your feet, especially on hard surfaces, puts constant stress on specific pressure points. This repeated impact can trigger the skin’s protective thickening response, commonly leading to callus formation on the heels and balls of the feet.
4. Improper Foot Hygiene and Dry Skin
Neglecting proper foot care can worsen friction-related problems. Dry, rough skin is more prone to cracking and thickening, which can lead to painful calluses. Similarly, failing to keep your feet clean and moisturised encourages hard skin buildup.
5. Sports and Physical Activity
Athletes, runners, and active individuals are particularly susceptible to corns and calluses due to repetitive movement and pressure. Continuous impact from running, jumping, or tight sports shoes can lead to friction hotspots on the toes and soles.
Foot Corns and Calluses Removal Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Most corns and calluses can be treated effectively without surgery. These non-invasive methods focus on relieving pain, softening thickened skin, and addressing the root cause.
- Soaking and Filing the Skin
Regularly soaking your feet in warm water helps soften the thickened skin, making it easier to gently remove dead skin using a pumice stone or foot file. This can help keep the skin smooth and prevent hard patches from forming. - Protective Padding
Foam or gel pads, often shaped like a doughnut, can cushion the affected area and reduce pressure on the corn. These are simple yet effective tools to relieve discomfort while the underlying issue is being treated. - Supportive Footwear and Orthotics
Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and soft cushioning can help prevent friction and pressure on sensitive areas. For corns caused by toe deformities or uneven pressure, toe separators or custom orthotic insoles can help redistribute weight and protect your feet from further irritation. - Medicated Pads and Corn Removers
Over-the-counter treatments such as medicated pads containing salicylic acid may be used carefully to dissolve toughened skin. However, these should only be applied under the advice of a podiatrist to avoid damaging the surrounding healthy skin.
Surgical Treatment Options
In cases where corns or calluses keep recurring or become severely painful, surgical intervention may be necessary.
- Surgical Removal
This minor procedure involves removing the corn and the thickened surrounding skin to relieve pain and prevent recurrence. It’s typically performed under local anaesthesia and offers a fast recovery. - Bone Alignment Surgery
If the corn is caused by an underlying bone deformity, such as a hammer toe or bone spur, surgery may be required to correct the alignment. This helps eliminate the pressure points that repeatedly cause corns to develop.
When You Should See a Podiatrist
While minor corns and calluses can sometimes be managed at home, it’s important to know when professional care is necessary. Seeing a podiatrist ensures that you not only treat the visible symptoms but also address the root cause to prevent recurrence. You should book an appointment with a podiatrist if:
- The corn or callus becomes painful, swollen, or inflamed.
- You notice signs of infection such as redness, pus, or unusual discharge.
- Home remedies, over-the-counter treatments, or self-trimming haven’t improved the condition.
- You have diabetes, poor circulation, or sensitive skin, as self-treatment may lead to infection or slow healing.
- The hard skin keeps coming back despite your efforts to manage it.
Comprehensive Care at My Foot Dr
At My FootDr Singapore, our experienced podiatrists provide comprehensive care to relieve discomfort, remove hardened skin, and address the underlying cause of corns and calluses. Beyond treatment, we focus on preventing recurrence so you can stay comfortable and confident on your feet.
1. Managing Painful Corns and Calluses
Our podiatrists carefully and safely remove layers of thickened skin using precise instruments. The treatment will be tailored to each patient’s needs. We will conduct an assessment to determine whether surgical or non-surgical treatment is required.
2. Healing and Prevention
After treatment, we help your feet heal properly and protect them from further irritation. To reduce pressure and friction, our podiatrists may recommend using soft padding, strapping, or deflective appliances that can be easily worn inside your shoes. For corns between or on the toes, foam wedges or toe separators are often used to relieve pressure and prevent rubbing.
3. Footwear Advice and Custom Orthotics
Our podiatrists also discuss footwear choices that may be contributing to the problem. Wearing properly fitted shoes with enough toe space can make a significant difference. In some cases, custom orthotic inserts are prescribed to evenly distribute pressure across the feet, reduce friction, and prevent future corns or calluses from forming.
4. Care for Older Patients
As we age, the natural cushioning under our feet becomes thinner, increasing the risk of callus formation. For older patients, our podiatrists may recommend extra shock absorption under the ball of the foot to replace the lost natural padding, helping to restore comfort and protect sensitive areas.
Get Your Foot Corns and Calluses Treatment at My Foot Dr
Don’t let painful corns or thick calluses stop you from walking comfortably. These common foot problems may seem minor, but they can worsen over time if left untreated, especially for individuals with diabetes or sensitive skin. At My Foot Dr Singapore, our experienced podiatrists provide safe, professional, and effective treatments to remove corns and calluses while addressing the root cause to prevent them from coming back.
If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or recurring thickened skin on your feet, it’s time to seek expert care. Book an appointment with My Foot Dr Singapore today and get comprehensive care from our experienced podiatrist!