What is it?
A callus is a broad area of thick skin, usually on the sole. A corn is smaller and deeper, often on top of a bent toe or between toes.
What causes it?
- Hammertoes and bunions
- Tight or poorly fitting shoes
- Prominent metatarsal heads
- Walking mechanics
What does it feel like?
- Thick, hard skin
- Pain with pressure, like a pebble in the shoe
- Soft corns between the toes
How is it diagnosed?
A visual exam, sometimes with X-rays to look for an underlying bone prominence.
When should you see a podiatrist?
- Painful corns or calluses
- Calluses with any discoloration or drainage
- Any callus with diabetes — these can hide ulcers
Nonsurgical treatment
- Professional debridement
- Safe removal of thickened skin.
- Padding and shoe changes
- Remove the source of pressure.
- Orthotics
- Redistribute load under the foot.
When is surgery considered?
When a deformity such as a hammertoe is the cause and conservative care has not worked, correcting the deformity can eliminate the corn.
Related procedures
What is recovery like?
Relief after debridement is immediate; the skin rebuilds if the pressure is not addressed.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use medicated corn pads?
Acid pads can damage healthy skin, and should be avoided with diabetes or poor circulation.