Corns & Calluses
What Are Corns and Calluses?
Corns and calluses are areas of hardened, thickened skin that develop due to repetitive friction or pressure. They commonly occur on the feet—particularly over bony areas or areas that bear more load during walking.
- Calluses are broader, flat, and typically form on weight-bearing surfaces like the heels, balls of the feet, or sides of the big toe.
- Corns are more focal and have a central dense core of keratin (dead skin). They often occur over joints or bony prominences, and can feel sharp or painful when walking.
Not sure whether you have a corn or a wart? Check out our helpful guide:
Corns vs Plantar Warts – The Ultimate Guide
Common Causes of Corns and Calluses
These skin lesions typically develop due to repeated friction, pressure, or shearing forces on the feet. Common contributing factors include:
- Ill-fitting or tight footwear
- High-heeled shoes or shoes with narrow toe boxes
- Biomechanical abnormalities (e.g. bunions, claw toes, flat feet)
- Walking barefoot or on hard surfaces
- Repetitive motion (e.g. running, manual labor, tool use)
- Loss of fat padding under the foot (common with age)
Type of Corns
Podiatrists commonly diagnose four types of corns:
- Hard Corns – Typically found on the tops of toes or over joints
- Soft Corns – Occur between toes; whitish and rubbery due to moisture
- Seed Corns – Tiny and found under the foot, often on the heel
- Neurovascular Corns – Contain nerve and blood vessels, often painful and can bleed
How We Treat Corns and Calluses
At Leading Edge Podiatry, we take a two-step approach to managing corns and calluses:
1. Gentle Removal
Your podiatrist will safely and painlessly remove the hardened skin using sterile tools. This instantly relieves pressure and discomfort, especially for deep or painful corns.
2. Addressing the Cause
To prevent recurrence, we identify and manage the underlying cause of the excessive pressure or friction:
- Biomechanical Assessment: We assess how your foot moves and loads during walking. This may involve gait analysis or pressure mapping.
- Custom Orthotics: These devices redistribute pressure and correct foot function to prevent repeated trauma.
- Footwear Advice: We recommend shoes that offer the right fit, cushioning, and support—particularly avoiding narrow or stiff shoes.
- Padding & Strapping: Soft deflective padding can immediately reduce pressure and friction during healing.
3. Ongoing Management
Corns and calluses often require routine podiatry care, especially in those with:
- Diabetes
- Poor circulation
- Reduced foot sensation (neuropathy)
- Abnormal biomechanics
Your podiatrist will tailor a long-term plan to keep you pain-free and mobile.
Let's Get You Back on Your Feet
Corns and calluses may seem minor, but they can lead to significant discomfort and complications if left untreated.
👉 Book Online Now
📞 Or call us on 08 7120 6063 to schedule an appointment with our experienced podiatry team.
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FAQ's
Do I need a referral to see a Podiatrist?
You don’t usually need a referral from a doctor to see a podiatrist. However, DVA/NDIS, Workcover&...
What is podiatry service covered by: Health Insurance, Medicare, NDIS, DVA?
Health Insurance: Podiatry comes under “Extras cover”. Private health insurance can vary from one health fund...
What if I need to change or cancel an appointment?
We understand that life is unpredictable and you may not always be able to make your...
What do I need to bring to my 1st appt?
Your private health fund card (if applicable). Any relevant medical records, test results, x-rays, MRI scans,...
What does a podiatrist do?
Podiatrists are experts in foot and ankle health. They are healthcare professionals who can diagnose and...
Can Podiatrists help with Diabetes?
Podiatrists play a key role in the early detection and treatment of foot problems in people...
Case Studies
Diabetic Foot Wound Secondary to Neuropathy and Thermal Injury
