Corn and Callus Treatment
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that usually develop in response to repeated pressure or friction. While they can help protect the skin, they may become painful, uncomfortable or difficult to manage without professional care.
The Foot Stop provides professional corn and callus treatment at our Gold Coast podiatry clinic in Elanora and through our mobile podiatry service. Our podiatrists can carefully reduce thickened skin, assess what may be causing it and recommend ways to reduce recurring pressure.
Treatment is based on your individual feet, health, footwear and mobility needs. You generally do not need a referral to book a private podiatry appointment.
What Are Corns and Calluses?
Corns and calluses are both areas of thickened skin, but they usually have a different appearance and develop in different areas of the foot.
Corns are generally smaller and more concentrated. They may have a firm central core and can feel tender or painful when pressure is applied. Corns commonly develop on the tops or sides of the toes, between the toes or over prominent joints.
Calluses are usually broader areas of thickened skin. They commonly form beneath the ball of the foot, around the heel or across other areas that regularly experience pressure.
Not every area of thickened skin is a corn or callus. Plantar warts and some other skin concerns can have a similar appearance, so a podiatry assessment can help determine what is causing the change. Learn more about the difference between corns and calluses.
What Do Corns and Calluses Feel Like?
Corns and calluses do not always cause symptoms. However, as the skin becomes thicker or pressure increases, you may notice:
- A hard or rough area of skin
- A small, concentrated area of thickened skin
- Tenderness when walking or wearing shoes
- A burning or aching sensation beneath the foot
- Discomfort when pressure is applied
- Dry, cracked or irritated skin
- Recurring hard skin in the same location
- Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
If the area is red, swollen, bleeding, producing discharge or becoming increasingly painful, arrange an assessment promptly.
What Causes Corns and Calluses?
Corns and calluses usually develop when the skin is repeatedly exposed to pressure or friction. The thickened skin is the body’s way of protecting the area, but it can become uncomfortable when the pressure continues.
Common contributing factors include:
- Tight, narrow or poorly fitting footwear
- Shoes that rub against the toes or heels
- High-pressure areas beneath the foot
- Changes in foot shape or toe position
- Bunions, hammertoes or prominent joints
- Changes in walking pattern or foot function
- Long periods spent standing or walking
- Sport, work or activities that repeatedly load the same area
- Reduced natural cushioning beneath the feet
- Dry skin that is more likely to thicken or crack
Identifying where the pressure is coming from is an important part of reducing recurrence. Your podiatrist may assess your footwear, foot shape, skin condition and walking pattern to better understand why the corn or callus has developed.
How Does a Podiatrist Treat Corns and Calluses?
Professional corn and callus treatment begins with an assessment of the affected area. Your podiatrist will check whether the thickened skin is a corn, callus or another type of skin concern before recommending treatment.
Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
Careful Reduction of Thickened Skin
A podiatrist can carefully reduce the corn or callus using sterile instruments. This removes excess thickened skin and may help relieve pressure and discomfort. The amount removed will depend on the condition of the skin and your individual health needs.
Pressure Relief and Padding
Padding, toe devices or other pressure-relieving materials may be used to protect the area from ongoing rubbing or loading. These can be particularly helpful when a corn develops between the toes or over a prominent joint.
Footwear Advice
Your shoes may be contributing to the problem if they are too narrow, shallow, loose or worn. Your podiatrist can assess your usual footwear and recommend features that may provide more room or reduce pressure.
Insoles or Orthotics
If the corn or callus is associated with the way pressure is distributed beneath your feet, an insole or custom orthotic may be considered. Orthotics are not needed for every patient, so this recommendation will depend on your assessment.
Skin-Care Advice
Your podiatrist may recommend an appropriate moisturiser or foot-care routine to help manage dry, hard or cracked skin. The product and strength recommended will depend on the condition and location of the skin.
What Happens During a Corn and Callus Treatment Appointment?
During your appointment, your podiatrist will ask about your symptoms, how long the area has been present and whether it has been treated previously. They may also ask about your medical history, medications, circulation, sensation and any health conditions that could affect your feet.
Your podiatrist will examine the skin and assess the location of the pressure. Where relevant, they may also look at your shoes, foot shape, toe position and walking pattern.
Treatment can often be provided during the same appointment. Your podiatrist will explain what they have found, carefully reduce the thickened skin where appropriate and discuss ways to protect the area between appointments.
If you have recurring corns or calluses, your podiatrist may recommend ongoing maintenance or further assessment of the underlying pressure.
Corn and Callus Treatment for People With Diabetes
People with diabetes should take extra care with corns, calluses and other changes to the skin. Reduced sensation can make it difficult to feel rubbing, pressure or a developing wound, while circulation changes may affect how the skin heals.
If you have diabetes, avoid cutting thickened skin or using medicated corn pads without professional advice. A podiatrist can assess the area, check for signs of skin breakdown and provide treatment based on your individual level of foot risk.
The Foot Stop also provides comprehensive diabetic foot care, including circulation and sensation assessments where clinically appropriate.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Consider booking a podiatry appointment if:
- The corn or callus is painful
- The thickened skin keeps returning
- Walking or wearing shoes has become uncomfortable
- The skin is cracked, bleeding or inflamed
- You are unsure whether it is a corn, callus or wart
- You cannot safely reach or see your feet
- You have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation
- Previous home treatments have not helped
You do not need to wait until a corn or callus becomes extremely painful. Earlier assessment may make it easier to identify and manage the pressure contributing to the problem.
Corn and Callus Treatment in Clinic or at Home
The Foot Stop provides corn and callus treatment at our Gold Coast podiatry clinic in Elanora and through our mobile podiatry service.
A clinic appointment may suit patients who can travel comfortably and would prefer to visit our Elanora location. Mobile appointments are available across selected service areas for people who prefer treatment at home or find travelling difficult.
Home visits may be particularly helpful for older adults, people with limited mobility, NDIS participants, home-care package recipients and patients who require regular foot care. Our mobile podiatrists bring the equipment required to assess and treat common foot concerns in your home.
Explore our complete range of podiatry services on the Gold Coast or read our guide to corn and callus treatment options.
Book Corn and Callus Treatment
If a corn or callus is making walking, standing or wearing shoes uncomfortable, our podiatrists can assess the area and recommend an individual treatment plan.
Appointments are available at The Foot Stop’s Gold Coast podiatry clinic in Elanora and through our mobile podiatry service across selected Gold Coast and NSW locations.
Request a podiatry appointment or contact The Foot Stop to discuss whether a clinic or home visit appointment is right for you.