What is a Foot Corn?
At our Galleria Podiatry, we often treat foot corns, a condition that affects people from various backgrounds, including athletes and the elderly. If left untreated, corns can cause pain and disrupt daily life. Corns develop when the skin thickens in response to mechanical stress, resulting from shear, friction, pressure, torsion, or tension acting on the body. While corns can occur in other body parts, they are most commonly found on the feet. They appear as rough, yellow patches of skin that may be round or raised. It’s important to understand that not all corns are the same, and different types can occur on the feet.
What is the main cause of corn on feet?
Foot corns are caused by repetitive microtrauma or mechanical stress on a specific point on the feet. This stress causes the skin to form excess skin to protect the underlying tissue, which weakens the skin barrier. As a result, a hard plug of skin forms and is pushed back into the skin, resembling an inverted cone. This plug is known as the nucleus and can cause pain when it presses on the inner layer of the skin and nerves.
There are various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that can lead to excessive localised stress on the feet.
How do you treat foot corns?
Podiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat foot corns properly. We will assess your condition and provide immediate treatment, which can resolve symptoms almost immediately. Treatment is painless, similar to trimming your toenails or fingernails. We can also provide ongoing treatment to reduce recurrence and symptoms.
If this is your first time experiencing a foot corn, it may be helpful to investigate the cause. One common cause of foot corns is ill-fitting shoes that cause chronic repetitive stress, which can compromise the skin. In this case, we can advise you on new shoes or use padding to help reduce stress on the area and protect your skin.
Important: Avoid using corn pads that contain acid as they often damage the skin further and can lead to infection.
Get a diagnosis today
If your foot corn is painful and impacting your daily life, it’s time to see a podiatrist. This is especially important if you have medical conditions like diabetes or poor circulation, as corn pads may not be safe.
Your Feet Corn and Calluses Questions Answered
What's the difference between a corn and a callus?
Whilst both are areas of thickened skin caused by pressure or friction, corns are smaller and have a hard centre (nucleus) surrounded by inflamed skin. They typically form on the tops and sides of toes or on pressure points. Calluses are larger, more spread out, and generally have a more even thickness. They commonly develop on the soles of the feet, heels, and palms of the hands. Corns can be more painful because the nucleus presses into deeper skin layers and nerves.
Why do my corns keep coming back even after treatment?
Corns recur when the underlying cause of pressure or friction hasn’t been addressed. Common reasons include continuing to wear ill-fitting footwear, abnormal foot biomechanics such as bunions or hammer toes, or walking patterns that create excessive pressure on certain areas. At Galleria Podiatry, our podiatrists can identify the root cause through a thorough assessment and recommend solutions such as properly fitted shoes, custom orthotics, padding, or toe spacers. Addressing the mechanical cause is essential for long-term relief and preventing recurrence.
Are corns and calluses more common in certain people?
Yes, certain factors increase your risk of developing corns and calluses. People who wear tight or high-heeled shoes regularly are more susceptible. Athletes and runners often develop them due to repetitive friction. Those with foot deformities like bunions, hammer toes, or high arches are prone to pressure points that create corns. Elderly people with thinner skin and reduced padding on their feet are also at higher risk. Additionally, people who walk barefoot frequently or have jobs requiring prolonged standing may develop calluses on weight-bearing areas
When should I be concerned about a corn or callus?
Seek professional care at Galleria Podiatry if your corn or callus becomes red, swollen, or shows signs of infection such as pus or excessive warmth. If you experience severe pain that affects your walking or daily activities, don’t delay seeing a podiatrist. People with diabetes should never ignore corns or calluses as reduced sensation and poor circulation can lead to serious complications including ulcers. Also see a podiatrist if you notice bleeding from the area, if the corn has a dark discolouration, or if home care methods haven’t provided relief after a few weeks.
