Calluses and Corns: A Helpful Guide
By Double Bay Podiatry,
Expert Foot Care In Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
If you're struggling with Calluses and Corns in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, Dr Emily Alston and her team at Double Bay Podiatry are here to help.
Calluses and Corns Contents
What Are Calluses and Corns?
Calluses and Corns are thickened areas of skin that form due to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. Calluses are larger, broader, and generally less painful, while corns are smaller, more concentrated, and often cause discomfort. They commonly appear on the feet but can also form on the hands.
Calluses and Corns can affect your comfort and confidence, especially in our active, beach-going lifestyle. This guide provides valuable insights into symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention strategies to help you maintain healthy, pain-free feet.
Wishing you a smooth recovery,
The Double Bay Podiatry Team
What Are the Symptoms of Calluses and Corns?
Recognising the symptoms of calluses and corns early helps ensure effective treatment.
- Thickened, hardened skin: Often yellowish in colour, with a rough or raised texture.
- Pain or tenderness: Especially when pressure is applied to the affected area.
- Smaller, focused areas of hardened skin (corns): These may have a central core, causing sharp pain.
- Dry or flaky skin: Particularly around the edges of the thickened area.
Early intervention can prevent complications and reduce discomfort.
6 Causes Of Calluses and Corns
Calluses and corns form due to consistent pressure or friction on the skin.
Common causes include:
- Ill-fitting footwear: Tight or loose shoes can cause excessive rubbing and pressure.
- High heels: They place undue pressure on certain areas of the feet.
- Repetitive motions: Activities like walking, running, or playing sports can trigger calluses and corns.
- Wearing shoes without socks: This increases friction between the skin and the shoe.
- Bone deformities: Conditions such as bunions or hammertoes create pressure points.
- Occupational activities: Jobs involving manual labour can lead to frequent skin irritation.
Identifying the root cause helps guide effective treatment and prevention strategies.
7 Treatments for Calluses and Corns
Treating calluses and corns involves reducing pressure, softening hardened skin, and addressing the root cause to prevent recurrence.
Key treatment options include:
- Professional callus and corn removal: A podiatrist can safely trim or remove thickened skin using specialised tools.
- Moisturising creams: Use urea-based creams to soften the skin and reduce dryness.
- Protective padding: Non-medicated pads can cushion calluses and corns, reducing pressure and friction.
- Orthotics and insoles: Custom-made shoe inserts redistribute pressure and prevent friction-related issues.
- Footwear adjustments: Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes with a wide toe box reduces irritation.
- Medicated corn plasters: These contain salicylic acid to help soften and remove corns, though they should be used under medical supervision. Do not use if you are a diabetic or have peripheral vascular disease.
- Surgical intervention: In rare cases involving underlying bone issues, surgery may be recommended to correct deformities.
Regular podiatry care ensures safe, effective treatment while reducing the risk of complications.
How Can Double Bay Podiatry Help with Your Calluses and Corns?
Dr Emily Alston and the team at Double Bay Podiatry have been providing exceptional podiatry care in the Eastern Suburbs since 1993.
Here’s how we can help:
- Expert callus and corn removal: We use medical-grade instruments for safe and precise removal without damaging healthy skin.
- Custom orthotics: Tailor-made shoe inserts reduce pressure on specific areas, preventing recurrence.
- Skincare recommendations: We provide advice on moisturising creams and protective pads to maintain skin hydration and reduce irritation.
- Footwear guidance: Our team advises on well-fitted, supportive footwear to prevent friction and pressure.
- Preventive care education: Learn how to reduce friction, maintain healthy skin, and prevent future problems.
- Follow-up care: Regular check-ups ensure long-term comfort and skin health.
- Rebate programmes: We participate in Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) and Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plans, making our services accessible for eligible patients.
Our experienced podiatrists are dedicated to relieving your discomfort and helping you maintain healthy, pain-free feet.
Calluses and Corns FAQ
What are the short term benefits from receiving treatment for Calluses and Corns?
Treating calluses and corns can provide noticeable relief quickly. Professional removal reduces pain caused by friction and pressure, making walking and standing more comfortable. Skin hydration improves with moisturising creams, while protective pads cushion sensitive areas. Custom orthotics realign foot pressure, preventing further irritation. You’ll experience reduced discomfort and an overall improvement in mobility and foot appearance.
What is the healing process for Calluses and Corns?
Recovery from callus and corn treatment depends on the severity of the condition and adherence to the recommended care plan. Mild cases may improve within days after professional removal and proper footwear adjustments. More advanced cases may require multiple treatment sessions, orthotic use, and consistent skin care routines. Regular follow-ups ensure optimal healing and help maintain long-term foot health.
Why is it important to treat Calluses and Corns promptly?
Delaying treatment for calluses and corns can worsen symptoms and cause complications. Hardened skin may thicken further, leading to deep, painful cracks or ulceration. Severe cases can affect mobility, making walking or standing difficult. Untreated corns may press against underlying tissues, causing intense pain and inflammation. People with diabetes or circulatory issues face a higher risk of infection, making early intervention essential.
How can I prevent my Calluses and Corns from recurring?
Preventing calluses and corns involves maintaining proper foot hygiene and reducing friction. Wear well-fitted shoes with cushioned insoles and a wide toe box. Use moisture-wicking socks to reduce sweat buildup and friction. Moisturise feet daily to keep skin soft and prevent thickening. Trim toenails straight across to avoid pressure on the toes. If prone to foot issues, consider custom orthotics for additional support and pressure redistribution.
What should I avoid if I have Calluses and Corns?
Certain habits can increase your risk of developing or worsening calluses and corns. Avoid wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that cause excessive pressure on the feet. Refrain from walking barefoot on hard surfaces, which can cause skin thickening. Do not use over-the-counter corn removal products without professional guidance, as they may damage healthy skin. Ignoring early signs of calluses and corns can lead to more severe problems requiring extensive treatment.
Calluses and Corns: Start Your Healing With Us
"Calluses and corns can cause pain and discomfort, but with the right care, you can restore your feet to comfort and health.
At Double Bay Podiatry, we provide expert diagnosis, personalised treatments, and preventive care to relieve foot discomfort and maintain long-term foot health.
Contact us today to begin your journey toward healthy, pain-free feet.”
