What Are Corns and Calluses?
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that form when the foot is exposed to repeated pressure or friction. They are the body’s way of protecting the skin, but when they become too thick, they can cause pain, burning, cracking, or difficulty walking.
Corns often develop on or between the toes, especially where shoes rub against bony areas. Calluses are usually broader and may form on the ball of the foot, heel, or areas that carry extra pressure. At Foot & Ankle Specialists in West Jordan, Dr. Trevor R. Williams evaluates the cause of the pressure so treatment is not just temporary.
What Causes Corns and Calluses?
Corns and calluses often develop from tight shoes, high pressure areas, hammertoes, bunions, flat feet, high arches, abnormal walking mechanics, or long hours standing. They may also form when the foot shifts weight unevenly because of pain or structural changes.
For some patients, a corn or callus keeps coming back because the underlying pressure point has not been corrected. Simply shaving the skin may help briefly, but the thickened area may return if the source of friction remains.
How Dr. Williams Evaluates Pressure Spots
An evaluation may include checking the location of the corn or callus, skin condition, toe position, foot structure, shoe fit, walking pattern, and any signs of cracking, bleeding, infection, or ulcer risk.
This is especially important for patients with diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation. In those cases, corns and calluses can increase the risk of skin breakdown and should be managed carefully by a professional.
Treatment for Corns and Calluses
Treatment may include professional trimming of thickened skin, protective padding, moisturizing guidance, shoe changes, custom orthotics, or care for the underlying foot deformity causing pressure.
Patients should avoid cutting corns or calluses at home with sharp tools. Over-the-counter acid pads can also be risky for people with diabetes, nerve problems, or sensitive skin.
Preventing Corns and Calluses from Returning
Prevention focuses on reducing pressure. This may involve better-fitting shoes, wider toe boxes, cushioning, custom orthotics, toe protection, and treatment of bunions, hammertoes, or abnormal foot mechanics.
Why Choose Foot & Ankle Specialists?
Dr. Williams helps patients understand why corns and calluses are forming and how to reduce the pressure that causes them. Foot & Ankle Specialists provides safe, professional care for painful skin buildup and long-term foot comfort.