Treatment of corns and calluses

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What is a corn?

A corn is a small painful area of thickened skin often developing over joints or bony prominences or areas of the foot that are subject to increased pressures or excessive forces. 

Types of Corns

There are several types of corns, each with specific characteristics:

• Hard corns – the most common type, appearing as compact areas of hard skin, often surrounded by callus.
• Soft corns – form between toes in moist areas due to sweat or lack of drying.
• Seed corns – Tiny, often painless corns appearing on the soles of the feet
• Vascular or neurovascular corns – These contain blood vessels and/or nerve fibres and can be very painful and prone to bleeding.

What causes a corn? 

Common causes include;

• Inappropriate footwear
• Bony prominences or foot abnormalities 
• Repeated pressure and friction on the skin

How is a corn treated?

Following a full assessment to determine the underlying cause, a decision can be made as to the most suitable treatment plan. Any overlying hard skin will be removed and the corn will be enucleated (cut out). 

• Further treatment options vary but may include;
  
  Footwear advice and education

• Using different padding techniques to reduce pressure or friction
• Attending subsequent appointments to help prevent recurring problems

What is Callus?

Callus is a thickening and/or hardening of the skin. This can lead to discomfort and pain if left untreated. Foot callus can develop anywhere, but are most commonly found on the sole of the foot or the sides and surface of the toes.

What causes callus?

A number of factors can lead to the build-up of callus including;

• Inappropriate or poorly fitting footwear
• Increased pressures over bony prominences/deformities of the foot
• Gait and posture 

How is callus treated?

Following a full assessment to determine the underlying cause, a decision can be made as to the most suitable treatment plan. Treatment will usually involve the removal of any callus using specific tools. This aims to reduce discomfort and pain and restore function. 

Further treatment may include:

• Footwear advice and education
• Padding techniques to reduce or redistribute pressures
• Orthotic intervention to relieve any excessive plantar (sole of the foot) pressures 
• Surgical correction of bony abnormalities

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