Corns & Callosities
Thickened Skin Caused by Pressure or Friction — Treatable and Preventable
About Foot and Ankle Fractures
Corns and callosities (calluses) are areas of thickened, hardened skin that develop when the skin tries to protect itself from excessive pressure, friction, or rubbing.
While they are common, they can become painful, interfere with walking, and indicate an underlying foot alignment problem.
Corns → Small, round, hard or soft areas of thick skin, often painful when pressed.
Callosities (Calluses) → Larger, flattened areas of thickened skin, usually painless but uncomfortable.
Symptoms & Signs
Hard, raised bumps (corns)
Thick, rough patches of skin (calluses)
Pain or tenderness while walking
Burning or discomfort at pressure points
Dry, flaky, or waxy skin on the feet
Difficulty wearing certain footwear
Causes
Tight, narrow, or ill-fitting footwear
High heels causing pressure on the forefoot
Abnormal walking pattern or foot biomechanics
Bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, or high arches
Prolonged standing or walking
Not wearing socks with shoes
Who Is at Risk?
People with foot deformities
Diabetics (higher risk of complications)
Athletes and runners
Individuals who stand for long hours
People wearing hard-soled or unpadded footwear
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made through:
Physical exam
Pressure-point assessment
Footwear evaluation
Gait or biomechanical analysis
In diabetic patients → specialized foot check
Surgical Management
- Fracture reduction and fixation (plates, screws, wires)
- External fixation for severe, open, or unstable fractures
- Treatment of associated soft tissue injuries
- Rehabilitation for range of motion and strength
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatments
Debridement: Safe removal of thickened skin by a specialist
Padding or Off-loading: Custom pads to reduce pressure
Footwear Correction: Proper shoes with cushioning
Orthotic Insoles: Custom insoles to redistribute pressure
Moisturizing & Keratolytic creams: To soften hard skin
Salicylic acid (if appropriate)
Surgical Treatment (Only if Required)
Surgery is considered if corns are caused by an underlying deformity like:
Hammertoes
Bunions
Abnormal bone prominence
Correcting the root cause prevents recurrence.
Recovery & Expectations
Immediate relief after debridement
Regular maintenance may be required
Recurrence is common if the underlying cause persists
Orthotics and proper footwear significantly reduce recurrence
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can corns go away on their own?
Only if the source of pressure is removed. Otherwise, they persist or worsen.
Is it safe to cut corns at home?
No. Self-cutting increases risk of infection — especially for diabetics.
Why do my corns keep coming back?
Recurrence usually means the underlying cause (pressure, deformity, tight shoes) has not been corrected.
Is treatment painful?
Debridement done by a specialist is painless and offers immediate relief.