Corns and Callus Cottesloe
Work towards returning your feet to their soft, supple-skinned glory.
Thick, Hardened Skin Affects Everyone
Our feet play an important role in getting us around, so any issues that develop– even if they seem relatively minor– can quickly affect our quality of life.
Corns and calluses are common foot complaints and may be a sign of an underlying problem. Whether they’re causing you mild pain or affecting your life more significantly, it’s important to have them looked at by an experienced podiatrist in Perth sooner rather than later.
What Are Corns and Calluses?
A callus is a hard and thick patch of skin that usually covers a larger surface and is typically found on weight-bearing areas (like the soles of the feet). It’s the body’s way of protecting the skin against irritation and other damage caused by repeated friction or pressure.
A corn is also a hard and thick patch of skin, however, it is much smaller in size and has a painful core. As the skin thickens, this core can press deeper into the foot, causing pain and discomfort. Hard corns typically develop on weight-bearing areas (like the soles of the feet), while soft corns occur between the toes.
There are many potential causes of these conditions, including:
- Footwear that doesn’t offer adequate support or is too tight
- Being overweight
- Incorrect foot posture or biomechanics
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Foot pronation
- Prolonged standing, walking, or running
- Foot deformities (like bunions and hammertoes)
- Injury or trauma
- Unusual walking and/or running patterns
Corn and Callus Symptoms
If you have a callus, you may notice:
- An area of skin that is thickened and feels firmer than the surrounding skin
- Skin that is pale yellow in colour
- Numbness or lack of sensation (as a callus is dead skin with no nerve endings)
- Pain and discomfort (if it’s larger in size or quite thick)
If you have a corn, you may notice:
- A small patch of thickened and hardened skin (often the size of a pebble or smaller)
- Pain when pressing directly onto the affected area (not to be confused with warts, which are painful when pressing on the sides)
- Feeling like you’re walking on a small pebble
- Skin that is yellow (on weight-bearing areas) or white (between the toes)
Corns and calluses often develop together, so you may experience a combination of these symptoms.
Corn and Callus Treatment Options
There are many different ways to potentially get rid of corns and calluses, with podiatrists focusing on removal and then management of the area to allow it to heal. They will also work with you in an effort to establish the cause of your growth and develop a personalised plan aimed towards preventing it from recurring.
Corn and callus removal is known as debridement. This involves a podiatrist gently shaving some of the thickened skin using a scalpel or file. If you have a corn, this will reveal its core, allowing the podiatrist to ‘scoop’ it out.
Other treatment options they may recommend include:
- Padding or cushioning (aiming to relieve friction and pressure)
- Dermal foot balms
- Custom orthotics
- Toe props
- Footwear assessment and advice
- Biomechanical assessment
- An exercise program (to improve foot function)
In some severe cases, and when all other treatments have failed, you may be referred to a podiatric surgeon. Surgery may involve the correction of underlying bone issues that contribute to the development of these conditions.
We do not recommend trying to remove corns or calluses yourself, including the use of corn pads, as this may damage the surrounding healthy tissue and/or blood vessels. This may result in pain, infection, and/or scarring.
Your Corn And Callus Questions Answered
Why Choose The Foot Clinic?
Podiatry for Everyone
We treat patients of all ages and from all walks of life at The Foot Clinic. Whether your child is experiencing a foot issue or you’re seeking sports podiatry, we’re here to help.
25+ Years of Experience
We’re committed to providing our patients with quality podiatry services. Our clinic has been serving patients in Perth since 1999, so rest assured that your feet are in capable hands.
Endorsed Podiatrists
Many of our podiatrists have undergone additional extensive training so that they can prescribe a select list of medications without the need for a GP referral.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
It’s time to stop letting corns and calluses interfere with your comfort and ability to perform everyday tasks.
The team of experienced podiatrists at The Foot Clinic regularly sees patients with painful calluses and corns. Book an appointment at our Cottesloe clinic today to have your feet thoroughly assessed by our knowledgeable, caring team.