Understanding It
What They Are
Corns and calluses are the skin's response to pressure or friction. Skin thickens to protect itself, and where that thickening becomes excessive it starts causing the very discomfort it was trying to prevent.
Calluses are broad areas of thickened skin, usually on the ball of the foot or heel. Corns are smaller and more concentrated, with a central core that presses inward, which is why they can be surprisingly painful for their size. Cracked heels occur where thickened, dry skin at the heel margin splits under load.
They are a symptom, not a diagnosis. The important question is always what is causing the pressure.
How does it usually present?
- Thickened, yellowish or hardened skin on the ball of the foot, heel, or toes
- A small, deep, tender spot when a corn is present
- Pain like walking on a stone
- Discomfort worse in certain shoes or at the end of the day
- Dry, split skin at the heel edge, sometimes bleeding
- Soft, white, macerated skin between the toes with a soft corn
When to Act
When to Seek Help
See a podiatrist if corns or calluses are painful, recurring, or you cannot manage them safely yourself.
Do not self-treat, and see a podiatrist promptly, if you have:
- Diabetes, peripheral neuropathy or poor circulation — over-the-counter corn plasters contain acid and can cause ulceration in these circumstances. Cutting hard skin yourself carries a serious infection risk. This is genuinely important, not a general caution
Seek urgent care if you have:
- Redness spreading from the area, discharge, odour or fever — possible infection
- An open wound or ulcer under a callus
- A dark or bruised appearance under thickened skin — which may indicate an underlying wound
Causes & Risk
What Causes It and Who Is at Risk
Anything that concentrates pressure: footwear that is too narrow, too loose or too firm, foot deformities such as bunions or clawed toes, prominent bones, altered walking pattern, high activity levels on hard surfaces, and dry skin.
Risk is higher with increasing age, reduced skin quality, diabetes, and any condition affecting foot shape or sensation.
How We Help
How Our Team Can Help
Our podiatrists remove corns and calluses safely with sterile instruments, which is usually painless and gives immediate relief. But removal alone means the problem returns within weeks.
For clients with diabetes we also complete foot screening, checking circulation and sensation, since hard skin can conceal developing wounds.
Starting Out
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your podiatrist will examine your feet and footwear, watch how you walk, and check circulation and sensation. Corns and calluses are usually reduced on the day, and most people walk out more comfortable than they walked in.
You will get advice on what is causing the pressure and what can be done about it, plus a plan for ongoing care if that is appropriate.
Ready to book?
Ready to get started?
Contact inOne Healthcare on 1300 765 456 or submit a referral online. Corns, calluses and cracked heels are managed by our Podiatry team.
info@inonehealthcare.com.au
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