Understanding corns & callus
Callus is thickened skin that develops in response to repeated pressure or friction. A corn is a more concentrated version, with a dense core that presses inwards and can be genuinely painful.
Both are your skin doing exactly what it is designed to do. They are a symptom of a pressure problem rather than a condition in their own right.
Signs you might notice
- Hard, thickened areas of skin on the foot
- A small, deep, painful spot within thickened skin
- Pain when walking or standing, like a stone in the shoe
- Recurrence within weeks of removal
- Skin that cracks around the heel
Common contributing factors
- Uneven pressure distribution across the foot
- Footwear that rubs or compresses
- Toe deformities creating high pressure points
- Reduced natural cushioning with age
- Foot posture concentrating load in one area
How we assess and treat it
We remove the corn or callus, which is painless and gives immediate relief, then we look at why it formed. Pressure mapping shows exactly which part of the foot is taking excessive load and when.
Addressing that pressure is what changes the pattern. Otherwise it is a maintenance cycle that never ends.
- Professional, painless removal
- Pressure mapping to identify the cause
- Footwear assessment and advice
- Offloading or orthotic therapy where indicated
- Toe mechanics and mobility work where relevant
Common questions
Why do they keep coming back?
Because the pressure that created them has not changed. Removal treats the symptom; changing the load is what treats the cause.
Is removal painful?
No. The tissue being removed has no nerve supply, and most people find it immediately more comfortable afterwards.
Are corn plasters a good idea?
Medicated ones contain acid that can damage healthy surrounding skin, and they are best avoided if you have diabetes or circulation problems.