Corns vs. Calluses: What’s the Difference?

People often talk about corns and calluses together, or even interchangeably, as if they’re the same condition. But corns and calluses are not the same, and understanding the difference is key to appropriately treating them.

Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates in Mission Viejo, California, which serves South Orange County, provides expert care for corns and calluses. We can help you understand the difference between each condition and develop a treatment plan that works best for you.

Why people confuse corns and calluses

Corns and calluses are your body’s way of protecting itself from repeated friction and pressure, creating thick, hardened patches of skin that can look quite similar at first glance. They look similar, but they have a few key differences:

Corns

Corns are small, concentrated areas of thick skin with a hard center that can feel like you’re stepping on a small pebble. There are three main types: hard corns (usually on top of toes), soft corns (between toes where moisture makes them softer), and seed corns (tiny corns on the bottom of feet).

Calluses

Calluses are larger, flatter areas of thickened skin that typically develop on the weight-bearing parts of your feet. Unlike corns, they’re usually painless and spread over a broader area, acting like natural padding.

What causes corns and calluses

Several things can lead to these protective skin formations, most involving repeated pressure or friction on your feet.

• Ill-fitting shoes that are too tight, loose, or have high heels
• Foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, or bone spurs
• Walking or running with improper gait
• Activities that put repeated pressure on feet
• Thin or inadequate socks
• Going barefoot frequently

While you can’t change your foot structure, many factors are treatable with supportive footwear and activity modification.

When to see a podiatrist for corns and calluses

While many corns and calluses are just annoying, you should see a podiatrist when they become painful or interfere with walking and daily activities. If you have diabetes, even minor foot injuries require professional attention since poor circulation and nerve damage can turn small issues into serious infections or ulcers that heal poorly.

Can you treat corns and calluses at home?

Minor corns and calluses often respond well to gentle home care, especially when caught early. Our team may recommend the following at-home care tips for corns and calluses:

• Soak feet in warm water to soften the skin
• Gently file away dead skin with a pumice stone
• Apply moisturizing cream to keep skin soft
• Use protective pads or cushions
• Switch to properly fitting shoes
• Keep feet clean and dry

Unfortunately, many corns and calluses need professional treatment, particularly if they’re painful, recurring, or you have underlying health conditions.

Professional treatments for corns and calluses

Our expert podiatrists have several effective methods to treat stubborn corns and calluses and prevent them from coming back, including:

Debridement

We can safely remove thickened skin using sterile instruments. For corns, this often provides immediate pain relief, while calluses may need gradual reduction over multiple visits.

Custom orthotics

These specially designed shoe inserts work especially well for calluses by redistributing pressure across your entire foot, though they also help prevent corns from forming on pressure points.

Padding and strapping

Corn pads and toe separators target specific corn locations, while broader cushioning helps protect areas prone to calluses.

Surgical correction

Corns caused by bone spurs or hammertoes often need minor surgical procedures to eliminate the underlying issue, while calluses rarely require surgery unless caused by major structural problems.

Get help for corns and calluses in Mission Viejo, California

At Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates, we provide complete foot care, including safe corn and callus removal, custom orthotic fittings, and treatment recommendations that keep your feet healthy and comfortable. Our experienced team serves South Orange County with the personalized care you deserve.

Call Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates in Mission Viejo, California, at 949-364-2525, or use our online booking tool to schedule your corn and callus consultation.