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.
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 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 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.
Several things can lead to these protective skin formations, most involving repeated pressure or friction on your feet.
While you can’t change your foot structure, many factors are treatable with supportive footwear and activity modification.
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.
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:
Unfortunately, many corns and calluses need professional treatment, particularly if they’re painful, recurring, or you have underlying health conditions.
Our expert podiatrists have several effective methods to treat stubborn corns and calluses and prevent them from coming back, including:
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.
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.
Corn pads and toe separators target specific corn locations, while broader cushioning helps protect areas prone to calluses.
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.
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.
