Condition guide
Corns and callus are thickened skin caused by pressure and friction. Callus spreads over a wider area, while a corn has a hard central core that can feel like a stone in your shoe. Treating the skin gives relief, but finding the cause stops it coming back. Everyday corn and callus care is part of general podiatry at our Shellharbour Village clinic. Here are the common causes and how we treat each one.
What to know
Shoes that are too tight, too loose or worn out rub and press on the toes and forefoot. Treatment: removing the hard skin, and advice on shoes that fit your foot shape.
Clawed, hammer or overlapping toes rub on shoes and on each other, forming corns on top of or between the toes. Treatment: corn removal, protective padding and toe props.
Pressure concentrated under one area of the forefoot or heel builds callus. Treatment: deflective padding or orthotics to spread the load.
Dry, thick skin around the edges of the heel can crack. Treatment: reducing the callus and a regular moisturising routine; see cracked heels.
Don’t cut corns or use corn pads at home. Regular podiatry care and diabetes foot checks reduce the risk of the skin breaking down under callus.
Straight answers
Usually not, and most people feel relief straight away.
The pressure that formed it is still there. Changes to footwear, padding or orthotics reduce how quickly it returns.
Yes, gently, after a shower, to slow the build-up between visits. Stop if the skin becomes sore, and skip it if you have diabetes or reduced feeling in your feet.
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19/23 Addison Street, Shellharbour Village
4-5/6 Benson Avenue, Shellharbour City