How to Get Rid of Corns and Calluses (For Good)
Think of a callus or a corn as your foot’s own version of a helmet: it’s a layer of thickened skin that builds up to protect itself from friction and pressure. The problem is that “helmet” can become bulky and painful, and it’s a clear signal that something is wrong with the mechanics of your foot.
In this blog, the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute will walk you through the right way to manage them, from prevention to professional care.
The Best Treatment: Prevention
The only way to truly prevent corns and calluses is to remove the source of the friction. The issue typically comes down to a combination of your footwear and your foot’s structure.
- Re-evaluate Your Shoes: The primary cause of excess pressure is often a shoe that is too tight, too narrow in the toe box, or has a seam that rubs against a prominent bone. Choose footwear that gives your feet and toes plenty of room.
- Understand Your Foot Structure: A corn on top of your toe is often caused by a hammertoe. A large callus on the ball of your foot can be due to a problem with the long metatarsal bones. These are structural issues, and as long as they exist, the pressure will continue.
Safe At-Home Care: What You Can (and Can’t) Do
For mild, non-painful calluses, at-home care can be effective.
What to Do:
- After a warm shower or bath, when your skin is soft, gently use a pumice stone to file down the thickened skin.
- The goal is to thin the callus, not remove it entirely. Afterward, apply a good moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.
- You can also use over-the-counter cushions, like moleskin or gel pads, to reduce pressure on sensitive spots.
What to Avoid:
⚠️Please, avoid “bathroom surgery.” Never use a razor blade or any sharp tool to cut away a corn or callus. The risk of cutting too deep and causing a serious infection is incredibly high.
⚠️If you have diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation, never attempt at-home treatment, and you should see a podiatrist immediately for any foot lesion.
⚠️Be cautious with over-the-counter acid treatments; they can burn the healthy skin around the lesion without fully treating the problem deep within the callus.
What a Podiatrist Can Do for You
A podiatrist can provide immediate relief and, more importantly, address the root causes.
- Professional Debridement: In the office, we can painlessly trim and reduce the corn or callus. This simple step can provide instant relief by removing the bulk of the pressure point.
- Custom Orthotics: For calluses caused by your foot mechanics (like flat feet or a misaligned metatarsal bone), a custom orthotic is the most effective long-term solution. These medical devices are designed to redistribute pressure evenly across your foot, removing the stress from the problem area.
- Advanced Treatments: For very stubborn or deep corns, we may use specialized topical treatments or in-office procedures to resolve the issue. In cases where the problem is caused by a bone deformity like a hammertoe, a simple, minimally invasive in-office procedure can often correct the underlying issue for good.
Questions? Concerns? Get in touch! Like Dr. Michaels always says:
If It’s Below the Knee, Think of Me!
The Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute offers comprehensive podiatric services, so call us at 301-797-8554 or contact us to schedule an appointment. Located in Hagerstown & Frederick, MD, we’re ready to meet any of your foot health needs.
