Corns and Calluses: What They Are and How to Treat Them
If you’ve been wearing sandals or flip-flops through the summer months, you may have noticed rough spots forming on your feet.
Flip-flops can cause dry calluses from the constant slapping and rubbing on your heels.
Strappy sandals can create painful corns where straps press against your toes.
While common, corns and calluses can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful.
What Are Corns and Calluses?
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop from repeated friction and pressure.
Corns
- Small, hard, raised areas
- Often found on the tops or sides of toes
- May look dry, waxy, or slightly translucent
- Can be painful
Calluses
- Larger, flat, thickened areas
- Common on the heels, edges of the big toes, or balls of the feet
- Usually not painful—unless they crack
- Can become sore or infected if cracks are left untreated
What Causes Them?
Corns and calluses develop when your skin tries to protect itself from repeated stress.
Common causes include:
- Shoes that are too tight or too loose
- High heels
- Not wearing socks—or wearing poorly fitting socks
- Abnormal walking patterns (poor gait)
- Foot conditions like hammertoes that rub on shoes
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you’re generally healthy, you may only need medical care if:
- The area becomes red, swollen, or infected
- You experience pain
However, if you have diabetes or poor circulation, you should see a doctor right away.
👉 Do not attempt home treatment first, as this can lead to serious infections and complications.
How to Treat Corns and Calluses
If you don’t have underlying medical conditions, you can try simple at-home care:
Cushion and Protect
- Use non-medicated pads to reduce pressure
- Medicated pads (with salicylic acid) can soften thick skin
⚠️ Use caution: salicylic acid can irritate surrounding skin.
Soften and Reduce Thick Skin
- Soak feet in warm, soapy water
- Gently use a pumice stone to remove dead skin
- Apply moisturizer made for the feet regularly
Foot creams with menthol or eucalyptus can help keep skin soft. Take caution when applying between the toes, and be sure to rub it in completely. Moisture left between the toes may cause yeast infections and skin breakdown.
Medical Treatment (If Needed)
If symptoms worsen, your doctor may:
- Trim the thickened skin safely
- Recommend medicated treatments
- Prescribe antibiotics if infection is present
- Prescribe custom orthotics to offload and redirect areas of pressure when walking
- In rare cases, suggest surgery to correct the underlying pressure
👉 Never cut corns or calluses yourself. This is a recipe for infection and complications.
How to Prevent Corns and Calluses
Prevention comes down to reducing pressure and friction.
- Wear properly fitting shoes (with room for your toes)
- Choose supportive footwear
- Wear well-fitting socks
- Use protective pads where rubbing occurs
- Purchase a custom orthotic
Consider Better Support
If you regularly deal with pressure points, improving how your foot functions can make a difference.
Custom orthotics can:
- Redistribute pressure more evenly
- Reduce stress on the heels and forefoot
- Improve overall foot alignment
- Enhance biomechanical function, creating healthier foot function
This can help limit the conditions that lead to corns and calluses in the first place.
The Bottom Line
Corns and calluses are your body’s way of protecting your skin—but they’re also a sign that something isn’t quite right.
Address the cause—not just the symptoms—and your feet will be much more comfortable.
Visit our website for more information about ezWalker® Performance I nsoles or to order your pair today.
Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.
Note: If you follow these guidelines and your pain persists, you may have a more serious condition. See your physician for a more complete diagnosis and treatment.
