If you’ve noticed thick, rough skin on your feet, you may be wondering whether it’s a corn or a callus. While both develop as your body’s natural response to pressure and friction, they are not the same, and knowing the difference can help you choose the right treatment.
What Is a Corn?
Corns are small, concentrated areas of thickened skin that usually develop on or between the toes. They often have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin and can be quite painful when pressure is applied.
Common causes of corns include:
- Tight or ill-fitting shoes
- Toe deformities such as hammertoes or bunions
- Repeated friction from walking or standing
Because corns press into the deeper layers of the skin, they can cause significant discomfort with every step.
What Is a Callus?
Calluses are larger, broader areas of thickened skin that typically develop on the bottom of the feet, especially under the heels or balls of the feet. Unlike corns, calluses usually don’t have a central core and are often less painful.
Calluses commonly develop from:
- Walking or standing for long periods
- Wearing shoes that don’t provide enough support
- High-impact activities like running
- Abnormal foot mechanics that create excess pressure
Although calluses are often painless, they can become thick, dry, and cracked if left untreated.
How Are They Treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Your podiatrist may recommend:
- Safely trimming thickened skin
- Padding to reduce pressure
- Better-fitting, supportive footwear
- Custom or medical-grade orthotics to improve foot mechanics
- Treating underlying deformities that contribute to recurring corns or calluses
It’s important not to cut corns or calluses yourself, especially if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage. Doing so can increase the risk of infection or serious complications.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
If a corn or callus is painful, keeps coming back, becomes red or swollen, or makes walking uncomfortable, it’s time for a professional evaluation. A podiatrist can determine the cause of the pressure and provide treatment that offers lasting relief, not just a temporary fix.
Keep Your Feet Healthy
Corns and calluses are common, but they shouldn’t interfere with your daily life. With proper care and the right footwear, you can relieve discomfort and help prevent them from returning.
If you’re experiencing painful corns or calluses, the team at New Jersey Foot & Ankle Institute is here to help. We’ll identify the cause, recommend the best treatment, and get you back on your feet comfortably.
