A callus is an area of hard, thickened skin that usually occurs on the foot that forms from repeated pressure or friction. This is the body’s natural defence in protecting the underlying tissues from possible damaging forces.

When pressure is concentrated to a small localized area, a corresponding dense core of dead skin forms in the centre of the callus resulting in a corn.

Calluses and corns commonly form on the ball of the foot, under the big toe, tips of toes, in between toes and any bony areas. In some cases, the pressure of the callus or corn may cause inflammation; this can result in pain, redness and swelling. Patients may complain of stabbing pain when walking, which may persist when resting or subside into a dull soft tissue ache.

Causes of callus and corns are ill-fitting footwear, bunions, hammertoes, claw toes, rheumatoid arthritis or poor biomechanics.

If callus and corns are left untreated, they can become very painful and may interrupt the blood (vascular) supply to the area and cause an ulcer. It is recommended that people with diabetes are regularly screened and treated accordingly to prevent the development callus and corns that can cause ulcerations.

At Mint Foot Care Podiatry we diagnose both conditions by a physical examination.

Based on the findings a combination of treatment options may be prescribed including:

• Scalpel debridement as part of our general podiatry services.
• Footwear recommendations.
• Custom orthotics.
• Application of mild keratolytics or caustics i.e. salicylic acid, silver nitrate.
• Emollient.
• Pressure deflection devices.