What Are Corns & Calluses?

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop in response to repeated pressure, friction, or irritation. They commonly form on the feet due to abnormal walking patterns, poorly fitting footwear, foot deformities, or prolonged pressure on specific areas of the skin.

Calluses usually appear as larger, hardened patches of thick skin, while corns are smaller and more concentrated areas that may develop a painful core. Although these conditions are often harmless, they can become uncomfortable, painful, and interfere with daily activities if left untreated.

Corn & Callus Treatment Options

Treatment focuses on reducing pressure on the affected areas while safely removing thickened skin and preventing recurrence. During your consultation, our foot doctors will evaluate the cause of the pressure or friction and recommend personalized treatment options to improve comfort and foot function.

Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may include medicated therapies, professional debridement, custom orthotics, footwear modifications, padding, and pressure redistribution techniques. Addressing the underlying cause is essential to preventing corns and calluses from returning.

Proper diagnosis is particularly important for patients with diabetes, neuropathy, or circulation problems, as thickened skin can increase the risk of skin breakdown and complications if not properly managed.

Calluses are caused by too much force on a single spot during walking. Unless pressure is reduced on that specific part of the foot, they will continue to come back.

They can be successfully managed on a long-term basis and pose very little threat to your overall well-being unless you are diabetic or have other neuropathic conditions.

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Professional Debridement

A podiatrist can safely reduce thickened skin in the office through a procedure called debridement. This helps relieve pressure, reduce pain, and improve comfort during walking and daily activities.

Medicated Treatments

Specialized medicated treatments may be used to soften and gradually reduce hardened skin caused by corns and calluses.

Orthotics & Pressure Redistribution

Custom orthotics help improve walking mechanics and redistribute pressure more evenly across the foot. This reduces friction and helps prevent the recurrence of corns and calluses over time.

Footwear Modifications & Padding

Wearing properly fitted shoes and using protective padding can significantly reduce friction and pressure on sensitive areas of the foot while improving overall comfort.

Treatment Duration & Recovery

Corns and calluses can often be managed successfully with routine care and pressure reduction. However, if the underlying source of pressure is not addressed, they may continue to return over time. Long-term management typically involves supportive footwear, orthotics, and periodic professional care when necessary.

With proper treatment and prevention, most patients experience significant relief from discomfort and improved foot health.

If you have corns or calluses, or you’re suffering from any other foot/ankle pain, our NYC doctors are happy to help!

Serving the Downtown and Midtown Manhattan areas of NYC, we help you get back to healthy and happy living.Β Call us atΒ 917-398-3668Β orΒ book an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes scar tissue builds up in a tendon and causes the tendon to lose its elasticity. At that point, chronic Achilles tendinitis can be treated by removing the scar tissue using a minimally invasive procedure like Tenex. This uses a wand that transmits ultrasonic energy to break through the scar tissue leaving healthy tissue behind. Downtime is minimal and return to normal activity is about a week.

Warm-up before and cool down after your workout routine. Slowly increase the intensity of your exercise over a period of time. If you’re using equipment at the gym, make sure you know how to use it safely and also with the form and posture. If unsure, always ask!
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Grab a resistance band (or even a stretchy t-shirt)! Place the band or shirt around the ball of your foot. Pull the two ends of the band or shirt towards you until you feel a nice stretch in the back of your leg. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds, and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this 5-10 times for both legs!

Achilles tendonitis rarely requires surgery. However, if treatment is delayed or neglected, there could be further damage such as a tendon tear. This would require surgical repair, and although we can do this with minimally invasive techniques, it is better to prevent damage when possible. Don’t ignore your pain. See your podiatrist as soon as possible.

RELATED SERVICES

By accurately diagnosing, treating, and preventing lower leg, foot, and ankle conditions and ailments, we get you on your way back to healthy feet!Β  We use conservative care and only activate surgeries when absolutely necessary.Β  Here are some of the foot and ankle conditions we treat. Get that peace of mind, and reach out and book an appointment with us today!

ANKLE SPRAIN

BUNION/HALLUX VALGUS

MORTON'S NEUROMA

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

TESTIMONIAL

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Kayla

Dr.Artis was so amazing. After going to two other podiatrists who gave me no support or hope, Dr. artis made me feel like there can be change for me. She was so patient, kind and informative. I’m actually excited to go back and get my results.

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Everyone was super friendly. Doctor Rick’s explained everything thoroughly.

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Dr Bell was incredibly thorough and personable. Gave me great information and useful information for my next steps. A great experience!

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“Fast, professional, and very clean office. I was checked in and seen within 10 minutes of my scheduled time. Dr. Ricks was straight to the point but thorough. The front desk staff was also incredibly helpful.

Travis

All of the staff are super welcoming and professional! Bianca took excellent care in getting my X-rays. Dr. Ricks was thorough in explaining my diagnosis and next steps. Highly recommended!!

Fresh

Well before I came in today to see Dr. Ricks my foot in pain was 9/10 and now I feel good πŸ™πŸΏπŸ€© thanks

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