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Struggling With Corns or Calluses?

What’s Really Causing It & How We Treat It

If thickened areas of skin on your feet are causing pain or discomfort, you’re not alone.
Corns and calluses are common conditions caused by repeated pressure or friction • and the good news is they can be effectively treated and prevented with professional care.

At We Fix Feet, we identify exactly why corns or calluses develop • whether it’s ill-fitting footwear, repetitive activities, or foot structure • and guide you through treatments that target the cause and restore comfort.

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Learn how to remove verrucas safely • relieve pain • and prevent future outbreaks.

Trusted by 34000+ patients, HCPC Registered Podiatrists, British Medical Laser Association members, Venn Healthcare Shockwave Certified.

What Are Corns and Calluses?

Corns: Small, circular areas of thickened skin • often on tops or sides of toes • may be hard (dry skin) or soft (moist skin between toes) • can be painful when pressed.

Calluses: Larger, diffuse areas of thickened skin • usually on soles of feet (heels or balls), palms, or knees • generally painless but can become uncomfortable if too thick.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Thickened, hardened skin that may appear rough or dry
• Tenderness or pain when pressure is applied
• Flaky or waxy surface on the affected area

How We Treat Verrucas and Warts

At We Fix Feet, we provide targeted treatments to relieve pain and prevent recurrence, including:

Professional Debridement — Skilled trimming of thickened skin to reduce pressure and discomfort
Customised Footwear Advice — Recommendations for shoes that reduce friction
Orthotic Devices — Custom insoles or padding to redistribute pressure
Education on Foot Care — Guidance on skin hydration and protective coverings

Causes & Risk Factors

Corns and calluses often develop due to:

• Ill-fitting footwear, such as tight shoes or high heels
• Repetitive pressure from activities like running or manual work
• Foot deformities, including bunions or hammertoes
• Uneven weight distribution on the foot

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY

If corns or calluses are causing discomfort or pain, early treatment can prevent worsening and restore comfort.
Book a consultation at We Fix Feet and take the first step toward smooth, healthy, pain-free feet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Corn & Callus

What are corns and calluses?

Foot pain can result from conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, corns, arthritis, tendonitis, or poor foot mechanics. Early assessment helps identify the exact cause and prevent long-term issues.

Symptoms include a rough, hardened patch of skin, tenderness, and pain—especially when pressure is applied or when wearing shoes. Corns may feel like a pebble is in the shoe and can have a central core.

Common causes include:

  • Friction and Pressure: Wearing ill-fitting shoes (too tight, too loose, or high heels).
  • Abnormal Foot Mechanics: Certain foot structures (e.g., bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet) that cause bone abnormalities to press against the skin.
  • Lack of Padding: Loss of the natural fatty padding in the feet, often due to aging.
  • Activity: High-impact activities or standing for long periods.

Mild calluses may reduce if the source of friction is removed. However, corns and painful calluses rarely resolve completely without professional treatment, as the underlying cause (pressure/friction) usually remains. Untreated, they can become chronic and limit mobility.

Treatment depends on the severity and cause and may include:

  • Professional Reduction: Safe, painless removal of the thickened skin by a specialist.
  • Padding and Offloading: Using specialist pads or materials to relieve pressure from the affected area.
  • Footwear Advice: Guidance on choosing shoes that fit properly and reduce friction.
  • Custom Orthotics: To correct underlying foot mechanics that cause abnormal pressure.
  • K-Laser Therapy: To reduce associated inflammation and pain where appropriate.

Professional reduction provides immediate pain relief. Long-term improvement and prevention of recurrence require addressing the root cause, which may take a few weeks with footwear changes or longer if custom orthotics are needed for structural correction.

Attempting to cut or scrape away corns or calluses at home can lead to infection, bleeding, or injury, especially for individuals with diabetes or poor circulation. Specialists use sterile techniques to safely and painlessly remove the hard skin.

Yes. Custom orthotics are highly effective. They correct abnormal foot mechanics, improve foot alignment, and redistribute pressure away from areas prone to corn and callus formation, helping to prevent recurrence.

K-Laser therapy is recommended when corns or calluses are deeply painful, inflamed, or associated with underlying bursitis. It helps reduce localized inflammation and accelerate soft tissue healing.

You should see a specialist if your corns or calluses are painful, difficult to manage, recurrent, or if you have an underlying condition like diabetes, poor circulation, or neuropathy. Early assessment ensures safe and effective relief.

Book a consultation today

Still Feeling A Little Confused About Your Foot Condition And Don't Know What To Do?

Our Clinic Locations

We have two convenient locations in Beeston and Ilkeston, making expert podiatry and sports rehabilitation accessible across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Ilkeston Clinic

Beeston Clinic

Still Confused About How We Can Help Solve Your Foot Condition? Take Us Up On One Of Our FREE Options

Our Clinic Locations

We have two convenient locations in Beeston and Ilkeston, making expert podiatry and sports rehabilitation accessible across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Ilkeston Clinic

Beeston Clinic

Testimonials

Before You Book Your Appointment, Here’s Just A Handful Of Our Patients Success Stories To Put Your Mind At Ease

Lynn Aldred profile picture
Lynn Aldred
1 month ago
Just had feet done with Ronnie its like walking on air hes done amazing job thankyou .
Lynn Aldred profile picture
Lynn Aldred
1 month ago
Just had feet done with Ronnie its like walking on air hes done amazing job thankyou .
Ronnie Mbwana did a fabulous job for me today. He gently treated my damaged toenail, cut my nails, removed hard skin and provided a thorough checkup. The service provided by him and the receptionist throughout was excellent. I highly recommend this practice.
Ronnie Mbwana did a fabulous job for me today. He gently treated my damaged toenail, cut my nails, removed hard skin and provided a thorough checkup. The service provided by him and the receptionist throughout was excellent. I highly recommend this practice.
Kay Stone profile picture
Kay Stone
1 month ago
I had an appointment with Ronnie 6 weeks ago, and again today for a follow up appointment.
I had an ingrown toenail which I had left way too long and had become infected. I finally plucked up the courage to visit We Fix Feet in Ilkeston. My only regret is not visiting sooner! Ronnie was able to remove the portion of ingrown toenail at my first appointment, and within a day or two, my nail was perfect. After hiding my feet for many years I finally have a healthy set of toenails and have treated myself to my first ever pair of open toe sandals! All the staff here are wonderful, professional and very reassuring for which I am very grateful. Thank you
Kay Stone profile picture
Kay Stone
1 month ago
I had an appointment with Ronnie 6 weeks ago, and again today for a follow up appointment.
I had an ingrown toenail which I had left way too long and had become infected. I finally plucked up the courage to visit We Fix Feet in Ilkeston. My only regret is not visiting sooner! Ronnie was able to remove the portion of ingrown toenail at my first appointment, and within a day or two, my nail was perfect. After hiding my feet for many years I finally have a healthy set of toenails and have treated myself to my first ever pair of open toe sandals! All the staff here are wonderful, professional and very reassuring for which I am very grateful. Thank you