Calluses and Corns

Callus formation is an accumulation of dead skin cells that harden and thicken over an area of the foot. This callus formation is a defense mechanism to protect the foot against excessive pressure and friction. Calluses are usually found on the ball-of- the-foot, the heel, and/or the side of the big toe. Some calluses on the ball- of-the-foot have a deep core known as a nucleation. This particular type of callus can be especially painful to pressure. Callus formation is not normal.

A corn is a localized thickening of the skin due to pressure. Corns often occur on the top of the toes where there is pressure from the shoes. However, they also occur at the sole of the foot and in between toes. Certain corns may become entwined with the nerves of the skin, these corns are particularly painful. Often corns develop a core which is often referred to as the "root" by patients. Corns can be very painful, especially if there is inflammation and swelling around the corn.