Corns and Calluses Treatment at Foot Foundation
Corns and calluses develop when repeated pressure or friction causes skin to thicken, often leaving feet sore, uncomfortable, or difficult to manage at home. While these areas of hard skin may seem minor, they can quickly become painful and affect daily mobility.
At Foot Foundation, our podiatrists provide safe and effective treatment for corns and calluses. From professional removal to footwear advice and custom orthotics, we focus on relieving pain and preventing recurrence—helping patients stay active and comfortable.
What are Corns and Calluses?
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that form in response to repeated friction, pressure, or rubbing.
They are part of the body’s natural protective mechanism, but often become painful, unsightly, and debilitating if left untreated.
Calluses are broader areas of thickened, hard skin, usually found on weight-bearing areas such as the ball of the foot or heel.
Corns are more localised, cone-shaped areas of hard skin that press into the deeper layers, often found on toes or bony prominences.
At Foot Foundation, our podiatrists provide professional removal of corns and calluses, along with strategies to prevent recurrence by addressing the underlying cause.
Causes & Risk Factors
Footwear – narrow, tight, or high-heeled shoes causing friction
Biomechanical stress – flat feet, high arches, or abnormal gait patterns increasing pressure
Toe deformities – hammer toes, bunions, or claw toes rubbing against shoes
Repetitive activity – running, sports, or long periods of standing
Occupational factors – jobs requiring prolonged standing or walking
Age-related changes – thinner skin and fat pad loss increasing pressure points
Treatment at Foot Foundation
Professional removal – safe, painless debridement of corns and calluses by a podiatrist
Custom orthotics – redistribute pressure, reduce friction, and prevent recurrence
Footwear advice – wide toe box, cushioned soles, and proper fit to reduce rubbing
Silicone padding or protectors – reduce pressure on bony prominences
Moisturising & skin care advice – to soften thickened skin and prevent cracking
Education & prevention – addressing lifestyle and activity factors that contribute to recurrence
Symptoms
Areas of hard, thickened skin on toes, soles, or sides of the foot
Corns may appear as small, round, painful spots with a dense centre
Calluses often present as yellowish, rough patches of skin
Pain when walking, standing, or wearing shoes
Burning sensation under the foot in severe cases
Cosmetic concerns and difficulty with footwear
Diagnosis
At Foot Foundation, diagnosis includes:
Clinical examination – confirming whether skin thickening is a corn, callus, or another condition (such as wart or keratoderma)
Biomechanical assessment – gait and pressure distribution contributing to skin thickening
Footwear evaluation – assessing whether shoe choice contributes to the problem
Corns and Calluses – FAQs
They are caused by repeated friction or pressure, often from footwear, toe deformities, or biomechanical stress.
No. Calluses are broad areas of thickened skin, while corns are smaller, deeper, and often more painful.
Over-the-counter remedies are often ineffective and may damage healthy skin. Professional podiatry treatment is safer and more effective.
Yes, if the underlying cause (footwear, biomechanics, deformities) is not addressed. Orthotics and footwear changes reduce recurrence.
Yes. Corns in particular can feel like walking on a pebble due to pressure on deeper tissues.
Yes. Orthotics redistribute pressure, reducing skin thickening and preventing recurrence.
No. Corns are caused by mechanical pressure, whereas warts are caused by the HPV virus.
Shoes with a wide toe box, cushioning, and proper fit reduce pressure and friction.
No. Surgery is rarely required. Most cases are managed effectively with podiatry care, orthotics, and footwear changes.
If you have persistent painful skin thickening, corns that return quickly, or difficulty walking, podiatry assessment is recommended.
Why Choose Foot Foundation?
Foot Foundation provides specialist care for corns and calluses, combining safe removal, biomechanical correction, orthotics, and footwear advice. Our focus is not only on immediate pain relief but also on long-term prevention.
With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert skin care is available across New Zealand.
