Symptoms of Corns & Calluses2025-02-03T12:57:22+00:00

Symptoms of Corns & Calluses

How your Corns and Calluses could be warning you about your foot health.

Understanding the Symptoms of a corn

The signs and symptoms to look out for

Hardened, Thickened Skin

Corns appear as small, round, and firm areas of skin that are thicker than the surrounding skin. They typically have a hard centre surrounded by inflamed or irritated skin. The surface of the corn may also feel rough, dry, or slightly waxy.

Pain and Tenderness

Corns can cause discomfort or pain when pressure is applied, such as when walking or wearing shoes. The pain is often sharp and concentrated in the area of the corn.

Raised, Bumpy Growth

Corns are usually raised and round in shape, with a defined border, they can vary in size but are typically small (less than 1 cm in diameter). The centre of the corn may appear yellowish or greyish.

Discover the common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain, including sharp, stabbing sensations, swelling, and difficulty walking.
Discover the common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain, including sharp, stabbing sensations, swelling, and difficulty walking.

Understanding the Symptoms of a callus

Thickened, Hardened Skin

The affected area will normally feel rough, dry, and thick compared to surrounding skin. The skin may also appear yellowish.

Widened, Diffused Shape

Calluses are usually larger and more spread out than corns. They commonly appear on the heels, balls of the feet, and sides of the foot.

Pain or Discomfort

While most calluses are painless, excessive thickening can cause dull aching pain when walking or standing for long periods. If left untreated, a deep callus can crack and cause pain or bleeding.

Dry, Flaky, or Cracked Skin

The callused skin often appears dry and scaly. If the skin becomes too dry, cracks (fissures) may form, especially on the heels, leading to pain or even infection.

common causes of corns and calluses

Do you recognise any of these symptoms?

One of the most common causes of Corns and Calluses is wearing ill-fitting shoes. Tight shoes squeeze the feet, creating excessive pressure, while loose shoes allow too much movement, leading to friction. High heels are another major culprit, as they place extra stress on certain areas of the foot, particularly the ball and toes. Repetitive motion is another leading cause. Activities like walking, running can create constant friction, prompting the skin to thicken in response.

Foot deformities, such as hammertoes, bunions, or misaligned bones, can also contribute to corn and callus formation. When certain areas of the foot experience uneven pressure due to structural issues, the skin naturally thickens to protect itself. Similarly, an abnormal walking gait can put excessive strain on specific areas, leading to hardened skin over time.

Going barefoot frequently, especially on hard surfaces, encourages the formation of calluses as the skin adapts to provide extra protection. This is common among people who walk barefoot at home or in outdoor environments. Additionally, individuals whose occupations require standing for long hours, such as construction workers, nurses, or retail employees, often develop calluses due to prolonged pressure on their feet.

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Podiatry Services

A Podiatrist can treat anything from an ingrowing toe nail requiring surgery under local anaesthetic to designing a custom made foot orthotic to assist with tendon or joint dysfunction or pain. We are also highly specialised to manage the Diabetic or High-Risk foot and the subsequent wounds that can arise.

Verrucas & Warts

Verrucas, or plantar warts, are small, rough growths on the soles of the feet caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They may cause discomfort or pain while walking.

Plantar Fasciitis

A common foot condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, causing heel pain and stiffness.

Achilles Tendonitis

An overuse injury characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It causes pain and stiffness in the heel area.

Ingrown Toenail

Occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. Proper trimming and footwear help prevent it.

Corns & Calluses

Thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. They are the body’s way of protecting itself from excessive rubbing or pressure, usually on the hands, feet, or toes.

Flat Feet

Flat feet, or pes planus, is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. It may lead to foot pain or discomfort.

Chiltern Wellbeing accolades, accreditations, qualifications and awards include hcpc
Chiltern Wellbeing accolades, accreditations, qualifications and awards include College of Podiatry
Chiltern Wellbeing accolades, accreditations, qualifications and awards include College of Podiatry
Chiltern Wellbeing accolades, accreditations, qualifications and awards include College of Podiatry
Chiltern Wellbeing accolades, accreditations, qualifications and awards include Vionic
Chiltern Wellbeing accolades, accreditations, qualifications and awards include Strive
Chiltern Wellbeing accolades, accreditations, qualifications and awards include Swift Therapy

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FAQs

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see any of your clinicians?2024-04-22T13:16:07+00:00

You do not need a referral to book an appointment. You can book a treatment at a time that suits you. Some private insurance providers will however require a referral from the GP.

What is a podiatrist?2024-04-22T13:20:05+00:00

A Podiatrist is a medical professional that specialises in the diagnosis, prevention, management and treatment of the lower limb (generally regarded as specialists in foot and ankle conditions). To become a Chiropodist/Podiatrist you will need to undertake a three/four year full-time degree in Podiatric Medicine and complete 1000 hours of supervised clinical practice. Podiatrists are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council.

What happens in a Podiatry appointment?2024-04-22T13:21:02+00:00

Following booking your appointment, we firstly require a medical history form to be completed. This can be completed prior to the appointment, though if you have any questions do save them for the practitioner. Much like visiting the dentist, your consultation will be with a practitioner where you will sit in a podiatrists chair. The podiatrist will ask questions prior to any treatment being given, and if applicable, discuss the treatment options available. Treatment will not be undertaken until you have given consent. Dependent on your individual needs, a variety of different pieces of diagnostic equipment and tests may be used. Treatment can often commence during your initial assessment; however, this depends on the problem at hand and is not always the case.

What should I bring to my First appointment?2024-04-22T13:21:29+00:00

If you have not already completed the secure, online medical history form, please bring a full list of any medication you are currently taking. If you are wearing nail varnish please remove it prior to your appointment. If you are arriving with an injury or for sporting purposes, please bring 2-3 pairs of regularly worn shoes. If you wear insoles or orthotics, please also bring these with you to your appointment.

How much will my appointment cost?2024-04-22T13:21:56+00:00

Please see prices.

Should I be embarrassed about my feet?2024-04-22T13:22:49+00:00

Absolutely not. We are here to help!

Do the treatments hurt?2024-04-22T13:23:18+00:00

A common concern. Conditions such as in growing toenails may be sensitive to treat, however great relief is typically experienced following the treatment of the painful area. In some cases anaesthetic may be used to make your treatment more comfortable.

Why do I need regular foot health tests if I am diabetic?2024-04-22T13:24:24+00:00

At ChilternWellbeing we take diabetes seriously because Diabetes is the leading cause of ulceration and amputation. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to:

  • Peripheral neuropathy – damage to the nerves supplying the feet and legs.
  • Peripheral arterial disease – damage to the blood vessels supplying the feet and legs.
  • Weakened Immune system – reduced ability for the body to fight off infections.
  • Retinopathy – impaired eyesight.
  • Nephropathy – impaired kidney function These factors mean that you may not notice an injury due to nerve damage or poor eyesight. Reaching your feet may become difficult due to swelling caused by kidney damage, and wounds may be slow to heal due to poor blood supply. Your body may not be able to fight off an infection effectively. Regular treatment by a Podiatrist can drastically reduce your risks of suffering from diabetic foot complications.
Do you do home visits?2024-11-01T15:17:59+00:00

Unfortunately we do not offer a home visiting service at our clinic.

What is your DNA Policy?2024-04-22T13:25:27+00:00

We understand that there are times when you must miss an appointment due to emergencies or obligations for work or family. However, when you do not call to cancel an appointment, you may be preventing another patient from getting much needed treatment. Conversely, the situation may arise where another patient fails to cancel and we are unable to schedule you for a visit, due to a seemingly “full” appointment book. If an appointment is not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance you will be charged the full amount of your appointment fee.

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