Foot Corn Treatment Clinic Q&A

Foot corns are areas of thick, hardened skin that develop due to repeated friction or pressure—most often on the tops and sides of your toes or the soles of your feet. Common causes include wearing ill-fitting shoes (such as those that are too tight, too loose, or high-heeled), standing or walking for long periods in unsupportive footwear, or having foot deformities like hammertoes or bunions that create abnormal pressure points. Even going barefoot or wearing shoes without socks can increase your risk due to added friction.

Our team at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates emphasizes prevention as the first line of defense. Choosing well-fitted, supportive shoes with plenty of room for your toes and wearing socks that cushion your feet can make a significant difference. We recommend regular self-checks for early signs of thickened skin and the use of moisturizing creams to keep your skin soft and less prone to corn development. For those with foot abnormalities, custom orthotics or shoe inserts—available through our practice—can help distribute pressure more evenly and prevent corns from forming.

If you’re dealing with persistent corns, experiencing foot pain, or have underlying health issues such as diabetes, our podiatrists can provide personalized care and expert advice to protect your feet. Don’t let corns keep you from enjoying an active, pain-free lifestyle.

Corns are a common foot problem caused by repeated friction or pressure, often from ill-fitting shoes. There are two main types we see in our practice: hard corns and soft corns. Understanding the differences between them can help you seek the right treatment and relief.

Hard Corns (Heloma Durum):
Hard corns typically develop on the tops or sides of the toes, or on weight-bearing areas of the foot. They appear as small, dense patches of thickened skin with a hard, central core, and the affected skin is usually dry, rough, and firm to the touch. These corns commonly form in response to constant pressure from tight shoes or abnormal gait.

Soft Corns (Heloma Molle):
Soft corns most often occur between the toes—especially between the fourth and fifth toes—where moisture from sweat keeps the skin soft. Unlike hard corns, these have a whitish, rubbery appearance and may feel tender or even painful if irritated or infected. The moist environment between the toes makes soft corns more susceptible to breakdown and discomfort.

Our experienced podiatric team can accurately diagnose the type of corn you have and recommend the most effective treatment. We provide comprehensive care, including:

• Identifying and addressing the underlying cause (such as shoe fit or foot structure)
• Safely removing thickened skin when necessary
• Prescribing protective padding or orthotics to reduce pressure
• Offering guidance on proper footwear and foot hygiene
• Treating any infections or complications

At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, we frequently see patients struggling with foot deformities like hammertoes—a common condition that significantly increases the risk of developing painful corns. A hammertoe occurs when one or more of your smaller toes become bent. This abnormal positioning changes how your toes interact with your shoes and the ground, especially during walking or standing.

When you have a hammertoe, the bent toe often rubs against the inside of your shoes, particularly if your footwear is tight or doesn’t fit properly. This constant friction and pressure irritate the skin over the prominent joints of the affected toe. In response, your skin thickens in these high-pressure areas as a way to protect the underlying tissue. Over time, this can lead to the formation of a corn—a small, hardened area of skin that can be quite painful. Corns most commonly develop on the top or tip of the bent toe, but they can also form between the toes or on the ball of the foot if those areas are exposed to abnormal pressure.

Our team understands how uncomfortable and limiting corns can be, especially when they result from underlying deformities like hammertoes. Our foot specialists offer comprehensive care, from diagnosing the root cause of your symptoms to providing effective treatment options. These can include custom footwear recommendations, padding, non-surgical therapies, and, when necessary, surgical correction of the deformity.

Early intervention and proper management can help relieve discomfort, prevent further complications, and improve your overall foot health.

If you notice persistent pain, swelling, or discomfort from a foot corn that interferes with your daily activities, it’s important to have it evaluated and treated by a specialist at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates. Our experienced podiatrists can assess your condition and provide effective treatment to relieve your symptoms and prevent further complications.

If your corn becomes red, inflamed, or shows signs of infection—such as pus, increased warmth, or bleeding—schedule an appointment with Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates as soon as possible. Prompt medical attention is especially important for individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, or compromised immune systems, as the risk of serious complications is higher. Even if your corn appears mild, our team can help you manage your foot health safely.

If home remedies like moisturizing, wearing comfortable shoes, or using protective pads haven’t improved your corn, our podiatrists offer specialized care to safely remove the corn and address the underlying causes. Seeking professional help from our practice can prevent your condition from worsening and reduce your risk of developing additional foot problems. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Walnut Creek, CA, and Brentwood, CA. We serve patients from Walnut Creek CA, Brentwood CA, Concord CA, Pleasant Hill CA, Pittsburg CA, Antioch CA, Alamo CA, Danville CA, Oakley CA, and surrounding areas.