Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooCorns and Calluses

Calluses and corns are hard, thick areas of skin that develop when the skin tries to protect itself from pressure and rubbing (friction). They mostly develop on the feet, toes and hands (NHS, 2026). Corns are small lumps of hard skin, and calluses are larger patches of rough, thick skin. They can be painful, and can also be quite unsightly. If you are healthy, you usually only need treatment if they are causing you discomfort. For most people, removing the cause of the pressure and friction will make the calluses and corns go away (Freeman, 2002).

If you have diabetes, problems with your circulation, a weakened immune system, or are an older person, do not try to treat corns and calluses yourself, as these conditions can make foot problems more serious. See your family doctor or nurse practitioner, or a foot specialist (NHS, 2026).

Corns and Calluses Explained

The skin is made up of layers. The epidermis is the outer layer that forms the skin's surface, and its thickness varies depending on where it is on the body. Underneath is the dermis, which contains blood vessels, sweat glands, nerves and hair follicles. Below that is the subcutaneous layer, containing blood vessels, nerves, fat and connective tissue. Corns and calluses are a build-up of the hard outer layer of skin, which is the body's way of protecting the skin underneath from pressure and irritation (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).

How to Treat Corns and Calluses

Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor or nurse practitioner

Tips

• Avoid high heels and shoes that are too tight or pointy, because they squeeze your feet. Wear wide, well-fitting, supportive shoes with a low heel and soft sole that don't rub (NHS, 2026).
• Wearing sandals and shoes without socks can cause extra friction on your feet (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
• Wear thick, cushioned socks that fit properly and don't bunch up under your feet (NHS, 2026; Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
• Calluses on the hands can come from using tools at work, in the garden and around the home, or from sport (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
• Friction and pressure from repeated actions cause calluses and corns to grow and develop.
• One of the best ways to stop corns developing is to stop putting pressure through those areas. So you might look at a new pair of trainers if you are a runner, or changing a particular sport or hobby. Avoid walking long distances or standing for long periods while they are sore (NHS, 2026).

Corns and calluses build up where something keeps pressing or rubbing, so my aim is to find and ease that pressure. I don't cut or treat the hard skin itself; a chiropodist or podiatrist does that, and I'll refer you when it's needed.

I start by looking at where the corns or calluses are, your footwear and socks, and how your feet and legs move when you stand and walk. Where they sit often shows where the pressure is coming from.

Easing the Pressure

• Advice on footwear and socks that fit well and don't rub
• Helping you work out which pads or insoles might help and how to get them, and pointing you to a chiropodist or podiatrist for custom-made insoles
• Changes to activities, tools or sport that keep loading the same spot
• Showing you how to soften and file hard skin safely at home, if you don't have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system

Caring for Your Feet and Legs

1. NHS (2026) Corns and calluses. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/corns-and-calluses/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
2. Cleveland Clinic (2023) Corns and calluses. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16896-corns-and-calluses (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
3. Freeman, D.B. (2002) 'Corns and calluses resulting from mechanical hyperkeratosis', American Family Physician, 65(11), pp. 2277–2280.