Whitby Family Footcare Clinic

107-420 Green St. • Whitby, Ontario • L1N 8R1 905.668.8233

Corns and Callus

Callus & Corn Removal in Whitby

Calluses and corns are thickened areas of skin that develop in response to pressure, friction, or irritation. While they are common, they can become painful when the skin builds up excessively or when a deep central core forms. We provide safe, effective removal and long‑term management strategies to reduce discomfort and prevent recurrence.

What Are Calluses and Corns?

Calluses are broad, even layers of hardened skin that form when the foot experiences repeated compressive stress. Corns are a more focused form of callus with a deep central nucleus that presses into the underlying tissue, often irritating nerve endings and causing sharp, localized pain. They may develop on the tops of toes, between toes (soft corns), or on weight‑bearing areas such as the ball of the foot.

Why Calluses and Corns Develop

Several factors contribute to their formation:

  • Footwear pressure from tight or shallow toe boxes
  • Toe deformities such as curled or contracted toes
  • Biomechanical faults that increase pressure on specific areas
  • Rubbing between toes, leading to soft corns
  • High activity levels or prolonged standing

When pressure is not addressed, the skin continues to thicken, leading to pain and difficulty walking.

Hammer toe with dorsal pressure point from shoe causing a corn
Frontal view metatarsals heads normal vs plantarflexed metatarsal head

Common Symptoms

  • Hard, thickened skin on toes or the ball of the foot

  • Sharp, pinpoint pain from a corn’s central core

  • Burning or aching under callused areas

  • Pain when wearing shoes

  • Cracked skin around the heels

These symptoms often worsen with tight footwear or increased activity.

How We Assess Calluses and Corns

A clinical assessment includes:

  • Identifying the location and depth of the callus or corn
  • Evaluating toe alignment and foot mechanics
  • Checking for pressure points caused by footwear
  • Assessing skin integrity, especially in patients with diabetes or poor circulation

This helps determine the safest and most effective treatment plan.

Treatment Options

Mechanical Removal

We safely remove calluses and corns using sterile instruments to reduce thickness and relieve pressure. This provides immediate pain relief and restores comfort.

Removal of callus

Untreated plantar callus on the 5th metatarsal head
Debrided plantar callus on the 5th metatarsal head

Removal of corn

Corn vs corn removed on plantar 5th metatarsal head

Soft Corn Removal

Soft corns between the toes are carefully reduced and protected to prevent recurrence.

Seed Corn Removal

Small, deep seed corns are removed to reduce pinpoint pain.

Plantar Seed corns in heel and midfoot not removed
Removed seed corns in the plantar heel and midfoot

Long‑Standing Horn Corn Treatment

Deep, chronic corns are removed and followed with offloading padding to reduce pressure and prevent return.

Side view 1st metatarsal head horn corn
Partially debrided horn corn on plantar 1st metatarsal head
Removed plantar corn with padding

Heel Callus & Cracked Skin Treatment

Thick, cracked skin around the heels is reduced, then supported with daily emollient use to restore softness and prevent fissures.

Heel fissures
Reduced heel fissures

Preventing Recurrence

Long‑term success depends on reducing the pressure that caused the skin to thicken. Prevention strategies include:

  • Wearing shoes with a deep toe box to reduce rubbing

  • Using padding or orthotic modifications to offload pressure

  • Choosing footwear that matches your foot shape

  • Maintaining regular foot care appointments

  • Applying daily moisturizers to keep skin supple

With proper footwear and pressure management, calluses and corns often require only periodic maintenance.

 

Callus & Corn Removal in Whitby

We provide safe, effective treatment for painful calluses and corns, along with guidance on footwear, pressure relief, and long‑term prevention. Whether caused by biomechanics, toe position, or footwear, we help restore comfort and reduce recurrence.

Book an Appointment

Book an appointment if you’re experiencing pain from calluses or corns, professional treatment can provide immediate relief and prevent the problem from returning.