What Causes Corns & Calluses – and How to Prevent Them
Corns and calluses are common foot conditions that many people experience—especially those who walk a lot, wear tight shoes, or have certain foot shapes. While they may seem like minor skin issues, corns and calluses can lead to discomfort, pain, and mobility problems if not managed properly.
In this blog, we'll explore:
What causes corns and calluses
Who is at higher risk
Practical prevention tips recommended by podiatrists at FootImpact, Mumbai’s non-surgical foot care clinic
What Are Corns and Calluses?
Corns and calluses are hardened, thickened layers of skin. Repeated friction or pressure leads to their development.
Corns: Usually small, circular, and painful when pressed. Often found under the foot & on toes.
Calluses: Larger, more spread out, and generally painless. Commonly found on the heels, soles, or balls of the feet.
What Causes Corns and Calluses?
Here are the most common causes:
1. Foot Abnormalities or Deformities
Conditions like:
Flat feet
High Arch Foot
Bunions
Hammertoes
cause uneven pressure while walking.
2.Tight or Poorly-Fitting Footwear
Shoes that squeeze your toes or rub against certain areas create pressure points. Over time, this leads to skin hardening.
Common culprits:
High heels
Narrow-toed shoes
Shoes without arch support
3. Prolonged Walking or Standing
People who walk long distances daily or stand for extended periods develop pressure areas on the feet, leading to calluses.
4. Not Wearing Socks
Socks serve as a protective layer between your skin and footwear. Not wearing them increases friction and the risk of skin thickening.
5. Sports or Activities Involving Repetitive Motion
Athletes, dancers, and runners are prone to calluses due to repeated impact and movement patterns.
6. Medical Conditions
People with diabetes or poor blood circulation may develop calluses more frequently and need extra care.
Who Is at Risk?
You are more susceptible to corns or calluses if you:
Wear ill-fitting shoes regularly
Have foot deformities
Walk barefoot often
Are on your feet all day
Have diabetes or poor circulation
causes skin to thin and wear unevenly)
How to Prevent Corns and Calluses
Here are expert tips from FootImpact’s podiatry team:
1. Wear Proper Footwear
Choose shoes that:
Fit well (neither tight nor loose)
Have enough toe room
Offer arch and heel support
2. Use Moisturizers
Dry skin cracks more easily. Use a foot cream with urea or shea butter to keep skin supple and reduce thickening.
3. Use Protective Pads
Utilize non-medicated corn pads or gel inserts to alleviate foot pressure.
4. Change Shoes Regularly
Don’t wear the same pair every day. Rotating your footwear helps reduce repetitive pressure.
5. Wear Socks with Shoes
To minimize friction and prevent skin buildup, opt for moisture-wicking socks.
6. Get Regular Foot Checks
Especially if you have diabetes or foot pain, consult a podiatrist every few months for monitoring and preventive care.
Why Choose FootImpact?
At FootImpact, Mumbai’s trusted foot clinic, we specialize in non-surgical treatments for corns and calluses. Our care approach includes:
Biomechanical assessments
Custom orthotics ( Customized on the spot to try)
Pressure offloading( to reduce the pain immediately)
Gait correction therapies
Eventually you'll get rid of corn & calluses.
Schedule a consultation for natural, non-surgical solutions to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.
📞 Book Appointment
FAQ Section
Can tight shoes cause corn?
Corns, especially on the toes, are frequently caused by tight shoes, which generate friction and pressure.
Are diabetics more prone to calluses?
Nerve damage and poor blood flow can lead to unnoticed callus buildup, raising the risk of ulcers.
What type of footwear helps prevent corn?
Podiatrist-approved shoes with wide toe boxes, cushioning, and proper arch support work best.
