What are corns and calluses?
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that form due to repeated friction or pressure. They commonly develop from wearing ill-fitting shoes, abnormal foot mechanics, or repetitive activity. While corns tend to be smaller, more localised, and often painful when pressed, calluses form larger, rough patches on weight-bearing areas of the foot. Both conditions can cause discomfort, particularly when walking or standing.
Signs and symptoms of corns and calluses:
- Thickened, rough patches of skin on the feet, particularly on the heels, balls of the feet, and toes.
- Pain or tenderness when walking or wearing shoes, especially in areas of high pressure.
- Hard, raised areas of skin (corns), which may be painful when pressed.
- Larger, flat, rough patches (calluses), typically found on the soles of the feet.
- Yellow or greyish discolouration of the affected skin.