Can Corns Be Surgically Removed? Understanding the Biopsy Punch Procedure

Written by Erica Halpern on March 19, 2026

Corns can be painful, annoying, and make walking uncomfortable, but the good news is that corn removal doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’ve tried pads, creams, or home remedies without success, professional corn removal can provide lasting relief.

What Are Corns?

Corns are small, hardened areas of skin that usually develop on your toes or the soles of your feet due to friction and pressure. Unlike calluses, corns are often painful, especially when pressing on a toe joint or the sole of your foot.

They can form from:

Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes
Toe deformities like hammertoes or bunions
Repetitive pressure or friction during activity

While conservative care like padding, orthotics, or topical treatments can help, stubborn corns may require a more permanent solution. That’s where surgical removal using a biopsy punch comes in.

Can Corns Be Surgically Removed?

Yes! Corns can be safely removed in a clinical setting. The procedure we use is called a biopsy punch removal.

Unlike traditional surgical excisions, the biopsy punch is:

Minimally invasive – only a small circular section of the corn is removed
Precise – targets the corn without damaging surrounding healthy tissue
Quick – typically performed in-office under local anesthesia

This technique not only removes the hardened core of the corn but also reduces the chance of recurrence when combined with advice on footwear and foot mechanics.

How the Biopsy Punch Procedure Works

Assessment
Your chiropodist first examines your foot to determine the size, location, and depth of the corn. This ensures the treatment is safe and effective.
Local Anesthetic
A small amount of local anesthetic is applied to numb the area. The procedure is usually painless thanks to this step.
Punch Removal
A small circular blade, called a biopsy punch, is carefully pressed into the corn to remove the core of thickened skin. This relieves pressure immediately and reduces pain.
Aftercare
After removal, your chiropodist may apply a protective dressing and provide instructions to:

Keep the area clean and dry
Avoid tight shoes for a few days
Use padding or orthotics if necessary to prevent recurrence

Benefits of the Biopsy Punch Procedure

Immediate pain relief – removes the pressure point causing discomfort
Minimally invasive – less tissue trauma compared to traditional surgery
Quick recovery – most patients return to normal activities within a few days
Reduced recurrence – proper technique combined with foot care advice minimizes future corns

Who Can Benefit from Biopsy Punch Corn Removal?

People with painful corns interfering with walking or daily activities
Individuals who haven’t responded to conservative treatments like pads, creams, or orthotics
Patients with recurring corns that cause repeated discomfort

It’s a safe procedure for most adults, but your chiropodist will review your medical history to ensure it’s appropriate for you.

Preventing Corns After Removal

Even after removal, corns can return if friction and pressure aren’t addressed. Your chiropodist may recommend:

Wearing properly fitted shoes
Using toe spacers, pads, or orthotics to redistribute pressure
Maintaining good foot hygiene and regularly checking for signs of friction

Bottom Line

Corns don’t have to be a painful, recurring problem. The biopsy punch procedure offers a minimally invasive, safe, and effective way to remove corns, relieve pain, and improve your foot health.

Do you have stubborn painful corns that won't go away?

If you’ve been struggling with painful corns, book an assessment with a licensed chiropodist to see if biopsy punch removal is right for you.

About Author: Erica Halpern

Erica is the operations manager at Feet First Clinic. Since 2021, she has been writing, researching and editing website and social media content. She also oversees Feet First Clinic’s daily and strategic operations to ensure the best possible experience for our clients. Her goal is to ensure patients are equipped with the knowledge and solutions they need to help with their pain.

Learn more about Erica Halpern

PrevPrevious Ultrasound-Guided Injections for Foot and Ankle Pain: What You Need to Know

NextNext What to Expect in a Foot Treatment: A Sneak Peek of Your First Visit at a Foot Clinic

November 9, 2021

All About Corns

Do you have pain on the top of your foot accompanied by a small, hard lump? Or perhaps you notice the same feeling on or in between your toes, but the lump is softer? You think to yourself it could be a plantar wart or a foot callus, or perhaps a foot condition you never even heard of before. In fact, there is another condition that may be the culprit: foot corns. Corns are little nuisances that have some similarities to calluses and warts. They are generally caused by friction, pressure and your shoes rubbing against vulnerable areas of your feet. Corns are typically painful and, depending on the type, hard or rubbery. Let's learn as much as we can about corns, including what causes them, the different types of corns, and how to treat them! What Are Corns? A corn is an area of round and painful skin with a thick hardened centre (called the "core") and an inflamed surrounding area. They may feel hard, rubbery or soft, depending on the type. Their small, circular appearance and hardened feel resemble pieces of corn, hence the name. That said, the medical term for a foot corn is a heloma, or a "focal intractable plantar hyperkeratosis," according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Corns tend to affect areas of the foot with thinner skin, differing from many other foot conditions that affect the areas of the foot that bear the most weight. Since a corn is technically a callosity, many people may confuse one with a callus. What Is The Difference Between a Foot Corn And a Foot Callus? General knowledge about corns is always useful, especially if you suspect you have one. One thing to note is the main differences between a foot corn and the slightly similar foot callus. Mayo Clinic notes the following key differences between the two: Corns are smaller and have a defined hardened centre. Corns can be painful, while calluses generally are not. The shape of calluses can vary, and they are more "spread out." Corns are always a rounder shape. Types of Corns There are three types of corns: hard corns, soft corns and seed corns. Hard corns are - as you may have guessed - harder and thicker than the other types. Hard corns are generally what first comes to mind when we think of foot corns, and have the yellowish/beige colour you might expect from a corn. Hard corns form on the top or side of the toes, which are both areas with more bone pressure against the skin. A large area of thick skin usually surrounds a hard corn. Soft corns are more "squishy" than hard corns and have a whiteish/grey tint. These corns are commonly found between the toes and have a rubbery texture. According to HealthLink BC, soft corns may form when "sweat is trapped where the corn develops." Because they are softer, one may confuse a soft corn with a blister. However, they are very different: Blisters are filled with fluid, whereas soft corns are not. Lastly, there are seed corns. Seed corns are tiny and located on the bottom of the foot, often on the soles. It's important not to confuse a seed corn with a plantar wart. One way to tell the difference between a corn and a wart is by noting any size changes. Seed corns typically remain tiny, while plantar warts can become larger. Furthermore, plantar warts sometimes have black or brown dots inside them, or "wart seeds." What Causes Corns? Like calluses, the main offenders behind corns are friction and pressure. That is why they tend to develop in areas on the foot that are vulnerable to friction and pressure. Hard corns develop when friction and pressure damages the outer layer of the skin. The body tries to protect the area beneath the damaged skin by forming a hard surface. Numerous factors can contribute to the development of foot corns. These include: Wearing shoes that are ill-fitting and frequently rub against your feet. Examples include tight running shoes and high heels. Specifically, shoes that are too narrow can cause friction against areas that are more vulnerable to foot corns. This includes the top of your feet and the top and side of your toes. Wearing shoes without socks. This leads to excessive friction between your skin and your shoes. High-quality socks can protect your feet from excessive friction. Having a pre-existing foot condition that alters the normal alignment of the bones in your feet, such as hammertoes or bunions. Spending too much time barefoot. Your gait may contribute to corn development if you place excessive pressure on the edges of your feet when you walk. Playing sports without proper footwear. Wearing ill-fitting or non-protective socks. How Can You Prevent And Treat Corns? Luckily, foot corns are very easy to treat. Sometimes they may go away on their own, but if your corn is disruptive and causing you pain, a visit with a Toronto foot specialist should clear the problem right up. Chiropodists can safely remove corns by shaving them down with sterilized tools (do not try this at home!). A chiropodist can also ensure aftercare by applying moisturizer and ointment to the affected area. The treatment is painless and should provide immediate relief. Corns can come back, so follow-up treatments may sometimes be needed. To help prevent your corns from coming back - or prevent them altogether - we strongly recommend ditching shoes that are too narrow or constricting. In order to reduce friction, all your shoes should provide enough room in the toe box and accommodate your foot width. This will also help you recover faster from the corns you currently have. The knowledgeable staff at Feet First Clinic can help you find quality shoes that fit properly so your feet won't be plagued by corns - a service that sets Feet First Clinic apart from the rest! Be sure to check out our footwear product catalogue for ideas for your next pair of comfy shoes! Other treatment and prevention options include toe protection products, which pad the parts of your foot most vulnerable to corns. A good foot care regime will also go a long way towards preventing corns, as well as calluses and many other common foot conditions: Soaking your feet in warm water and using a foot file helps remove excess dead skin, while moisturizing daily helps strengthen the resiliency of the skin on your feet.

June 4, 2026

Foot Myths, Debunked And Explained

Our legs are a complex and intricate system of bones, joints, and muscles. Everything is interconnected in some way. Muscles and joints rely on each other to perform properly, and to provide the necessary foundation for our body. Our habits, genetics, and environment all affect our feet. With so many different possibilities for foot conditions to arise, it's important to remember that correlation is not causation. Just because we do one thing, does not necessarily mean it causes another. To help clear the air over a sample of common foot myths, we decided to debunk a few of them below. 1. Flat feet are bad About 30% of the population lives with flat feet. Flat feet are defined as a postural deformity in which the arches of the foot collapse. As a result, the entire foot makes contact with the ground. The foot is characterized by a very low arch, and can other foot conditions because of the leg's compensation. Flat feet can develop in one foot, or both, depending on your body's development. According to Harvard Medical School, even in adulthood, 15% to 25% of people have flexible flatfeet. Most of these people never develop symptoms. For those with what's called rigid flat feet, several measures can be taken to reduce pain and live comfortably with flat feet. These include: Custom orthotics that artificially raise the arch and provide support Strengthen and stretch your calf as this reduces the pressure and load on your arches Supplement some high-impact exercise with low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or spinning Wearing slippers or supportive footwear inside instead of walking around barefoot Proper fitting footwear with motion control and stability Foot strengthening and exercises 2. Wearing heels causes all of women's foot problems Additionally, a common misconception is that high heels cause bunions. This isn't true. Heels aggravate bunions but are likely not the cause. However, excessive heel usage can result in a few common foot conditions: Corns, Hammertoe, Calluses and Haglund's deformities (called the "pump bump"). Additionally, you're at a greater risk of osteoarthritis since you may lose fat under your foot. According to WebMD, you can prevent certain foot conditions while continuing to wear heels. Some of these preventative measures include: Get the well-fitted high heel Use silicone metatarsal pads for under your feet Wear a thicker heel for stability Pay attention to the "slope" or "pitch" of the heel Wear open-toe high heels to relieve pressure on corns and calluses Wear heels that are no more than 2" high 3. A bunion is just a bump A bunion may look like just a bump. However, that's another in the list of foot myths. If only it were that simple... Depending on the cause, your habits may worsen the condition. Maybe you wear shoes with a narrow toebox. Without correction, bunions can get a lot worse over time, turning just a bump into severe pain. A Bunion, or hallux valgus, is a bony protrusion that forms at the site of the large joint that connects your big toe to your foot. As you can expect, without addressing the cause of bunions, the toe angle's alignment can sharpen, causing a larger bump. It should be noted that bunions can be hereditary, in which case you might be doing everything right. Hereditary bunions are linked to inheriting foot structures such as flat feet or faulty bone mechanics rather than inheriting the bunion structure itself. Inherited conditions such as hypermobility or shortened Achilles tendons can largely increase the risk of developing a bunion. In this instance, continue to practice proper foot habits like: Footwear modification, i.e., avoiding tight shoes with a narrow or stiff toe box. Anti-inflammatory medications Bunion splints Bunion aligner Therapeutic taping Supportive insoles or custom orthotics Anti-inflammatory gels (but not NSAID oral medication) You should consult a foot specialist to see whether or not action needs to be taken. 4. Foot pain is the result of getting old Reword the first paragraph: Foot conditions, such as osteoarthritis, are common as we age. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage and changes in the bone structure causing joint pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. However, osteoarthritis can occur at any age. Individuals who train or play high level or high impact sports may experience osteoarthritis even as early as their 20s. The most common areas for osteoarthritis include the big toe joint, knees and hips. Osteoarthritis is a progressive and degenerative disease meaning that the damage is irreversible. Physical therapy can aid in providing strength to the muscles surrounding the affected joint and can alleviate pain. Common treatments include functional stretches and movement exercises and managing symptoms with proper support or bracing. 5. Surgery will fix foot problems Surgery can help fix certain foot conditions, but non-invasive options may work equally well, if not be more effective. There are several factors to consider when deciding on foot surgery: Necessity Success rate Cost Recovery time Long-term effectiveness Certain progressive conditions like hallux rigidus, bunions, and a ruptured Achilles may require surgery to correct the inherent problem. However, physical therapy can also improve quality of life. Proper orthotics, avoiding high-impact exercise, proper footwear, and strengthening can help limit pain associated with certain foot conditions. However, surgery removes the bone portion of the injury. For those with Hallux Rigidus, the Bone Spur contributes to the toe's stiffness. The range of motion won't improve without surgery. Although, the worsening of the condition can be slowed with physical therapy as mentioned above. For those with a Bunion, you’ll want to explore All Non-Invasive Measures before deciding on surgery. If you have explored all options, surgery may be an option. Typically, those who experience significant pain, have severe toe deformities, and have chronic inflammation are the likely candidates for surgery. Bunion surgery (of which there are a few) can include several correct measures: Realigning the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe. Pain relief. Correcting the deformity of the bones, especially if your big toe is drifting inwards towards your second metatarsal. If you're unsure about foot conditions, toenail conditions, or skin conditions, contact us at Feet First Clinic to set up an appointment. You can do that below, or by Contacting Us Here!

May 28, 2026

How Eczema Affects Your Feet (and What You Can Do About It)

Eczema isn’t just a condition that affects your hands, arms, or face—it can also impact your feet. When eczema develops on the feet, it can be especially uncomfortable due to constant pressure, friction, and moisture from footwear. Understanding how eczema affects your feet and how to manage it is key to preventing flare-ups and maintaining healthy skin. https://youtu.be/px5HXnTFVWg?si=r4C89F5seQwA0zoS What Is Eczema? Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, dryness, itching, and irritation. When it appears on the feet, it may be referred to as foot eczema or plantar eczema. Common Symptoms of Eczema on the Feet Eczema on the feet can present in several ways, including: Dry, scaly, or cracked skin Redness and inflammation Intense itching or burning sensation Thickened skin from chronic scratching Small blisters (especially in dyshidrotic eczema) Pain when walking or standing These symptoms often worsen in warm, sweaty environments—making shoes and socks a common trigger. What Causes Eczema on the Feet? Several factors can contribute to eczema flare-ups on the feet: Moisture and sweat buildup inside shoes Irritating materials like synthetic socks or poorly ventilated footwear Allergens such as detergents or foot care products Stress and immune system responses Genetics and a history of eczema or allergies In some cases, foot eczema can be mistaken for fungal infections like athlete’s foot, so proper diagnosis is important. Why Foot Eczema Needs Special Attention Your feet endure constant pressure from walking, standing, and wearing shoes. This makes eczema more prone to: Cracking and bleeding Secondary infections Delayed healing due to friction Without proper care, symptoms can become chronic and significantly impact your daily comfort. How to Treat and Manage Foot Eczema Managing eczema on your feet involves a combination of skincare, lifestyle changes, and professional treatment: 1. Keep Skin MoisturizedUse fragrance-free, medical-grade moisturizers daily to prevent dryness and cracking. 2. Choose Breathable FootwearOpt for shoes made of natural materials and moisture-wicking socks to reduce sweat buildup. 3. Avoid TriggersIdentify and limit exposure to irritants like harsh soaps, detergents, or certain fabrics. 4. Practice Good Foot HygieneWash your feet gently and dry them thoroughly—especially between the toes. 5. Use Medicated TreatmentsTopical corticosteroids or prescription creams may be recommended to reduce inflammation. 6. Seek Professional Foot CareA chiropodist can assess your condition, rule out infections, and provide targeted treatment options. When to See a Foot Specialist If your symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with walking, it’s time to seek expert care. A foot specialist, like a chiropodist or podiatrist, can help differentiate eczema from other conditions and create a personalized treatment plan to restore your skin health.

May 14, 2026

Should You Wear Bigger Shoes When Running?

Choosing the right running shoe size is one of the most important—and often overlooked—factors in preventing foot pain and injury. Many runners have heard they should size up, but is that actually true? The short answer: slightly bigger running shoes are usually recommended—but not too big. The goal is a precise fit that allows for natural foot movement without causing instability. Why Runners Often Need Bigger Shoes When you run, your feet behave differently than when you’re standing still. Feet swell during activity due to increased blood flow Impact forces cause your foot to expand and spread Downhill running pushes your toes forward Because of this, wearing your exact everyday shoe size can lead to discomfort and injury over time. How Much Bigger Should Running Shoes Be? A general guideline is to leave about a finger's width (½ inch) of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. This extra room helps: Prevent black toenails Reduce pressure on the toes Avoid blisters and nail trauma However, sizing up too much can create new problems. What Happens If Your Running Shoes Are Too Small? Shoes that are too tight can cause: Blisters and calluses Black or bruised toenails Ingrown toenails Increased risk of conditions like hammertoes General foot pain and numbness Over time, repeated pressure can lead to chronic issues. What Happens If Your Running Shoes Are Too Big? Bigger isn’t always better. Oversized shoes can lead to: Heel slipping Instability while running Increased friction and blistering Poor running mechanics The goal is roomy—not loose. Signs Your Running Shoes Fit Properly A well-fitting running shoe should: Have about ½ inch of space at the toe box Feel snug (but not tight) around the midfoot Hold your heel securely without slipping Allow your toes to wiggle freely Trying shoes on at the end of the day—when your feet are slightly swollen—can help you find the best fit. Do You Always Need to Size Up? Not necessarily. Shoe sizing varies between brands and styles, so focus more on fit than the number on the label. You may need to size up if: You’re running long distances You experience toe pain or bruising Your feet swell significantly during activity But if your current shoes already meet the fit criteria above, you may not need a larger size. Tips for Choosing the Right Running Shoes Try shoes on with your running socks Test them later in the day Walk or jog in-store if possible Replace shoes regularly (every 500–800 km) Consider a professional fitting if you have recurring foot pain The Bottom Line Yes, most runners benefit from wearing slightly bigger shoes—but only enough to allow for natural foot expansion. The right fit can help prevent common running injuries and keep you comfortable mile after mile.

March 19, 2026

Can Corns Be Surgically Removed? Understanding the Biopsy Punch Procedure

Corns can be painful, annoying, and make walking uncomfortable, but the good news is that corn removal doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’ve tried pads, creams, or home remedies without success, professional corn removal can provide lasting relief. What Are Corns? Corns are small, hardened areas of skin that usually develop on your toes or the soles of your feet due to friction and pressure. Unlike calluses, corns are often painful, especially when pressing on a toe joint or the sole of your foot. They can form from: Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes Toe deformities like hammertoes or bunions Repetitive pressure or friction during activity While conservative care like padding, orthotics, or topical treatments can help, stubborn corns may require a more permanent solution. That’s where surgical removal using a biopsy punch comes in. Can Corns Be Surgically Removed? Yes! Corns can be safely removed in a clinical setting. The procedure we use is called a biopsy punch removal. Unlike traditional surgical excisions, the biopsy punch is: Minimally invasive – only a small circular section of the corn is removed Precise – targets the corn without damaging surrounding healthy tissue Quick – typically performed in-office under local anesthesia This technique not only removes the hardened core of the corn but also reduces the chance of recurrence when combined with advice on footwear and foot mechanics. How the Biopsy Punch Procedure Works AssessmentYour chiropodist first examines your foot to determine the size, location, and depth of the corn. This ensures the treatment is safe and effective. Local AnestheticA small amount of local anesthetic is applied to numb the area. The procedure is usually painless thanks to this step. Punch RemovalA small circular blade, called a biopsy punch, is carefully pressed into the corn to remove the core of thickened skin. This relieves pressure immediately and reduces pain. AftercareAfter removal, your chiropodist may apply a protective dressing and provide instructions to: Keep the area clean and dry Avoid tight shoes for a few days Use padding or orthotics if necessary to prevent recurrence Benefits of the Biopsy Punch Procedure Immediate pain relief – removes the pressure point causing discomfort Minimally invasive – less tissue trauma compared to traditional surgery Quick recovery – most patients return to normal activities within a few days Reduced recurrence – proper technique combined with foot care advice minimizes future corns Who Can Benefit from Biopsy Punch Corn Removal? People with painful corns interfering with walking or daily activities Individuals who haven’t responded to conservative treatments like pads, creams, or orthotics Patients with recurring corns that cause repeated discomfort It’s a safe procedure for most adults, but your chiropodist will review your medical history to ensure it’s appropriate for you. Preventing Corns After Removal Even after removal, corns can return if friction and pressure aren’t addressed. Your chiropodist may recommend: Wearing properly fitted shoes Using toe spacers, pads, or orthotics to redistribute pressure Maintaining good foot hygiene and regularly checking for signs of friction Bottom Line Corns don’t have to be a painful, recurring problem. The biopsy punch procedure offers a minimally invasive, safe, and effective way to remove corns, relieve pain, and improve your foot health.

January 8, 2026

Top Tips for Winter Hiking

Hiking is a great form of exercise and a fun way to get outdoors during the colder months of the year. However, if you’re planning on going for a hike, you need to know how to keep your feet warm and safe. Not only will this keep you comfortable during your journey, but it will also minimize the chances of you getting frostbite or another cold-related issue. That is why we are highlighting our top winter hiking tips, with a focus on proper footwear and keeping your feet protected in icy and snowy conditions. Continue reading to learn more about how you can protect your feet while hiking in the winter. Wear Boots That Fit Properly Before going on a hike, you need to assess the quality of your footwear. Preferably, you have a pair of warm boots that you can wear. By wearing boots, you’ll be able to walk in deep snowdrifts without worrying about getting your feet wet. Look for boots that are waterproof and insulated. If your boots are not insulated, be sure to wear them with a wool sock (more on that below). However, it doesn't matter how warm your boots are if they don't fit. Tight-fitting boots will restrict circulation, which will make your feet feel cold no matter what you do. That's why boots should fit properly: When purchasing boots, try them on in-store with a warm, thick sock. When in doubt, it's better to go too big than too small. Wear The Right Pair Of Socks Everybody knows that you should never go on a winter hiking trip without a warm pair of socks. Look for thermal socks with thermoregulating materials like merino wool. Materials will not only keep your feet warm; they're also breathable, meaning you won't need to worry about foot sweat (moisture buildup from foot sweat will make your feet cold). Whatever you do, do not double-layer socks; the increased thickness can make your shoes too tight, which will restrict circulation and make your feet colder. If you have poor circulation or suffer from conditions like Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage caused by diabetes), you may want to wear a pair of compression stockings. Compression stockings are high-quality garments that are made to stimulate the blood flow in your feet and lower body. These garments can help prevent pain in several ways. Some benefits include: Boosting circulation to your lower extremities to help keep them warm Decreased swelling in your ankles and knees Minimizing aching and overall discomfort Reducing leg and foot fatigue If you don’t currently suffer from any of the issues mentioned above, you can still benefit from wearing compression stockings! They can help prevent issues like: Blood clots Varicose veins Complications due to venous disorders Keep Your Feet Dry Keeping your feet dry is just as important as keeping them warm during winter hikes. Moisture from snow, slush, or sweat can quickly lower foot temperature and increase the risk of blisters, irritation, and cold related injuries. Choose waterproof or water resistant boots whenever possible, and consider wearing moisture wicking socks to help pull sweat away from the skin. Packing an extra pair of socks in your backpack is also a smart idea, as changing into a dry pair during or after your hike can significantly improve comfort and help protect your feet from the cold. Wear Shoes with Good Tread Winter can make for slippery conditions. Whether it's slush, snow or ice, it's easy to lose your footing on winter trails. That's why it's important to look for shoes with a good tread and traction. The outsole should be rubber or a high-abrasion rubber compound. Tread depth and tread pattern is also very important. Ideally, the tread depth should be at least 5 mm, and the pattern should have many small shapes. A waterproof hiking shoe or hiking boot usually will do the trick!

November 27, 2025

Top 5 Ways to Take Care of Your Feet

Your feet are essential to your mobility and independence, yet they’re commonly overlooked in everyday health routines. Proper foot care is about more than aesthetics; it helps prevent discomfort, reduce the risk of injury, and support your overall well-being. At Feet First Clinic in Toronto, our chiropodists treat everything from nail and skin concerns to pain and mobility issues. Here are the top five ways to take care of your feet to keep them healthy and strong all year round. 1. Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry Healthy feet start with good hygiene. Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap, and don’t forget to clean between the toes. After washing, dry your feet thoroughly (especially between the toes) to help prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot. If your feet tend to sweat a lot, moisture-wicking socks or antibacterial foot deodorant powder can help keep them dry and fresh. 2. Moisturize to Prevent Cracked Heels and Dry Skin Dry, flaky, or cracked skin on the feet can be uncomfortable and, if left untreated, may lead to infection. Applying a foot cream or urea-based moisturizer daily helps lock in moisture and keeps the skin soft and supple. Focus on the heels and soles, but avoid putting lotion between the toes as excess moisture there can increase the risk of fungal infections. If you have thick, rough skin or painful calluses, a chiropodist at Feet First Clinic can safely debride (shave down) the skin and recommend medical-grade moisturizers to help prevent recurrence. 3. Trim Your Toenails Properly Toenail care is more important than it might seem. Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners can cause ingrown toenails, which are painful and can become infected. Trim your nails straight across and gently file any sharp edges. If your nails are thick, discoloured, or difficult to trim, don’t force it. Our chiropodists have specialized tools to safely and comfortably trim thick toenails, and we can check for signs of fungal infections or other nail concerns. Feet First Tip: The best time to trim your toenails is after a shower when they’re softer and easier to cut. 4. Choose Proper Footwear Your shoes play a huge role in your foot health. Wearing shoes that are too tight, narrow, or unsupportive can lead to corns, calluses, bunions, or heel pain. When buying new shoes, make sure: There’s about a finger’s width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. The heel fits snugly without rubbing or pressure. You can wiggle your toes freely. If you have foot pain, flat feet, or high arches, custom orthotics may be a game-changer. At Feet First Clinic, our chiropodists assess your gait and foot structure to design orthotics that support your body from the ground up. 5. Schedule Regular Foot Checkups Even if your feet feel fine, regular checkups can help prevent problems before they start. Chiropodists are trained to detect and treat a wide range of foot and nail conditions, including: Ingrown and fungal toenails Corns, calluses, and cracked heels Plantar fasciitis and heel pain Diabetic foot complications At Feet First Clinic, we believe prevention is the best medicine. Routine foot care helps maintain comfort, mobility, and confidence — especially as we age or if we spend long hours on our feet. Feet First Tip: If you notice pain, swelling, or changes in your toenails or skin that don’t go away, it’s time to book an appointment. Small issues can quickly become big problems if ignored.

Book Online

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

Got questions? We're here to help.

Please fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Share:

Can Corns Be Surgically Removed? Understanding the Biopsy Punch Procedure

What Are Corns?

Can Corns Be Surgically Removed?

How the Biopsy Punch Procedure Works

Benefits of the Biopsy Punch Procedure

Who Can Benefit from Biopsy Punch Corn Removal?

Preventing Corns After Removal

Bottom Line

Do you have stubborn painful corns that won't go away?

About Author: Erica Halpern

Related Services & Conditions

Newsletter Signup

Related Posts

All About Corns

Foot Myths, Debunked And Explained

How Eczema Affects Your Feet (and What You Can Do About It)

Should You Wear Bigger Shoes When Running?

Can Corns Be Surgically Removed? Understanding the Biopsy Punch Procedure

Top Tips for Winter Hiking

Top 5 Ways to Take Care of Your Feet

Book Online

Got questions? We're here to help.

Useful Links

About Us

Our Newsletter

Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)