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Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun*: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (*alternating)

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Book an Appointment

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!
Open

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun*: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (*alternating)

Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

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!
Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

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!

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Close up of foot callus on side of the foot

What are Corns and Calluses: Prevention and Treatment

Corns and calluses on the surface of your feet can be a warning to pay better attention to your foot health. Specialists discuss corns and calluses simultaneously because both conditions are caused by your body protecting your feet from friction or pressureLikewise, the same treatment and prevention methods help both pesky skin problems.

Today’s blog will discuss the preventative measures you can take to ward off calluses and corns and the treatments a chiropodist can perform.

Person holds back toes to reveal corn on ball of the foot

Corns vs. Calluses

The causes of calluses and corns are similar, but it’s important to note a few key points.

  • The term “corn” derives from their appearance as round, hardened skin resembling a piece of corn. Calluses encompass a large, rough and thick area of the foot.
  • Corns usually appear on the top or side of the toe. Calluses can spring up anywhere on the foot that bears weight, like the heel, big toe, ball of the foot and side of the foot.
  • Both conditions are not usually painful but may feel tender if you continuously walk on them. Corns may feel slightly more painful since they’re a more concentrated area.

To read more about calluses and how they form, click here.

To read more about corns and how they form, click here.

Closeup of dry callus on woman toe.

How to Prevent Corns and Calluses

Prevention of calluses and corns starts with the footwear you choose. Shoes with too much or too little overall room can be a risk factor: When shoes fit loosely, the foot slides forward excessively, creating friction and leading to corn and callus development. When shoes are too tight, consistent pressure will lead to the same result as loose-fitting shoes. That’s why it’s essential to look for shoes that properly fit your feet and leave enough room in the toe box (especially important for corns). 

Sometimes, biomechanical issues can make a person especially vulnerable to corns and calluses. In these cases, custom orthotics may be helpful as they correct any biomechanical abnormalities that can be causing excess friction and pressure on parts of the foot. Further, they add an extra layer of defence between your foot and friction via the arch support they provide. Orthotics also help manage hammertoes, a pre-existing risk factor for corns. 

Young woman with corn on her second toe

Treatment Options for Corns and Calluses

In general, non-painful calluses and corns can go away independently with footwear modifications. But there are occasions when chiropody and podiatry services must enter the picture. For instance, if you notice inflammation, redness and intense pain in the affected area, you should seek treatment. It is extremely important to never attempt to remove a callus or corn from home!

Furthermore, those with diabetes should ensure a chiropodist regularly tends to their corns and calluses because diabetes prevents them from healing properly. In addition, diabetic neuropathy can prevent the patient from noticing if corns and calluses are getting worse and entering ulcer territory.

Chiropodists can remove thick calluses during a medical pedicure. This is also a preventative treatment as the entire treatment process strengthens the skin’s protective barrier. Chiropodists can also shave down corns and calluses with sterilized tools before applying the right creams or ointments to ensure skin repair. In addition, they can recommend medical-grade products like corn foot pads and foot devices to reduce friction.

Chiropodist removing calluses

 

Feet First Clinic Has Your Callus and Corn Solutions Under One Roof!

Don’t let corns and calluses affect your spring adventures! Come to Feet First clinic today for the insight or treatment you need! 

Contact us at 416-769-FEET (3338) or use our online booking form to book an appointment!

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Book your appointment 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!

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Emily

Administrative Assistant

Emily is the newest addition to the Feet First family. She assists with the clinic’s accounting and finances, as well as all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the clinic running smoothly. In addition to her accounting smarts, she brings sunshine and positivity to everyone at Feet First Clinic.

Erica Halpern

Marketing and Administrative Assistant (She/Her)

Part of our administrative support staff, Erica also works behind the scenes writing and editing content for our website and blog. She loves researching and writing educational content to help patients and anyone dealing with pain. When she’s not busy in the clinic, you’ll find her at her local gym, exploring underground music, hiking with friends, or cheering on her favourite sports teams (Go Jays!). She also loves huskies!

Sophie Rudahigan

Clinic Administrator (She/Her)
Sophie prides herself on providing top-tier customer service. She is here to ensure a smooth visit for all clients. In addition to overseeing the clinic’s administration and day-to-day operations, she maintains the cosmetic appearance of the store. She is the magic behind our elaborate display case designs and also ensures the clinic is stocked with stylish (but still orthopedic!) footwear options for all ages.

Bianca Carter

CEO (She/Her)

Day in and out, Bianca works hard to ensure Feet First Clinic runs smoothly. Customer service is at the top of her list and she treats every customer like family. Bianca has a passion for fitness and is dedicated to helping people take care of their feet and body. There is no problem that she can’t solve and she believes that where there is a will, there’s a way.

Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

If you’ve been to the clinic before, chances are you had the pleasure of meeting Carolina! Carolina’s daily goal is going above and beyond to make sure patients are always completely satisfied. Having worked in the podiatry industry for 22 years, Carolina brings a wealth of knowledge pertaining to client service, insurance policies, and procedures.​ She steers the ship to make sure everything runs smoothly on the daily. Carolina is known for spicing up every outfit with her signature costume jewellery.