Expert Foot & Ankle Treatment from Michigan’s #1 Podiatrist - Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist
Thick Skin, Real Pain—Let’s Fix That Callus Fast
What You Should Know About Plantar Calluses and Your Foot Health
Plantar calluses are thickened areas of skin that form on the soles of your feet, often caused by pressure, friction, or poor footwear. While common, they can lead to discomfort, pain, and further complications if left untreated. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for plantar calluses is the first step to healthy, pain-free feet. Whether you’re dealing with a mild buildup or a painful callus, professional podiatric care can offer lasting relief.
Plantar Callus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
A plantar callus typically develops when the skin on the bottom of your foot thickens due to repeated stress or rubbing—often from standing, walking, or ill-fitting shoes. Symptoms may include a rough, yellowish patch of skin, tenderness, and even pain while walking. Treatment ranges from simple lifestyle changes like better footwear to podiatrist care that may involve trimming, debridement, or custom orthotics. If over-the-counter solutions don’t work, professional removal ensures safe and effective healing.
Plantar Callus Formation On Foot (Home Remedies & Best Treatments)
Plantar Callus Formation On Foot: A callus is a thickening of the skin on the bottom of the foot. It is easy to dissolve the callus. Read on!
Get Relief From Plantar Calluses—Schedule Your Podiatrist Visit Today
Stop living with discomfort caused by plantar calluses. At Balance Foot and Ankle, our expert podiatrists offer safe, effective solutions to restore your step. Book your appointment today for tailored treatment and long-term relief.
Top-Rated Foot Care Products Recommended by Podiatrists
Trusted Solutions To Soothe, Protect, and Support Your Feet
Finding the best products for managing peripheral neuropathy and diabetic foot pain can make a world of difference in your daily comfort and mobility.
When it comes to managing foot pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or diabetic neuropathy, the best orthotics can offer crucial support and relief.
Choosing the best shoes for foot conditions like neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, or flat feet is essential for pain relief and long-term foot health.
What Is A Plantar Callus Formation?
- A callus is a thickened area of the skin.
- Callus formation is a result of repeated irritation, friction & pressure.
- This is essentially rubbing or sliding within your shoe.
- It is more likely in weight-bearing areas such as the heel, toe, or the ball of the foot.
Causes:
Friction and pressure on a region over a long period of time is the most common cause.
- Calluses on the hand and fingers are very common in overuse of the hands.
- Plantar calluses on the ball of the foot and the heel are the most common.
- This can be a bony callus, where a bone prominence causes abnormal pressure.
- It is possible to develop a blister with a bony callus instead since the friction is too fast to heal.
- Blisters and calluses are essentially caused the same way, but a blister is too much over too fast a time.
Physiologic Cause Of Plantar Callus Formation:
- A callus is known as hyperkeratosis.
- This means excess keratinocytes are stimulated to form on the surface of the skin due to pressure.
- Chemical and mechanical irritation causes extensive cross-linking.
- This makes the calluses very thick and sturdy.
Where does Plantar Callus Formation develop?
The most common places for a plantar callus to develop include:
- Plantar callus.
- Ball of foot callus.
- Callus on the heel.
- Big toe callus.
- Toe callus.
- Callus on the finger.
- Callus on hand.
Ball Of Foot Bone Callus:
- A bone deformity is prevalent in causing a callus.
- This is especially true in the ball of the foot.
- A long 2nd metatarsal is a frequent cause of this type of callus.
- This may be due to a condition known as metatarsalgia.
- Metatarsalgia is due to irregular stress or pressure on the ball of your foot.
Plantar Callus Vs. Foot Corn:
A corn is a thick pebble-like thickening of keratin or hard skin.
- It is much more pinpoint than a callus.
- This tip can dig in and really cause severe pain in the foot!
- A callus is usually softer, whereas a corn is harder.
- Although there can be soft corns between the toes.
- A callus is very diffuse but not deep. A corn is deeper and less wide.
- Corns are also very common on the plantar heel, big toe, foot, and palm.
Hard Callus Or Soft Callus?
- A hard callus is usually just due to more dry tissue.
- If your feet are dehydrated, consider foot fungus.
- The goal is first to make it a soft callus.
- This soft callus will then allow easier removal of the foot callus.
Is It A Plantar Wart Or Callus?
A wart is usually difficult to differentiate from a callus:
- But there is one major difference.
- The wart will always have little red spots within it.
- This means that the blood vessels are at the surface of the tissue.
- A callus is usually always clear with no little red dots.
- Warts are also widespread on the plantar heel, big toe, foot, and palm.
Blister Under Callus:
A blister is caused the same as a callus, but it happens too fast to heal!
- Blisters are very dangerous.
- If you have one under your callus or on your foot, consider antibiotics.
- If there is redness, warmth, or streaking, get to your podiatrist or ER immediately.
Plantar Callus Foot Home Prevention:
- Use a Brannock device to measure your proper shoe size.
- Avoid shoe gear pressing the fourth and fifth toes together.
- Gel foot pads between the toes.
- Foam or moleskin pads over the places where corns form- formed like a donut placed over the corn.
- Moisturize your skin with any moisturizing lotions available.
- Thin the thickened skin – See next section.
Callus Removal Home Remedy:
- Soak your feet! It is straightforward to soak your feet and grind away the skin with a pumice stone or an emery board. Soak your feet for at least 10-20 minutes. It is possible to add boric acid, bran & Iodine to improve the results.
- The above point can be supplemented by applying salicylic acid to your skin callus after soaking. Salicylic acid can be purchased in 40% pads or a 17% solution applied with a Q-tip. The Mayo Clinic says to be careful to check for irritation when putting these on. Try salicylic acid at night for a few nights to see if it decreases callus formation. I personally do not think that this is a great method.
- Aloe Vera, Cocoa Butter, or Lotions + Socks is also perfect for calluses. Apply the agent of choice to the calluses when you go to bed at night, and over a few days, the calluses should start to decrease, and the socks should keep your sheets clean.
- Use an emery board or a pumice stone can then be used to remove the callus for faster results.
- Antibiotic cream can also be helpful if you break the skin bearer at all.
- Use gel pads for calluses between the toes. A band-aid can work, but there are fantastic products such as gel pads that will make your pain disappear, and you won’t even know that they are there. Jill’s footpads are available at most pharmacies and are very cheap.
- Vaseline or petroleum jelly applied to the skin can help reduce friction and soften the callus when it comes time to grind it away.
- Wearing socks if you were not previously using them can be fantastic. The best socks for summer are synthetic socks, and the best socks for winter, maybe wool socks. These decrease friction and prevent callus formation. Combine this method with the Vaseline or petroleum jelly method above to greatly decrease friction.
- Note: These can all be temporary methods. Seeing a podiatrist correct the deformity may be the only way to get permanent results.
Recommended Callus Products:
- The key is to prevent future pain.
- We do this with great orthotics to take pressure off the front of your foot.
- Also, increasing flexibility through the ankle and hamstring can reduce pressure to the ball of the foot.
Get Great Orthotics:
- These are our recommended orthotics.
Best Full-Length Orthotics:
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic (Thickest Fit)
Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)
Best Women’s Orthotics
Price:
$39.93
$39.99
Price not available
$59.95
Overview:
These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women’s cute shoes.
Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.
These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can’t tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.
Great Support & Better Fit
Pros:
Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.
My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them
They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.
Sleek, supportive and have a better fit than the orthotics above.
Cons:
Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!
Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women’s shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.
Great to start with, but don’t correct long term as much as the other ones.
A little bit more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don’t give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!
This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn’t fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!
If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don’t use the heavy duty ones to start with.
These will have a harder time fitting in flats and pointed shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)
Price:
$39.93
Overview:
These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women’s cute shoes.
Pros:
Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.
Cons:
Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!
Crucial Tips:
Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don’t give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Heavy Duty Orthotic (Thickest Fit)
Price:
$39.99
Overview:
Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.
Pros:
My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them
Cons:
Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women’s shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.
Crucial Tips:
This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn’t fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can’t tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.
Pros:
They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.
Cons:
Great to start with, but don’t correct long term as much as the other ones.
Crucial Tips:
If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don’t use the heavy duty ones to start with.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:
Best Women’s Orthotics
Price:
$59.95
Overview:
Great Support & Better Fit
Pros:
Sleek, supportive and have a better fit than the orthotics above.
Cons:
A little bit more expensive.
Crucial Tips:
These will have a harder time fitting in flats and pointed shoes.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
Best Fitting Dress Shoe Orthotic (3/4″)
Best Full Length Dress Orthotic.
Great Heavy Duty Insole for Men
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
$34.95
Overview:
This is my top choice due to best fit. It is a little less supportive than full length, but fit is the key in dress shoes!
Best option if you can fit a full length orthotic. This does give you most control.
Great price and heavy duty insole for Oxford shoes.
Pros:
Excellent overall fit. This will fit in almost every dress shoe. Excellent reviews and reasonable cost overall. Can’t go wrong in most cases.
Great color dress option. Not the most corrective, but very color and dress appropriate. Great Reviews. Better correction and relief than the 3/4″ length.
These fit in most shoes and have really good predictable results
Cons:
Less correction than full length and heavy duty orthotics.
These can have a poor fit in in some shoes. If you have tight shoes, DO NOT BUY the full length orthotic! You have been warned.
They are not full length and thus do not provide as much support
Crucial Tips:
If you haven’t used dress orthotics before, get this one and avoid poor fit. If you wear dress shoes every day with room, the full length might give you more support.
This is will work great in most men’s shoes that are not pointy. If you have a rounded toe box, this will probably work well. If a tight shoe go with the 3/4″ length.
Get these for Oxford and pointed shoes. This will provide best results.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
Best Fitting Dress Shoe Orthotic (3/4″)
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This is my top choice due to best fit. It is a little less supportive than full length, but fit is the key in dress shoes!
Pros:
Excellent overall fit. This will fit in almost every dress shoe. Excellent reviews and reasonable cost overall. Can’t go wrong in most cases.
Cons:
Less correction than full length and heavy duty orthotics.
Crucial Tips:
If you haven’t used dress orthotics before, get this one and avoid poor fit. If you wear dress shoes every day with room, the full length might give you more support.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
Best Full Length Dress Orthotic.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Best option if you can fit a full length orthotic. This does give you most control.
Pros:
Great color dress option. Not the most corrective, but very color and dress appropriate. Great Reviews. Better correction and relief than the 3/4″ length.
Cons:
These can have a poor fit in in some shoes. If you have tight shoes, DO NOT BUY the full length orthotic! You have been warned.
Crucial Tips:
This is will work great in most men’s shoes that are not pointy. If you have a rounded toe box, this will probably work well. If a tight shoe go with the 3/4″ length.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
Great Heavy Duty Insole for Men
Price:
$34.95
Overview:
Great price and heavy duty insole for Oxford shoes.
Pros:
These fit in most shoes and have really good predictable results
Cons:
They are not full length and thus do not provide as much support
Crucial Tips:
Get these for Oxford and pointed shoes. This will provide best results.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best 3/4 Length Orthotics:
Best Flat Shoe (Non-Lace Up) Orthotics:
Best Choice For Tight Women’s Shoes or High Heels..
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These are the best fitting for the most narrow shoes. Some but not great correction.
Pros:
They will fit in even the tightest shoes! Guaranteed to make you feel better, but you know what you are getting in a tight shoes. Great reviews and price.
Cons:
At the end of the day high heels and slender orthotics help, but never cure all your pain. Make the best of a painful shoe!
Crucial Tips:
**WARNING***: If your shoe almost just barely fits onto your foot, this WILL NOT FIT! Be aware, it still needs a small amount of space to fit.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Flat Shoe (Non-Lace Up) Orthotics:
Best Choice For Tight Women’s Shoes or High Heels..
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
These are the best fitting for the most narrow shoes. Some but not great correction.
Pros:
They will fit in even the tightest shoes! Guaranteed to make you feel better, but you know what you are getting in a tight shoes. Great reviews and price.
Cons:
At the end of the day high heels and slender orthotics help, but never cure all your pain. Make the best of a painful shoe!
Crucial Tips:
**WARNING***: If your shoe almost just barely fits onto your foot, this WILL NOT FIT! Be aware, it still needs a small amount of space to fit.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Get A Great Dynamic Stretch:
- It is possible to stretch on your own, but these products can also really help!
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Premium Plantar Fascia Stretching Device.
Best Budget Plantar Fascia Stretching Stretch Device.
Best Stationary Calf Stretching Device.
Best Hamstring Stretching Device
Price:
$39.99
$24.28
$45.95
$69.95
Overview:
Great Stretching Device While Standing. (4.9 Amazon Rating)
Plastic and Lighter Plantar Fascia & Achilles Stretching Device.
Premium Best Rated Wood Ankle Stretch Device.
Uses gravity to stretch your hamstring for you. Great reviews and track record.
Pros:
Very sturdy and durable. Great bottom grip and weight so it won’t slide on you. Perfect 5 star review on Amazon.
Amazing cost, still works and 1,300+ 5 star reviews. Works great overall and gives you the same stretch.
Near perfect 4.8 star review on Amazon. Great sturdy device that stretches your calf and hamstring. All you have to do is lean forward. Can be very effective.
Reviews on Amazon are >4.5 overall with hundreds of reviews. It uses gravity to stretch for you, allows you to also use your hips. Gets great results.
Cons:
More expensive and built like a tank = more weight. If you can’t balance well or support yourself it could be dangerous.
The plastic and less bulk/grip makes it more dangerous to slip. Less premium feel to it.
Nothing wrong with the product, as the reviews suggest, but at the end of the day you can do this stuff yourself (just a little bit harder).
These are stretches that you realistically can do on your own. If budget is tight, this is not worth it. If you need help with hamstring stretching, it can make all the difference.
Important Tips:
Make sure you can balance yourself well against a counter/railing. Do only one foot at a time to prevent falling. Uses your body weight to stretch for you.
Even more important to balance yourself well with this device, make sure you don’t injure yourself with this thing! Still gives you a great stretch to the area.
Make sure you balance yourself on a counter/railing. You need to keep up with this daily at least 15-30 second x 3 or so per morning. It doesn’t stretch for you!
Need to do 3-5 stretches per day 15-30 seconds. You should notice a massive difference to knee and hamstring tightness. You can massage roll ahead to time for better results for 30-60 seconds.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Premium Plantar Fascia Stretching Device.
Price:
$39.99
Overview:
Great Stretching Device While Standing. (4.9 Amazon Rating)
Pros:
Very sturdy and durable. Great bottom grip and weight so it won’t slide on you. Perfect 5 star review on Amazon.
Cons:
More expensive and built like a tank = more weight. If you can’t balance well or support yourself it could be dangerous.
Important Tips:
Make sure you can balance yourself well against a counter/railing. Do only one foot at a time to prevent falling. Uses your body weight to stretch for you.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Budget Plantar Fascia Stretching Stretch Device.
Price:
$24.28
Overview:
Plastic and Lighter Plantar Fascia & Achilles Stretching Device.
Pros:
Amazing cost, still works and 1,300+ 5 star reviews. Works great overall and gives you the same stretch.
Cons:
The plastic and less bulk/grip makes it more dangerous to slip. Less premium feel to it.
Important Tips:
Even more important to balance yourself well with this device, make sure you don’t injure yourself with this thing! Still gives you a great stretch to the area.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Stationary Calf Stretching Device.
Price:
$45.95
Overview:
Premium Best Rated Wood Ankle Stretch Device.
Pros:
Near perfect 4.8 star review on Amazon. Great sturdy device that stretches your calf and hamstring. All you have to do is lean forward. Can be very effective.
Cons:
Nothing wrong with the product, as the reviews suggest, but at the end of the day you can do this stuff yourself (just a little bit harder).
Important Tips:
Make sure you balance yourself on a counter/railing. You need to keep up with this daily at least 15-30 second x 3 or so per morning. It doesn’t stretch for you!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Hamstring Stretching Device
Price:
$69.95
Overview:
Uses gravity to stretch your hamstring for you. Great reviews and track record.
Pros:
Reviews on Amazon are >4.5 overall with hundreds of reviews. It uses gravity to stretch for you, allows you to also use your hips. Gets great results.
Cons:
These are stretches that you realistically can do on your own. If budget is tight, this is not worth it. If you need help with hamstring stretching, it can make all the difference.
Important Tips:
Need to do 3-5 stretches per day 15-30 seconds. You should notice a massive difference to knee and hamstring tightness. You can massage roll ahead to time for better results for 30-60 seconds.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Get A Great Static Stretch:
- These devices are great for stretching while you are resting.
Best Night & Stretch Splint Products:
Most Cost Effective Night Splint (Not Best for Sleeping).
Best Actual Night Splint (For Night Time Use)
Best Price & Light Support Night Splint
Price:
$44.99
$69.99
Price not available
Overview:
Hard Night Splint -** Use it before going to bed for 20-30 minutes**
Best & most comfortable splint for actual night time use.
Top of the foot softer & more gentle splint.
Pros:
This is an amazing device with the highest amazon rating. Has 2 great foot wedges that bend your big toe up and lock your foot in. Great at what it does.
This has excellent reviews(better than the hard splint), less foot numbness and soreness in the ball of your foot. Very soft and comfortable.
Most people can tolerate this one during the night, but only because it stretches you less! That might be a good thing if you can set it and forget it for 6-8 hours at night.
Cons:
Hard to use at while sleeping, so don’t use it that way! Easy to use it incorrectly if you don’t use the foot wedges correctly. Your big toe should be angled up to lock your foot in.
It actually stretches you less (that’s why you are able to wear it all night). It is more expensive.
Basically it is more tolerable because it is weaker. This less results in more time.
Important Tips:
**Must use the foot wedge in the front to angle your toes up. This locks your foot from twisting out rather than stretching through the Achilles tendon – This is the KEY!**
If you prefer to actually wear it at night then this is the BEST option. It does work, but this is for those with very little time and can fall asleep in it!
This is meant only for sleeping because to get results you need to wear it a lot longer than the other braces. Use it only if you are very sensitive.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Night & Stretch Splint Products:
Most Cost Effective Night Splint (Not Best for Sleeping).
Price:
$44.99
Overview:
Hard Night Splint -** Use it before going to bed for 20-30 minutes**
Pros:
This is an amazing device with the highest amazon rating. Has 2 great foot wedges that bend your big toe up and lock your foot in. Great at what it does.
Cons:
Hard to use at while sleeping, so don’t use it that way! Easy to use it incorrectly if you don’t use the foot wedges correctly. Your big toe should be angled up to lock your foot in.
Important Tips:
**Must use the foot wedge in the front to angle your toes up. This locks your foot from twisting out rather than stretching through the Achilles tendon – This is the KEY!**
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Night & Stretch Splint Products:
Best Actual Night Splint (For Night Time Use)
Price:
$69.99
Overview:
Best & most comfortable splint for actual night time use.
Pros:
This has excellent reviews(better than the hard splint), less foot numbness and soreness in the ball of your foot. Very soft and comfortable.
Cons:
It actually stretches you less (that’s why you are able to wear it all night). It is more expensive.
Important Tips:
If you prefer to actually wear it at night then this is the BEST option. It does work, but this is for those with very little time and can fall asleep in it!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Night & Stretch Splint Products:
Best Price & Light Support Night Splint
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Top of the foot softer & more gentle splint.
Pros:
Most people can tolerate this one during the night, but only because it stretches you less! That might be a good thing if you can set it and forget it for 6-8 hours at night.
Cons:
Basically it is more tolerable because it is weaker. This less results in more time.
Important Tips:
This is meant only for sleeping because to get results you need to wear it a lot longer than the other braces. Use it only if you are very sensitive.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Treatment of Skin Calluses with Salicylic Acid:
- Salicylic acid is usually the chief component for callus treatment – It is a “keratolytic” that breaks down the protein keratin that makes up corns & calluses.
- These products are usually gentle and safe for most people if used as indicated:
- They come in applicators, drops, pads & plasters.
- They turn the skin white and allow you to trim or peel away dead tissue, making the corn protrude and hurt less.
- The corn can then be gently scraped out if it is showing – Never use something sharp at home!
- Be careful with frail skin – especially if a diabetic or peripheral vascular disease- always see a podiatrist before using these.
When to see a podiatrist:
- Get a biomechanical exam to determine why the corn continues to appear
- If the corn & callus is removed and the pain is still there for a long time means that you likely have a deformity in that area, and it may need to be surgically corrected
- All of the above methods are only temporary treatments. Skin calluses are usually due to a deformity that would need to be corrected.
Consider Foot Fungus:
Foot fungus can lead to extensive dry skin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plantar Callus
A plantar callus is a thickened area of skin on the bottom of the foot, usually caused by repeated pressure or friction.
They often develop from standing for long periods, wearing tight shoes, or having abnormal foot structure that creates uneven pressure.
While not always painful at first, they can become sore, especially when walking or standing for long periods.
You can soak your feet, gently file the area, use moisturizing creams, and wear proper footwear. But persistent calluses need medical attention.
If the callus becomes painful, recurs frequently, or if you have diabetes, it’s best to consult a podiatrist for safe removal.
Podiatrists may trim the callus, prescribe custom orthotics, and advise on footwear or walking patterns to reduce pressure.
Professional removal is usually quick and painless, especially when done by an experienced podiatrist.
Yes, especially if the underlying cause—like ill-fitting shoes or pressure—isn’t corrected. Custom orthotics help prevent recurrence.
Many insurance plans cover treatment when medically necessary. Check with your provider or ask our team for help verifying your benefits.
A plantar wart is usually painful when squeezed and may have small black dots, while a callus is thickened skin caused by pressure and usually not painful.
Plantar warts are caused by a virus (HPV) and grow inward, often with pinpoint bleeding. Calluses are non-infectious and result from repeated friction or pressure.
