If you’ve ever felt a rough patch or sore bump on your feet and wondered if it was a corn, callus, or wart, you’re not alone. Many people in our community here in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) walk into our clinic at Footwyse Foot Care Clinic unsure about what’s happening under their foot. While these conditions may seem similar, their causes, appearances, and treatments are quite different. Let’s clear up the confusion and guide you toward healthy, pain-free feet.
What Are They and What Causes Them?
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop due to repeated pressure or friction. They’re your body’s way of protecting itself. Corns are typically smaller, circular, and can form on both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing parts of the foot. They usually develop from pinpoint pressure and contain a core that presses into the dermis, causing pain. Calluses, on the other hand, are generally larger with a more diffuse buildup of skin and can also appear on both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing areas of the feet.
Plantar warts, on the other hand, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on any part of the feet and are contagious, unlike corns and calluses. You can pick up the virus from communal areas like gym showers, swimming pools, or even by walking barefoot in public spaces.
Spotting the Difference: Visual and Physical Cues
Corns: Hard, raised bumps with a visible centre core. Often painful when pressed.
Calluses: Thick, rough areas with less defined edges. Usually painless, though they can cause discomfort.
Plantar Warts: Look like small, fleshy growths with tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels). They may interrupt the natural lines of the skin and hurt when pinched from the sides.
If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, it’s best not to guess. Treating a wart like a callus can spread the virus, and ignoring a corn could lead to deeper skin problems.
The Risk of DIY (Do it yourself) Treatments
Over-the-counter pads, creams, and home remedies might seem convenient, but they can do more harm than good. Acid-based treatments, for example, can damage healthy surrounding skin if misapplied. And using sharp tools to shave or cut thickened skin can lead to infections, especially risky for people with diabetes or poor circulation.
Chiropodist Recommended Care
At Footwyse Foot Care Clinic in the GTA, we take a gentle and precise approach to foot care. For corns and calluses, we often use sharp debridement to remove the thickened skin and recommend proper footwear or orthotics to deflect pressure and address the underlying cause. For plantar warts, we offer various topical treatments tailored to your skin type and medical history.
Professional care ensures that treatment targets the root of the problem, not just the symptoms. It also minimizes risks and promotes faster recovery.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
To keep your feet in top shape:
Wear properly fitting shoes with cushioning and support.
Use socks that wick away moisture.
Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas.
Moisturize your feet regularly to prevent dryness and cracking.
Book regular foot checkups, especially if you have diabetes or other health conditions.
Your feet carry you through life. Giving them the right care isn’t just about comfort, it’s about overall wellness. If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait. Reach out to Footwyse Clinic, your trusted chiropodist team in the Greater Toronto Area.