Corns and calluses are hard or thick areas that can appear on your feet and toes, hands and fingers. They are often painful and look unsightly as well as being an area prone to infection and harbouring bacteria that can smell unpleasant. They are caused by friction or pressure against footwear or poor foot function and are an unwelcome imperfection on your skin. At The Bell Practice all our clinicians have spent years of training to remove corn/callus and suggest treatment plans to help reduce and prevent a reoccurrence.
Cracked Heel Treatment
All corns or calluses form as a result of pressure from within the skin where the boney structures below rub the inner layers of the dermis. By injecting a sterile cushion between these layers, Curacorn can eliminate the skin’s reaction to the pressure & callus does not form.
Orthotic Therapy
Orthotics are moulded to the shape of your foot to provide tailored support throughout the day. They prevent unnecessary discomfort, redistribute pressure and remove weight from the sole of your foot.
If you suffer from recurring corns or callus it is likely because you are experiencing friction within your shoes and this is unlikely to be resolved with a one off treatment.
The Bell Practice specialise in creating custom Orthotics as a long-term prevention method for persistent corns. We do this by designing impressions into the orthotics to accommodate and offload the corns. We can also use our scanner to highlight high pressure areas and the angle the orthotic to offload these areas.
Our Specialists
Paul Tennant
Clinical Director
The College of Podiatry
HCPC Registered
Paul has been practising for 26 years and has built a reputation for providing specialist, patient-centred care. Patients have travelled from as far afield as Hong Kong, Nigeria and Australia to seek his expertise.
Over the course of his career, Paul has treated elite athletes, including members of the England Rugby League team. Until recently, he also held an Advanced Clinical Specialist role within the NHS, where he was Clinical Lead for a team of Musculoskeletal Specialists.
Although Paul has now largely stepped away from routine clinical work, he remains available at The Bell Practice by special request for patients who specifically wish to see him. These appointments are charged at £250.
His primary focus is now on developing and growing The Bell Practice, supporting the clinical team and helping to maintain the high standards of care that the practice has become known for. Paul is particularly passionate about mentoring clinicians, coaching the team and sharing the experience he has gained throughout his career.
Vicky McCarthy
Verrucae and Corn Specialist
Decontamination and Infection Control Lead
The College of Podiatry
HCPC Registered
Vicky has been providing podiatry care at The Bell Practice for over 12 years and has built strong links within the local community. She is passionate about helping patients maintain healthy feet, remain independent, and stay pain-free throughout all stages of life, with particular expertise in elderly foot care, balance issues, muscular weakness, and orthotic intervention.
She has a special interest in the treatment of verrucae and fungal nail infections and has undertaken additional training in Curacorn treatment, nail bracing, verruca needling, laser therapy, and musculoskeletal (MSK) podiatry.
Having completed the New York City Marathon and competed in ultra-marathon events, Vicky understands first-hand the frustrations and challenges that injury can bring, as well as the importance of a timely and effective recovery. This experience has strengthened her passion for helping patients return to the activities they enjoy as quickly and safely as possible.
Known for her kind, compassionate, and thoughtful approach, Vicky takes the time to listen to her patients, understand their concerns to achieve the best possible outcomes. Whether providing routine foot care, managing complex conditions, improving mobility and balance, or delivering specialist treatments, she is dedicated to providing professional, personalised care that keeps patients active, comfortable, and confident on their feet.
Speak with one of our experts and take your first step towards a pain-free life
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FAQ
Tennant Podiatry have compiled answers to some of the most common questions we hear from our patients.
What are corns and calluses?
Corns and calluses are characterised as hardened lumps of skin that form as a result of prolonged friction or pressure. They are thick and rough, and can appear flaky, dry or waxy. They may also be tender and raised from the surface of your skin.
They form over time and can be very painful particularly if there is a nerve involvement. They harbour bacteria and if they get deep enough can break the skin creating a portal of entry for infection. If they are painful they can also cause us to limp and alter how we walk potentially leading to joint and muscular pain. If you’re suffering and concerned book in with one of our expert clinicians who can painlessly remove these unsightly lumps and advise you on ways to help prevent a reoccurrence.
Why has my corn come back?
Corns and hard skin are caused by pressure so once the corn is removed it will come back unless the cause of the pressure or friction is removed. That's where 3D orthoics and bespoke moulded silicone splints can come in to they and relieve the pressure.
Where do you get corns and calluses?
Corns and calluses appear anywhere that is exposed to frequent friction, but most commonly appear on:
Hands
Feet
Toes
Fingers
What is the difference between a callus and a corn?
Calluses develop on pressure spots and are typically larger than corns. They may look like dry skin. Corns are smaller than calluses and more likely to become painful as they sit deeper into the skin. They appear as a lump of hardened skin surrounded by a swollen area and are more distinctive and easy to identify.
How to prevent corns and calluses
Corns and calluses are often, but not always, preventable when the following steps are taken:
- Wear the correct sized shoes: Calluses and corns can be caused by wearing shoes that are too small. When they rub against the outside or tops of your toes, corns form to protect your skin from the friction.
- Wear coverings: Wear specialist gel tubes and padding. Be aware that corn plasters are sometimes medicated with an acid and this can damage skin causing tissue breakdown, particularly in the elderly and diabetic foot over areas that are prone to co rns to prevent them from forming.
- Wear padded or protective gloves: Corns on the hands can be prevented by wearing specialised gloves appropriate for the activity. When gardening, wear gardening gloves. When exercising, wear compression gloves.
How to get rid of corns and calluses
Apply the above preventative measures to reduce the friction on affected areas. If unsuccessful, visit an experienced podiatrist to have the skin carefully removed and receive tailored advice on how to prevent them from recurring.
What causes cracked heels?
Cracked heels are caused by a number of factors, primarily worsened by prolonged periods of excess pressure applied to the heels. Factors that can influence cracked heels include dry skin, nutrient deficiency, weight gain, ageing skin, dehydration and inadequate foot care.
There is not one single contributor to cracked heels, and an experienced podiatrist will be able to assess the condition of your feet and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your unique circumstances.
How to help cracked heels
If you are suffering from cracked heels, the best course of action is to visit a podiatrist for treatment. Although at home treatments can be applied to temporarily soothe the discomfort, leaving cracked heels can lead to bacteria build up and a worsening in the pain.
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