Corns and calluses are areas of thickened, hardened skin that develop in response to repeated pressure and friction. They are among the most common foot complaints we treat at our Richmond and Kensington clinics — and while they might seem minor, they can become extremely painful and significantly affect your ability to walk, exercise or wear shoes comfortably.
Corns are smaller, more concentrated areas of hard skin with a central core that presses into the deeper layers of skin — causing the characteristic sharp, shooting pain. Calluses are broader, more diffuse areas of thickened skin that typically form on the heel or ball of the foot and are usually less painful, though they can crack and become sore.
Hard Corns (Heloma Durum)
The most common type. A dense, hard plug of skin typically found on the top or outside of toes or on the ball of the foot. Often caused by tight footwear pressing on a bony prominence.
Soft Corns (Heloma Molle)
Found between the toes, particularly between the 4th and 5th toes. Kept soft by moisture and can be very painful. Often caused by two toes pressing together in a narrow shoe.
Seed Corns (Heloma Miliare)
Small, multiple corns appearing in clusters, usually on the heel or ball of the foot. Often associated with dry skin and less directly caused by pressure than other types.
Vascular Corns
Corns that have developed a blood supply within the core. More painful than standard hard corns and require careful treatment by a podiatrist to avoid bleeding or complications.
Fibrous Corns
Long-standing corns that have become deeply embedded in the skin over time. These are firmly attached to the deeper tissue and require more skilled removal than a standard corn.
Calluses (Hyperkeratosis)
Broader areas of diffuse thickened skin, most commonly found on the heel, ball of the foot or under the big toe joint. Usually caused by abnormal pressure distribution during walking.
Common Causes
Tight, narrow or ill-fitting footwear
High heels concentrating pressure on the forefoot
Bony prominences or toe deformities
Abnormal gait or foot biomechanics
Hammertoes or claw toes
Walking barefoot on hard surfaces
Dry skin predisposing to thickening
Occupation requiring prolonged standing
Signs & Symptoms
Sharp, shooting pain when walking
Feeling of a stone in your shoe
Visible area of yellow or grey hard skin
Tenderness when direct pressure applied
Pain in shoes, especially tight footwear
Soft, white macerated skin between toes
Cracked heels or split skin
Important: get an accurate diagnosis before treating. Corns can look similar to verrucas, calluses or other skin conditions — and the treatment for each is very different. Attempting to self-treat a misdiagnosed lesion with corn plasters or blades can cause damage, infection or delayed healing, particularly in people with diabetes or poor circulation. An HCPC-registered podiatrist will accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the right treatment.
Corn removal by a podiatrist is a straightforward, painless procedure. We use specialist instruments to carefully reduce the thickened skin and remove the corn's central core — providing immediate relief from pain in most cases. Treatment typically takes place at your initial appointment with no need to come back for a separate procedure.
Importantly, we don't just remove the corn — we identify and address the cause. Without tackling the underlying pressure or biomechanical issue, corns and calluses will simply return.
01
Assessment & Accurate Diagnosis
We examine the affected area carefully to confirm whether it is a corn, callus, verruca or other skin lesion. Understanding the type and location of the corn guides the most effective treatment approach.
02
Corn & Callus Reduction
Using sterile, specialist podiatry instruments, the thickened skin and corn core are carefully and painlessly removed. Most patients experience immediate relief. This is safe, quick and effective — no anaesthetic required for a standard corn.
03
Padding & Offloading
Where appropriate, we apply podiatric padding to redistribute pressure away from the affected area while healing takes place. This reduces discomfort between appointments and slows the rate of corn recurrence.
04
Footwear & Self-Care Advice
We advise on footwear changes, correct sock type, moisturising routines and self-care between appointments. The right footwear is one of the most important factors in preventing corns from returning.
05
Biomechanical Assessment (If Needed)
If corns are recurring frequently due to abnormal pressure distribution or foot mechanics, a biomechanical assessment and custom orthotics may be recommended to address the root cause — significantly reducing the chance of recurrence.
Senior Podiatrist — Levi Ferris
£72
Assessment & treatment included
Mon, Tue & Wed — Richmond
Clinical Director — William Joyce
£85
Assessment & treatment included
Mon–Fri Richmond · Fri Kensington
Corn removal is included as part of your routine foot care appointment. No separate procedure booking required. See our full fees page for all treatment prices.
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Painless same-appointment treatmentCorns are assessed and removed at your first visit — no waiting for a separate procedure.
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Accurate diagnosis firstWe confirm the lesion type before treating — avoiding the risks of self-treatment or misdiagnosis.
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We treat the cause, not just the cornFootwear advice, padding and biomechanical assessment to stop corns coming back.
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HCPC-registered podiatristsSafe, regulated and professional care — particularly important for patients with diabetes or circulation issues.
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Sterile instrumentsAll instruments are autoclaved to medical-grade standards before every appointment.
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Two London clinicsRichmond (TW9) Monday to Friday and Kensington (W8) on Fridays.
Does corn removal hurt?
No — corn removal by a podiatrist is almost always painless. We use sharp, specialist instruments to carefully enucleate (remove) the corn core without affecting the surrounding healthy skin. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the procedure is, and many feel immediate relief afterwards.
How is a corn different from a verruca?
Corns and verrucas can look similar, but they are completely different conditions. A corn is caused by pressure and friction — it has a central core and is smooth on the surface. A verruca is a viral infection (HPV) that typically has tiny black dots (blood vessels) visible within it and can be painful when squeezed sideways. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose which one you have at your appointment.
Will the corn come back after treatment?
Corn removal relieves pain immediately, but if the underlying cause — usually abnormal pressure from footwear or foot mechanics — is not addressed, the corn is likely to return. We work with you on footwear changes, padding and, where needed, biomechanical assessment and orthotics to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Can I use corn plasters from the chemist?
Over-the-counter corn plasters contain salicylic acid, which can soften and reduce corn tissue. However, they are not always effective and can cause chemical burns to the surrounding healthy skin if misapplied. They should never be used by people with diabetes, poor circulation or peripheral neuropathy. Professional treatment is safer and more effective in most cases.
Is this safe if I have diabetes?
Yes, but it is especially important for people with diabetes to seek professional podiatry care rather than attempting self-treatment. Reduced sensation and circulation mean that cuts or chemical burns from home corn treatments may go unnoticed and become serious. Our podiatrists are experienced in diabetic foot care and take appropriate precautions at every appointment.
How often do I need to come back?
This varies depending on how quickly your skin regrows and whether the underlying cause has been addressed. Some patients manage well with a single appointment plus footwear changes. Others with persistent corns due to bony prominences or foot mechanics may benefit from regular appointments every 6–12 weeks.
Book your corn removal appointment today
Richmond and Kensington clinics available. Painful corns treated at your first visit.
