Corns and Calluses Are Not the Same Thing
Many people confuse corns with calluses, but they are different.
A callus spreads out.
A corn concentrates inward.
Calluses are usually larger, flatter, and painless. Corns are smaller, rounder, and often hurt when pressed. The pain comes from pressure being focused into one tight spot instead of spread over a wider area.
That’s why a corn can feel like stepping on a tiny stone even when the floor is smooth.
There Are Different Types of Corns
Not all corns look or feel the same.
Hard corns are the most common. They are dry, firm, and usually appear on the tops or sides of toes.
Soft corns tend to form between toes, where moisture keeps the skin from hardening completely. These can feel tender and irritated.
Seed corns are very small and usually appear on the bottom of the foot. They’re often more annoying than painful, but they can still cause discomfort when walking.
Each type forms for the same reason — pressure — just in different environments.
Shoes Are Often the Real Cause
In many cases, the corn itself isn’t the real problem. The problem is what keeps creating it.
Shoes that are too tight, too narrow, or poorly shaped push toes together and rub the same areas over and over. High heels shift body weight forward, increasing pressure on toes. Even shoes that feel “fine” can cause corns if they press one exact spot every day.
Socks that bunch up or slide inside shoes can also increase friction without you realizing it.
Why Corns Are Often Mistaken for Warts
Corns and warts can look similar, which causes confusion.
Corns develop slowly from pressure and have smooth, hardened skin. Warts come from a virus and often contain tiny dark dots. Corns hurt when pressed directly, while warts are often more painful when squeezed from the sides.
Understanding the difference matters, because they’re treated differently.
How Corns Feel Over Time
At first, a corn may only feel slightly tender. Over time, it can become more noticeable and uncomfortable.
People often describe the feeling as:
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Sensitivity when walking
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Sharp pain when shoes press
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Burning or throbbing
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The feeling of something stuck in the shoe
Ignoring a corn doesn’t make it disappear. It usually makes it thicker.
How People Commonly Deal With Corns
Many people manage corns by softening the skin and reducing pressure. Simple changes like soaking feet, wearing better-fitting shoes, and protecting pressure points can make a big difference.
What’s important is avoiding aggressive attempts to cut or dig into the corn. This can damage healthy skin and lead to problems.
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