Callouses, Corns & IPK’s

Sometimes they are just unsightly, but sometimes they are painful.  We can help guide you on how to manage them. 

Callouses

A callus is a thickened area of skin on the foot caused by pressure and repeated rubbing, such as from a shoe or activity. The rubbing causes the skin to produce a layer of protective skin (a callus), the skin builds up and over time can become painful. Calluses vary in size and can occur in any location.

Corns

Corns are calluses on the top of the toes or between the toes. People with foot deformities, such as hammertoes, often suffer from corns because the toe rub against the top of their shoe. In this case the deformity needs to be fixed surgically (check out our Hammertoe services button below).

IPK’s

IPK’s or Intractable Plantar Keratosis are calluses on the bottom of the foot with painful cores. New data suggest that 50% of IPK’s have some wart component to them as well! IPK’s are often are very distinct in with their “core” appearance, are usually smaller than 1cm, and feel like walking on a pebble.

There are a limited number of treatments for calluses, but more for corns and IPK’s- such as in office Cantharidin or Swift microwave therapy. Dr. Williams can evaluate the cause of the calluses and recommend a treatment most appropriate for your condition. However, if the underlying cause of the callus is not treated or removed, the callus will return.