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Protective pads for calluses and corns

Pads on corn on little toe and on calluses on bottom of foot.

Protective pads can remove the pressure or friction that is causing a callus or corn, giving it time to heal. For smaller calluses and corns, cut a circle out of moleskin and then cut the centre out of the circle so you have a doughnut-shaped pad. Put it on your skin so that the callus or corn is in the doughnut "hole" and the pad surrounds it.

You can also place a soft pad, called a metatarsal pad, on the ball of the foot near a large callus. The pad will cushion the foot and relieve pressure on the callus. You can buy metatarsal pads made of various materials, such as rubber, felt, or soft plastic.

Current as of: March 22, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Barry L. Scurran DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Gavin W.G. Chalmers DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery

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