When we see thick callus and a corn under a plantar metatarsal head, it’s not “just hard skin.” It’s

When we see thick callus and a corn under a plantar metatarsal head, it’s not “just hard skin.” It’s pressure. In this video, our podiatrist carefully reduces a plantar corn and surrounding callus where there’s already some tissue breakdown. When skin gets this thick under a metatarsal head, it means the area has been overloaded for a long time. What are we checking for? Ulceration. Under heavy callus, especially in higher-risk groups like people living with diabetes, there can be a hidden ulcer forming underneath. Sometimes it’s not visible until the callus is removed. That’s why careful debridement is critical — not cosmetic, but preventative. Why remove callus? • It reduces focal pressure • It improves load distribution across the forefoot • It decreases the risk of skin breakdown • It allows us to assess for underlying ulceration • It lowers infection risk in high-risk feet In diabetic patients, untreated pressure points under the metatarsal heads can progress from callus → ulcer → infection → and in severe cases, amputation. Early intervention changes outcomes. In this case, there was no ulcer present — which is exactly what we want. But we always check. If you’ve got thick build-up under the ball of your foot, especially with diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation, don’t ignore it. Pressure doesn’t resolve on its own. Prevention is always better than repair. Book an assessment and get it checked properly.