Safe, professional treatment for painful plantar warts, corns, calluses, and pressure spots, without the risks of at-home cutting.
These three conditions can look similar, but they're treated differently:
Plantar warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and may appear on the bottom of the foot.
Calluses are areas of thickened skin caused by repeated pressure or friction, often across a wider area.
Corns are smaller, more focused pressure spots that often form on or between the toes.
A podiatry evaluation helps identify which condition you're dealing with before starting any treatment.
See what patients say about their experience at Knox Foot and Ankle.
“I recently had bunion surgery with Dr. Malik and I m really glad I chose his office. He took the time to explain everything clearly and answered all my questions, which I really appreciated. The staff was friendly and helpful the whole time, and everything from scheduling to surgery day to follow up visits went smoothly. Overall it was a great experience and I d go back here again if I ever needed anything.”
Zy Le
4 months ago
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“I've had an ingrown toenail for 3 years and have had it removed 4 times during the years, each time it grew back and never healed. I went and saw Dr. Malik and his awesome assistant, Summer and receptionist Kelly. Dr. Malik did the procedure and 2 weeks later I feel like this is the best decision I've made all year. I am now pain free and couldn't be happier. Thank you all so much.”
Seth Kessler
2 weeks ago
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“Marcia I would highly recommend Dr. Akerman to anyone. Her staff is so kind, caring and friendly. Dr. Akerman answered all my questions before and after my procedure. She took great care of me and made sure I was comfortable start to finish. Thank you all so very much. A caring provider can truly make all the difference. I had gone to a different practice before finding Dr. Akerman and I m so happy I looked for a second opinion and found her.”
Marcia Nicholas-Nagel
9 months ago
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“Firstvtime in the office. I saw Carol Akermann and was thoroughly impressed withbher knowledge and helpful info I can use on my own. Highly recommend her. Have been to other foot doctors before and was told the opposite of waht she saw in xrays. Plus the ithers did nothing. She diagnosed and hopefully resolve dmy issue for good”
Phil Oneal
8 months ago
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“Been going here 4 years and i love Dr.Akerman,I am super sad that she is retiring but Dr. malik seems to be a very good Dr as well. So I am glad that she is gonna get to enjoy her retirement and know that her practice is in very good hands. Also all of the nurses are so sweet. They have taken very good care of me since my surgery and neuropathy diagnosis 4 years ago”
Shelli Lee
6 months ago
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“I had a great experience with this foot doctor for my ankle problem. Dr Malik very professional, explained everything clearly, and helped my ankle heal quickly. The staff was friendly and the office was clean. Highly recommend!”
mario sarama
4 months ago
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“I had bad pain on the bottom of my foot, and after one visit it already feels much better. Dr. Malik explained everything clearly and answered all my questions! The staff was easy to deal with and I was in and out without any hassle. Would definitely recommend if you re dealing with foot pain!”
Connor Sullivan
4 months ago
GOOGLE VERIFIED REVIEW
“Really good experience overall. Dr. Malik was easy to talk to, explained things in a simple way, and helped fix my issue pretty quickly. I felt comfortable the whole time and didn t feel rushed at all.”
Usman Javaid
4 months ago
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“Had an ingrown nail procedure done at Dr. Malik s office and it healed really well no pain anymore. Everything was smooth and the staff was great. Would definitely recommend.”
Mohammad Agha
4 months ago
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“Dr Akerman genuinely cares about her patients and listens to your needs. I adore her and the staff is fabulous too!! They also care about the needs of the patients. If I could give more stars I would. I have been going for 3 yrs and my feet got a clean bill of health finally (after some major issues from getting pedicures at a local salon (sevierville) that apparently doesn t disinfect their equipment properly) so I THANK the whole team for all the support and encouragement they gave me.”
Melva Smith-Harnish
10 months ago
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“I was in high pain with an ingrown toenail. I called at 1000am and told the receptionist that and she said to come in at 130pm and I would be worked in. From the moment I walked in I was relieved. All the assistants and Dr. Carol were wonderful. Dr.Carol explained what I had and what she was going to do step by step. I was so relieved and once she finished my tie has not hurt. And it was a deep one. My experience was exceptional everyone professional and Dr Carol was amazing.”
victoria lavorgna
8 months ago
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“I was a past patient here. Came back to see Dr. Ackerman for foot care and she found the reason my foot has been hurting for a year,when my other doctor couldn't. I will truly miss her now that she has retired. Happy retirement”
Nancy Thompson
6 months ago
GOOGLE VERIFIED REVIEW
“I had a great experience. The front office staff greeted me when I came in and was so pleasant. The clinical staff took me for X-rays and she was so nice and friendly, as well. Dr. Akerman did the consultation and offered to do a surgical treatment the same day. Then, I needed to schedule surgery and they got me in the same day. Kathy was amazing with surgery scheduling at the hospital AND getting consents done. She verified my insurance the next morning and called me. WOW.....was I impressed! A++”
Theda Stephens
a year ago
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“Dr.Malik and Ms.Melanie were fantastic. I was extremely anxious prior to arriving to the office but they made me feel so comfortable: can t wait to go back in two weeks for a follow up!”
Brianna Hionis
6 months ago
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“Very nice doctor! Office staff was also very nice! She was very thorough and took time to explain everything. Definitely will be back as needed! I had already called a friend of mine to recommend her .”
Janet Desprez
a year ago
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“First time visiting Dr Ackerman was a great experience. She listened to my concerns and set me up with a treatment plan. She is very knowledgeable, patient and kind! Highly recommend!”
Nikki Crosley
a year ago
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“Dr. Ackerman is very good at what she does. She s the best podiatrist I ve ever been to. She handles my foot problems seamlessly and I ve never been happier. Her office is very nice and her staff are outstanding. But Dr. Ackerman is the best!”
Jennifer Chupyatov
10 months ago
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“A month previously Dr Akerman removed part of a toenail that was ingrown. Today was a follow up. My toe is so much happier now! She is thorough, efficient, but gentle and pleasant not overly chatty which is good when she s operating”
Ellen Zasowski
9 months ago
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“Absolute wonderful experience! The staff was so welcoming and attentive. Dr Akerman was everything and more that reviews had described her. She was kind, compassionate, attentive, professional, and highly skilled. She listened and I had the opportunity give input and to ask questions. I felt valued and in great hands.”
Sharon Robinson
a year ago
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“Dr. Abshan Malik took excellent care of me and my family, with our medical needs with exceptional expertise. We are truly blessed to have him serving the Knoxville community as a podiatrist.”
Muhammad Qasim
7 months ago
GOOGLE VERIFIED REVIEW
“Dr. Akerman is a very nice lady she made sure to answer each and every question I had about my feet. She also explained everything to me so I knew what was going to happen and how to deal with my feet. The other ladies of her staff are so friendly and sweet I just love them all. I would highly recommend this clinic to everyone. Thank you for all you do and have done for me.”
Christy Ratliff
a year ago
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“Took me in as an emergency without an appointment. The Doctor was very pleasant and professional. She shared X-rays and explained everything in a way that I understood. Will return”
Debbie Howerton
8 months ago
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“Dr. Ackerman and all of her staff were very friendly and professional. Dr Ackerman was very thorough. I was very surprised how much time she spent with me, ensuring all my problems were addressed and a recoveryplan set. This was my first visit.”
Richard Bribiesca
a year ago
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“Awesome place, very kind and very thorough with my exam. Treated me properly. Highly recommend”
Mike Burchette
10 months ago
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“I am so very thankful for Dr. Carol Ackerman. I have plantar fasciitis and it has been extremely painful to the point of not being able to walk. Dr. Ackerman was so kind and yet very professional. She has been treating me for approximately two months and I feel that I am on my way to recovery. She is knowledgeable, professional, and very gentle and informative about the treatment.”
Pamela Flack
11 months ago
GOOGLE VERIFIED REVIEW
“Dr. Ackerman was kind, caring , and professional. She took xrays, actually examined my husband's feet, explained the issues, and gave him options that might relieve not only his foot pain, but possibly his hip and back pain. We were very impressed with her. Well worth an hour ride for this, and future, appointments.”
Blanche Glazier
Edited a year ago
GOOGLE VERIFIED REVIEW
“My mom is a diabetic and developed an infection on her toe that I was concerned about spreading. I called around several places including her regular doctor and no one either called me back or had any openings. This place did and they were great. I saw complaints about the front desk staff. They were fine. I was especially thankful for the woman working the phones who got my mom in the next day. Dr. Ackerman was wonderful!!! She will be back.”
Heather Webb
2 years ago
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Abshan Malik, DPM, AACFAS
Fellowship-Trained Foot and Ankle Surgeon
He evaluates plantar warts, painful corns, recurring calluses, pressure points, skin changes, and related foot-structure concerns to determine the actual cause before recommending treatment. He also considers footwear, pressure distribution, underlying deformities, diabetes, neuropathy, circulation concerns, and other factors that may affect treatment safety and recurrence.
Symptoms can vary depending on whether the problem is a wart, corn, callus, pressure lesion, or another skin condition. Common signs include:
Plantar warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which can enter through small breaks or irritation in the skin. Common contributing factors include:
Corns and calluses are often signs of pressure, not just a skin problem on their own. Common causes include:
Consider scheduling an appointment if you're experiencing:
Important: Diabetic patients, or anyone with poor circulation, neuropathy, wounds, drainage, or infection symptoms, should not cut or shave these areas at home and should seek podiatry care promptly.
Accurate diagnosis matters because the right treatment depends on the cause. Our evaluation typically includes:
Depending on your wart and overall health, treatment may include:
We're not able to guarantee complete wart removal, an exact treatment timeline, or permanent prevention, since warts can respond differently from patient to patient.
Treatment for corns and calluses may include:
Removing thick skin may reduce discomfort, but if the underlying source of pressure remains, the callus or corn may return over time.
Cutting calluses or corns at home can lead to cuts, wounds, or infection, even with careful technique. Over-the-counter acids can also irritate or burn healthy surrounding skin. Diabetic patients and those with poor circulation or neuropathy face a higher risk of complications from home treatment. A podiatrist can treat the problem more safely, while also identifying and addressing the underlying cause.
Diabetes can reduce sensation and circulation, and a callus may be hiding pressure damage, skin breakdown, or even an ulcer underneath it. Neuropathy can make it harder to feel cuts, burns, or wounds while treating these areas at home. Diabetic patients should avoid cutting, shaving, or using medicated wart or callus removers without medical guidance, and should seek prompt podiatry evaluation for pain, redness, drainage, odor, or skin changes.
Learn More About Diabetic Foot CareChildren and teens can develop plantar warts from school activities, sports, locker rooms, pools, or other shared surfaces. Warts can be painful and may spread if left untreated. Early evaluation can help confirm the diagnosis and avoid unnecessary irritation from home treatments. Treatment recommendations depend on your child's symptoms, age, lesion size, and comfort level.
Same-day appointments may be available
Knox Foot and Ankle · 2725 Asbury Rd, Suite 101, Knoxville, TN 37914 · (865) 329-3338
A little more about wart and callus removal at Knox Foot and Ankle.
