Corns and calluses start as a protective measure of your skin. Your body thickens and toughens the skin in the area that is experiencing pressure or friction. The result is a callus.

Generally speaking, a callus is a healthy condition of the skin, providing protection from increased pressure and friction. When the callus progresses to the point that it no longer is protective, but painful, it indicates there is an underlying problem. Sometimes the long bones in the middle of the foot will bear more weight than intended and a painful callus develops directly beneath the bone. A hammertoe can also result in increased pressure on these bones. Hammertoes can cause corns by rubbing against shoes or from pressure between adjacent toes. The corns between toes retain moisture and are generally not hard.

Additionally, with aging, you may lose the protective fat pad in the ball of the foot, making the callus condition worsen.

Treatment Options
Treatment options very depending on the level of symptoms and if there is any associated foot deformity. When only mild discomfort is experienced, a simple solution is to try more comfortable shoes with a greater toe box and thicker insoles. Gentle use of a pumice stone to thin the corn or callus may also provide relief from symptoms. Use of medicated corn pad or corner remover is not recommended, as this acid preparation does not differentiate between normal and thickened skin. Use of these products may lead to a chemical burn and an opened sore which can become infected.

When accommodative measures fail to provide relief, consultation regarding surgical options is indicated