Corns are usually small, hard areas of thickened skin that can cause a lot of pain. Common locations for corns to form are on the tops of toes or underneath the metatarsal heads on the plantar aspect of the foot.

Corns and callus can be very painful and can therefore make walking very difficult.

Excessive pressure is the key to the formations of callus and corns. Intermittent compressive forces (this can be from walking) cause a response from the skin to produce callosities. At first this layer may be protective but can very quickly become painful.

Untreated corns and calluses will become more painful as the hard skin continues to build up.

As pressure is the main cause of corns and calluses, you should choose appropriate footwear. High heels increase the pressure placed on the front of the foot and can therefore increase your risk of corns and calluses.

After washing your feet, you should dry your feet thoroughly and regularly apply moisturising cream.

A podiatrist can successfully help with treatment as they can painlessly remove corns and callus with a scalpel. To prevent corns and callus, you should consider changing footwear or redistributing pressure to the foot by wearing orthotics. If you have an infection, you should visit a podiatrist as soon as possible.