Corns and calluses are simply a build up of skin formed to protect the body. Corns and calluses are never a primary condition. There is always a primary reason for its creation. In most cases, they are formed due to increased pressure. Corns on the top of the little toe are usually due to a hammertoe deformity, which is rubbing on a shoe. Without the corn, the continued friction with the shoe would create an ulcer (hole in the skin). This in turn could secondarily create a bacterial infection. This overgrowth of skin could be due to a wart, foreign body (e.g. wood, metal), or a bone spur. Corns between the toes known as a soft corn are usually due to bone spurs rubbing between the phalanges (bones making up the toe) and metatarsals (bones forming the ball of the foot). On the other hand, corns at the tip of the toe are usually due to its position. Hammertoes generally create corns at the tip and top of the toes. In respect to calluses, they form on the bottom of the foot. They are essentially the same as corns. Their location is the deciding factor for its name.
Corns and calluses form for 2 reasons. The first is to protect the skin. Without the build up of this extra skin, an ulceration (hole in the foot) could occur. The second is to create pain. Without pain, you are not aware of this problem. With each step the presence of this callus would be transferred to your brain. The sensation the brain feels is similar to walking with a rock in your shoe.
Calluses may be due to Plantar’s warts, scar tissue, a plantarflexed metatarsal (dropped lower than the other bones in the ball of the foot), bunions, or foreign objects. Treatment may include paring the corn/callous, removing the foreign body, straightening the toe, orthotics, pads, repairing the bunion, or removing the bone spur. This is a decision your foot and ankle specialist should discuss with you.
