The role of changing footwear or orthotics:

As corns and callous are caused by pressure or rubbing, there is a need to change the distribution of pressure on the affected area, both to help treat the corn or callus and also to prevent a recurrence.

This might be as simple as a corn plaster - which is a cushioned dressing, with a hole cut in the middle. When this is stuck to the skin around the corn, whatever it is that is rubbing or pushing on the corn to cause it, now pushes on the corn plaster.

With this the plaster in place, the pressure is distributed over the healthy tissue through the ring of plaster and none whatsoever pushes on to the corn itself.  Of course, this is only a temporary measure if the underlying cause is not treated as well. Once the plaster is removed the original situation returns and so the same problem will occur.

Orthotics are either special shoes, or insoles within shoes, which cause the pressure onthe feet during standing and walking to be distributed differently. Occasionally, changing footwear or having specially made orthotics is sufficient to cure or the corn or callous. However, although they do not usually cure the condition, such measures are valuable in preventing recurrence.

Removal of the hard layers of tissue:

This is achieved by gently removing layers of the corn or callus using a surgical scalpel.