Our feet take quite a beating in our daily lives. Because of this, foot problems are very common. We expect our feet to take us wherever we want to go without any pain or discomfort. We wear new shoes, old shoes, or no shoes. We expect our feet to sometimes endure shoes that are too short, too narrow or have inadequate cushioning and support. We pressure our feet until they tell us to stop.

Foot pressure and chafing are often caused by the bones of the foot pressing against the inside of a shoe or from two foot bones pressing together. This usually occurs on the largest and smallest toes. A result of this continued friction is the formation of thick hard growths of skin called corns or calluses. People with flat feet are very susceptible to them.

Corns look like areas of thick skin on the toes. Hard corns usually appear on the little toe while soft corns appear on the web between the toes. Calluses are thickened pads of skin usually found on the bottom of the foot.

Although extreme cases may require surgical removal, the best way to treat corns and calluses is to:
* Soak the foot in warm water until the hardened skin softens.
* Gently use a pumice stone or callus file over the area.
* Repeat several times if needed.
* Protect the area with a bandage or light pad. Moleskin can be trimmed to fit the spot and relieve pressure.
* Use with caution any over-the-counter corn remedies.

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