Corns are circular compacted areas of hard skin, usually found on bony prominences. Corns can be very painful and difficult to remove at home. Try to avoid acid based plasters as they could burn the skin. Alternatively use pressure-relieving pads and avoid any shoes that cause pain. Soaking the foot may help, if not seek some professional treatment.
Verrucae are warts found on any part of the foot, they can be singular or large clusters. Sometimes they can be painful and difficult to distinguish from corns. Home treatments may work but they might make the verrucae spread and can be quite painful to use. If the verrucae does not clear after a few careful applications then seek professional help. A chiropodist has a wide armoury of stronger treatments including liquid nitrogen and strong acids.
Biomechanics is a much more in depth study of pain and discomfort related to foot function. It looks at joints, muscles and our general posture. Treating such conditions requires the specialist knowledge of a Podiatrist, who can perform a Biomechanical assessment, which is an examination of the foot and leg function and make individually tailored orthotics (insoles).
Hard skin and callouses can usually be found in large patches on the sole of the feet, on the bony prominences of the toes and around the heel. Sometimes it can crack and become sore. Try some good quality cream and careful rubbing with a pumice stone or foot file. A chiropodist can remove this painlessly and give good advice to try to avoid it in the future.
