A foot callus is a thick, hardened layer of skin that builds up over time and is a result of your skin trying to protect itself from pressure or friction. Foot calluses are usually located on the soles of your feet, and the top or side of your toes. Calluses are rarely painful and vary in size, but they are usually larger than corns.
A foot corn is usually larger than a foot callus and unlike calluses, corns can be painful. Foot corns are a type of callus, so they also have hardened, thick layers of skin and they are usually accompanied by inflamed, swollen skin.
Foot corns can be soft or hard, a hard foot corn usually occurs on the top of side of your toes – especially your small toe – while soft corns usually appear in between your toes.
Common treatment options for a callus or corn includes either applying a callus remover which contains strong acids that peel the excess thickened skin. In some cases, multiple applications are needed. Another option includes your podiatrist carefully trimming your callus and then applying a protective padding to relieve pain. To reduce swelling a cortisone shot may be used. Special corn pads can also be used to relieve pain.