However, we tend to ignore our feet and take them for granted, that is, until they play us up. The most common places are the heel, the ball of the foot, and the side of the toes, where the culprit is usually an ill-fitting shoe. Initially the area becomes red, sore, and perhaps blistered. As time goes by these calluses become cracked and painful or develop into corns. Corns come in two types.
Soft ones appear between the toes because of unusual pressure and sweat.
Hard ones are found on the toes or soles of the feet and are caused by abnormal pressure when walking. The same treatments containing salicylic acid that are used for treating verrucas help remove the hard skin and are available from the pharmacist. Using a pumice stone or an emery board also helps this process. Moisturising the skin helps prevent recurrences and it goes without saying that good fitting footwear is essential. Plantar fasciitis Repetitive activity or overuse of the pad of fibrous and fat tissue that stretches between the heel and the ball of each foot is often the cause of severe heel pain.