Thick, painful patches on your feet or toes are usually corns or calluses—a common condition caused by repeated pressure or friction.
The most common cause is wearing tight, loose, or high-heeled shoes, and even second-hand shoes that don’t fit your feet properly. Over time, the skin thickens to protect itself, forming hard areas of dead skin. Corns can sometimes feel like a small pebble under your foot.
In some cases, discomfort may also come from blisters or fungal infections, especially if shoes are worn for long periods.
Simple ways to treat and prevent them:
- Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes
- Soak feet and gently use a pumice stone
- Use cushioning pads to reduce pressure
- Apply moisturizing creams (like urea-based creams)
- Try over-the-counter salicylic acid treatments
If pain continues, swelling appears, or it doesn’t improve, it’s best to see a podiatrist.
