Perhaps the most common reason that people seek treatment from a Podiatrist is to deal with callus or corns, as they can be very painful and make walking difficult.
Pressure is the key to the formation of callus and corns. Intermittent compressive forces (from walking) cause a response from the skin to produce callosities. This layer can at first be protective, and an advantage, but they can very quickly become painful if they progress too far.
Corns and callus can be very successfully treated by the skilled hand of a Podiatrist. They can use a scalpel to painlessly remove corns and callus. The aim is to prevent the structures reforming whenever possible, and this can often be achieved by changing footwear or redistributing pressure.