Corns and calluses on the feet are usually the body’s response to protect against repeated pressure or friction. No treatment is necessary unless the hardened patches of skin are painful. Causes include poorly fitting shoes and pressure on the skin from an underlying problem such as a bunion or malformed bone. Treatment of any underlying condition will help keep the callus or corn from returning. So will removing the offending cause. The best protection is a pair of shoes that aren’t too tight, especially in the toes.