Corns and calluses are NOT soft tissue problems and there is no “root” to be removed. No matter how much they are cut down or debrided, they will return. Painful corns and calluses are the result of abnormal position of the underlying bone. Often hammertoes become painful because a bursal sac will develop between the bone and corn or callus.
The bursal sac can be treated with injections and anti-inflammatory medications. If this relieves the symptoms then surgery can be delayed. If these treatments fail, then structural correction of the hammertoe is recommended by your physician.