What Is A Corn?

Have you noticed your callus becoming more painful recently? Or is there a sensation more like you’re walking on a tiny rock?

You might have developed a corn on your foot!

What are corns?

Corns are focal areas of thickened skin that typically form on the feet due to repeated pressure or friction. These are common but can cause a lot of discomfort, especially in high-pressure areas.

There are different types of corns, including hard corns, soft corns, and seed corns. The type of corn depends on location, the amount of moisture in the area and the type of pressures contributing. Corns are not always extremely hard; ones between the toes develop in a moist environment, making them appear white and rubbery.

Why do they happen?

Corns develop as a protective response to pressure and friction. Some risk factors for developing corns include tight or ill-fitting shoes, abnormal gait patterns, or deformities like bunions or claw toes.

What can you do?

Before treating them, it is important to confirm it is indeed a corn you are dealing with. Other conditions can develop on the plantar surface of the foot that should be treated differently.

To manage corns, it’s essential to reduce the pressure and friction causing them. A podiatrist can investigate the causative factors and provide guidance on how to prevent corns from recurring. This can include removing the thickened skin that makes up the corn, recommending better-fitting footwear, using off-loading padding to redistribute pressures, or creating a custom orthotic to correct any underlying biomechanical issues. Additionally, tips for maintaining good foot health will be provided.

If you’re struggling with corns, consulting a podiatrist can provide relief and long-term solutions.