Table of Contents
Introduction
When you’re looking for relief from your corns, our board-certified podiatrists can help!
Treatment options for corns vary depending on how much discomfort you are experiencing. They can be uncomfortable or painful, especially when pressure is applied to the affected area, and we want to help! Let’s start with the basics.
Overview
What are corns?
What do corns look like?
How do corns develop?
There are several ways:
- Wearing tight shoes or high heels, which compress areas of your feet.
- Wearing loose-fitting shoes, as they cause your feet to repeatedly slide and rub against the shoe.
- Skipping socks and just putting your bare feet in shoes or sandals, resulting in friction.
- Participating in activities that put repeated pressure or friction on the feet, such as running or hiking.
- Age can also play a role in corns, as we may lose th4e protective fat pad in the ball of the foot as we age.
Home Treatment Options for Corns
If your foot corns are only causing mild discomfort, you can try a few options outside of the podiatrist office first. You can:
- Gently use a pumice stone to thin any corns.
- Wear properly-fitted shoes.
- Use pads or cushions to relieve pressure.
- Soak the feet to soften the skin.
When Do Foot Corns Need Medical Attention?
Foot corns may need treatment when they cause discomfort or pain, interfere with daily activities, or become infected. Here are some signs that your foot corns may require medical attention:
- If there is discomfort or pain, especially when pressure is applied.
- If it becomes difficult to walk or wear shoes comfortably.
- If the skin around your foot corn is red, swollen, or tender to touch, this may be a sign of infection and you should seek medical attention.
- If your foot corns are bleeding or draining pus, consult a foot doctor.
- If you have chronic or recurrent foot corns despite attempts to manage them at home, it may be time to seek medical treatment to prevent further complications.
In severe cases, medical treatment such as corn removal treatment or surgical intervention may be necessary. If so, seek medical attention and consult a podiatrist for foot corn and callus treatment. Foot doctors can provide treatment options to relieve your symptoms and prevent further complications.
Treatment Options for Severe Corns
If your corn isn’t going away with at-home treatments, your board-certified podiatrist may recommend a corn removal treatment or surgical intervention.
First, your doctor will conduct a visual and physical evaluation of your foot. This allows them to determine if your corn is being caused by a bone or a joint that is out of place. In such cases, a procedure may be needed to shave or cut away excess bone. Otherwise, the doctor may trim away the outer layers of skin that make up the corn or provide an injection beneath the tissue.
What is the Difference Between Corns and Calluses?
Corns tend to be smaller than calluses and are the hard center is surrounded by irritated skin. While corns can be found on the bottom of the foot where pressure is usually applied, it is more common that you find corns on the tops and sides of your toes and even between your toes. When pressure is applied, corns can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Calluses, on the other hand, don’t usually cause pain. They usually develop on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or balls, on your palms, or on your knees. Calluses vary in size and shape and are often larger than corns.
