Understanding Corns 101: A Podiatrist's Insight into those "Rocks in your feet"
As a podiatrist, one of the most common concerns we address in our clinic are corns. These small, hardened areas of skin often appear on the feet due to friction or pressure. While they may seem like a minor issue, corns can cause significant discomfort and lead to more serious foot problems if left untreated.
Let’s take a closer look at what corns are, why they form, how to treat them, and how to prevent them.
What Are Corns?
Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop on the feet in response to repeated pressure or friction. There are two primary types:
- Hard Corns (Helomas Durum):
These are the most common and usually form on the tops or sides of the toes. They’re small, round, and often have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. They are typically caused by ill-fitting shoes or abnormal toe positioning. These can also appear commonly on the plantar surface (Bottom) of our feet.
- Soft Corns (Helomas Molles):
These occur in areas of moisture, like between the toes. Soft corns tend to be more painful and can be a result of the toes rubbing against each other inside tight shoes.
While corns are generally harmless, they can lead to discomfort, pain, and even infections if not managed correctly
Causes of Corns
Corns develop due to repetitive friction or pressure on the skin. The most common causes include:
- Ill-fitting shoes: Shoes that are too tight or too loose can create pressure points on the feet, leading to corn formation. High heels, in particular, place excessive pressure on the toes.
- Biomechanics: Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet can cause abnormal foot mechanics, which lead to areas of constant pressure.
- Excessive walking or standing: Individuals who are on their feet for long periods may be at an increased risk of developing corns, especially if they wear poorly fitting shoes.
- Improper foot hygiene: Moisture between the toes or improper nail trimming can exacerbate friction and promote corn development.
Symptoms of Corns
Corns typically present as:
- A small, thickened area of skin with a cone shape, that feels firm or hard to the touch. It can feel like you have a "rock in your foot"
- Tenderness or pain when pressure is applied.
- In the case of soft corns, a white, rubbery texture may be visible between the toes.
- In some rare cases, if a corn has been there for a long time, they can have scar tissue surrounding the corn. This can exacerbate the pain
How to Treat Corns
While corns may be unsightly and uncomfortable, it is important to consult a podiatrist. Here’s how you can manage corns:
- Manual debridement - A podiatrist can debride the corn tissue back with a small scalpel. This is a pain-free procedure and doesn't take long at all
- Over-the-counter treatments: Some over-the-counter corn removers contain salicylic acid, which helps to break down the thickened skin. However, these should be used with caution and not on sensitive skin, particularly for individuals with diabetes or poor circulation.
- Correcting footwear: Wear shoes that fit properly—those that provide ample room for the toes and avoid putting excessive pressure on any part of the foot.
Preventing Corns
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to corns. Here are some tips to avoid developing them:
- Wear properly fitting shoes: Always choose shoes that are comfortable and provide adequate support. Avoid pointed-toe or high-heeled shoes that put extra pressure on your toes.
- Custom orthotics - In cases where biomechanics are causing the corn, a custom orthotic can be prescribed to shift the pressure more evenly away from the site of the corn
- Maintain good foot hygiene: Keep feet clean and dry to avoid moisture build up that could exacerbate friction between toes.
When to See a Podiatrist
If corns are causing persistent pain, or if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes or poor circulation, it’s crucial to seek professional help. A podiatrist can provide tailored treatments such as debridement, custom orthotics, or advice on proper foot care to help alleviate the issue
Conclusion
While corns may seem like a simple foot problem, they can be a source of pain and discomfort for many. With the right approach to footwear, proper foot care, and treatment, they can be effectively managed and prevented. As a podiatrist, our goal is to help our patients keep their feet healthy, pain-free, and functioning at their best. If you're dealing with persistent foot issues or corns, don't hesitate to reach out to us for the best treatment.
