Dealing with Corns

Corns and calluses are hard thickenings of skin that can appear on the foot.   Calluses are generally a flatter area of thick skin where a corn is a protrusion of circular or conical shape and can also be waxy or translucent in appearance.  While calluses are usually painless corns can be painful enough to cause significant discomfort while walking.  If you have corns there are some options you can take to mitigate your suffering.

First, since corns are usually caused by repeated friction from skin rubbing against bony areas or other hard surfaces it’s important to reassess your shoes.  If the tightness of your footwear is to blame for the appearance of the corns then you should immediately switch to a roomier pair.  Make sure to find a pair that doesn’t put pressure on your toes – especially those with corns on them.  When you’re at home a foot bath can alleviate some symptoms though it is unlikely to help much with the underlying cause.

There are also cushioned pads available that can be placed over corns to protect them from harm while you’re in shoes.  Look for ones with cushioning or gel.  If the corns remain painful, you should find a podiatrist to remove some of the dead tissue and give you greater options in how to deal with the corns.

If you’re looking to avoid corns in the future, make sure to wear shoes that fit properly.  If corns are a chronic problem they may be caused by a deformity of the foot – you may have your toes rubbing against bone they shouldn’t be.  If that’s the case, then once again, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist.

If you have corns, calluses, or other serious foot issues you should get the help of a professional podiatrist.  Sheldon H. Nadal D.P.M. and the staff at his Toronto clinic are ready to assist you with any and all foot ailments you may have.