Foot Corns
What Are Foot Corns?
A corn is a small, thickened area of skin that develops due to excessive pressure or friction. It typically forms on the feet, particularly over bony areas, joints, or areas of repetitive rubbing against shoes.
Corns are composed of dead skin and act as the body’s natural response to protect the skin from irritation or pressure.
Corns are composed of dead skin and act as the body’s natural response to protect the skin from irritation or pressure.
There are two main types of corns:
Hard Corns
Dense, compact areas of hardened skin, often found on the tops or sides of toes.
Soft Corns
White and rubbery, these usually develop between toes where moisture accumulates.
How Do You Get corns?
Corns develop due to:
Poorly fitting shoes: Tight or narrow shoes create pressure, while loose shoes cause friction.
Foot deformities: Conditions like hammertoes, bunions, or bone spurs increase pressure on certain areas of the foot.
Repetitive activities: Sports or work that involve repeated foot motion can lead to corns.
Walking barefoot: This can thicken skin as a protective mechanism.
How To Treat A Foot Corn
To begin with, our foot health practitioner will examine the corn and determine the cause (e.g., footwear, gait abnormalities, or underlying conditions).This will allow us to rule out other conditions like warts or infections.
Treatment Summary:
(Click to expand)
(Click to expand)
Debridement
- The treatment generally starts with carefully trimming or paring down the corn using a sterile scalpel. This procedure is painless since the corn consists of dead skin.
- This will reduce discomfort and removes the bulk of the corn.
Padding and Orthotics
- If required, we will apply padding or cushioning to reduce pressure on the affected area.
- If we believe it will be in your best interest, we may provide you with a referral for custom orthotic devices to correct foot mechanics and prevent recurrence.
Footwear Advice
- Where possible, only wear shoes with a proper fit with wide toe boxes, and cushioning.
- If you can, avoid high heels or tight footwear that may worsen pressure points.
Aftercare Advice
- Moisturise your feet to prevent dry, hard skin.
Underlying Issues
- If deformities like bunions or hammertoes contribute to corns, referral for surgery may be advised in severe cases.
Foot Care For Everyone
Book An Appointment To Treat Your Foot Corn
If left untreated, foot corns can become tender or even painful. They can feel like walking on a pebble and the impact on your daily life can be frustrating. Should a corn become infected, it will become more painful and the healthy skin around the corn may also be affected.
Book an appointment at The Barefoot Clinic for just £35 and our friendly practitioner will help you put your best foot forward.
Not Sure What You Need?
If you’re unsure what treatment you need, we’ll be able to uncover your symptoms and recommend the required treatment during your appointment. You can also send us a photo via WhatsApp to see if we can identify the issue in advance.