When we walk or stand, our body weight is carried first on the heel of the foot and then on the ball of the foot, where the skin is thicker to withstand the pressure. When this pressure on our feet becomes intense, growths in the form of corns and calluses may appear.
What are Corns?
Corns are similar to calluses in that they are a build-up of skin cells, but concentrated in areas of excessive direct pressure. The central core distinguishes a corn from a callus, and corns are often accompanied by greater discomfort and pain in the foot.
Corns and circulatory issues
For those with circulatory problems or sensory deficit, it is very important to have either a corn or a callus seen to by a professional. Have your feet checked regularly by a Registered Chiropodist like Hayes and Associates. This will reduce the likelihood of further complications of the feet arising in the future.
Why do I get corns?
When we walk or stand, our body weight is carried first on the heel of the foot and then on the ball of the foot, where the skin is thicker to withstand the pressure. When this pressure on our feet becomes intense, growths in the form of corns and calluses may appear.
Where do corns appear?
Corns always occur over a bony prominence, such as a joint.
Are there different types of corns?
Yes, there are five different types of corns. The two most common are hard corns and soft corns.
What is a hard corn?
Hard corns are the most common type of corn and appear as small, concentrated areas of hard skin on the feet, up to the size of a small pea, usually within a wider area of thickened skin or callus, and can be a symptom of feet or toes not functioning properly.
What is a soft corn?
Soft corns develop in a similar way to hard corns. They appear as a whitish and rubbery texture between toes, where the skin is moist from sweat, or from inadequate drying. A Registered Podiatrist / Chiropodist like Hayes and Associates will be able to reduce the bulk of the corn between the toes, and apply astringents to cut down on sweat retention between the toes reducing the risk of corns reappearing.
What are seed corns?
Seed corns are tiny corns on the bottom of the foot that tend to occur either singly or in clusters. Seed corns are usually painless.
What are vascular corns?
If you cut a vascular corn it will bleed profusely and these corns can be very painful. Never cut a corn yourself.
What are fibrous corns?
These arise from corns that have been present for a long time. These corns appear to be more firmly attached to the deeper tissues than other types of corn. They may also be painful.
How do I treat corns?
Don’t cut corns yourself, especially if you are elderly or diabetic, and don’t use corn plasters or paints which can burn the healthy tissue around the corns. Home remedies, like lambswool around toes, are potentially dangerous. Commercially available ‘cures’ should be used only following professional advice from a Registered Chiropodist / Podiatrist like Hayes and Associates.
You could use a pumice stone to remove the thickened skin a little at a time, or relieve pressure with a foam wedge between the toes, but if you are unsure of what to do about your corns, or if you are worried about corns, consult a registered Podiatrist / Chiropodist like Hayes and Associates who will be able to remove your corns painlessly, apply padding or insoles to relieve pressure, or fit corrective appliances for long-term relief from corns.
Book an appointment with us today to have your feet checked by one of our highly trained professionals. Hayes and Associates have a wealth of experience in debridement techniques, and are only to happy to share their expertise and offer the best treatment plan for your corns.
If you need further advice on corns, or indeed any foot problems, don’t be afraid to give us a call or send us an e-mail to make an appointment.