Spotting Corns on Your Feet: Early Signs

Ravi Jain • Apr 17, 2019

Some injuries and conditions might look small on the surface but can actually cause a lot of discomfort or pain. One such condition is developing calluses and corns on the feet. These are layers of thick, hardened, dead skin cells that form due to repeated friction and pressure.

The top layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum , thickens and leads to a gradual build-up of scar tissue that results in the formation of corns on the foot.

 

Some facts about corns on the foot:

  • Corns are different from foot calluses in the sense that they have a hardened core and inflamed skin around the cores. It is well defined, unlike a callus, and is much more painful.
  • Corns develop on bony areas of the foot, where the skin is thin and smooth. Soft corns develop on moist skin between the toes. Hard corns develop on dry, flat areas of the skin.
  • Abnormal friction caused by walking in tight shoes—including shoes that force the toes and feet into abnormal positions—is often the cause of corn on foot.
  • The core of a corn on foot is a seed-shaped structure that is perpendicular to the foot and runs from the surface of the corn to the tissues below. It can cause a sharp pain when pressure is applied.

 

From the above, it can be deduced that the early symptoms of corn on foot are:

  • Thickened or hardened patches of skin on the feet, toes, or even hands
  • A bump on the skin
  • Flaky, dry skin surrounding the area
  • Pain or tenderness

 

Here are some preventions, cures, and home remedies for corns on the foot:

  1. Wear shoes that are comfortable and give your feet enough room. Use appropriate footwear for physical activities. For instance, walking long distances wearing hard sandals only invites trouble. Instead, choose shoes that have padding or soft soles.
  2. Use protective coverings such as felt pads, corn pads, toe separators, etc., in areas most prone to friction. For the hands, wear padded gloves to prevent friction —for instance, while driving.
  3. If you already have a corn, you can use pads to protect the affected area. Consult a doctor to get a liquid corn remover, but ensure that the salicylic acid in them does not damage the healthy skin or give rise to more serious issues.
  4. Keep your skin soft by using moisturizing agents on your hands and feet.
  5. Soaking the affected part in warm, soapy water can help soften calluses so that the thickened skin comes off easily and facilitates callus treatment.
  6. To remove such skin, use a pumice stone, washcloth, nail file, etc., but first, check for side effects. Pumice stones are not recommended if you have diabetes.

 

Medical treatment

If the situation escalates—for instance, if you cut the corn and it bleeds or if the corn discharges fluids or pus—it means that infection is a possibility and immediate medical attention is required. If you also have diabetes, heart disease, or circulatory problems along with the corn, the risk of infection is high. Then, it is time to consult a doctor.

 

The doctor will take a sample of skin from the affected area to confirm whether it is a corn or a callus. Infected corns are treated using antibiotics while a small incision is required to drain out the pus. Sometimes, foot corn removal is done through surgery, but go through with the process only if the doctor recommends it. A podiatrist or orthopedist may even recommend surgery or orthopedic devices if they believe that the corn on your foot is caused by abnormal foot structure, deformities, or gait.

 

 

If you’re in Toronto, Canada, you can find the best services for corn treatment at Don Valley Health and Wellness Centre. Book an appointment here .

 

 

Do you know what the benefits of physiotherapy ? Read more

 

 

The post Spotting Corns on Your Feet: Early Signs appeared first on Don Valley Health & Wellness – Physiotherapy Rehabilitation & Sports Centre .

 

05 Mar, 2024
Learn more about chiropractic care's role in holistic health, from realigning the spine and relieving pain to improving body functionality.
06 Feb, 2024
Uncover the power of massage therapy, from reducing stress and tension to boosting circulation and promoting your body's natural healing processes.
09 Jan, 2024
Explore how physiotherapy improves your quality of life, from pain management to injury recovery and prevention, and overall wellness.
05 Dec, 2023
Discover how Don Valley Health and Wellness uses an interconnected approach to treatment, addressing not just symptoms, but the root cause of discomfort or illness.
04 Jun, 2021
Signs you have carpal tunnel syndrome: Recognize the symptoms and explore treatment options. Click or Call 416-466-4438 for expert advice and relief.
05 May, 2021
Get custom orthotics at Don Valley Health & Wellness Centre in Toronto. Improve foot alignment, and pain, and enhance comfort. Click or Call 416-466-4438.
By Don Valley Health and Wellness 05 Apr, 2021
Discover why balance training is important for your overall health and well-being. Click or Call 416-466-4438 for expert advice and guidance.
By Don Valley Health and Wellness 08 Mar, 2021
Ergonomic tips to prevent work-from-home strains and improve your productivity. Click or Call 416-466-4438 for expert advice and relief.
By Don Valley Health and Wellness 08 Jul, 2020
Learn about the most common type of headaches & effective strategies and treatments for headache relief. Click or Call 416-466-4438 for expert advice.
By Ravi Jain 17 Apr, 2019
Discover simple lifestyle changes to prevent joint pain and improve your overall well-being. Click or Call 416-466-4438 for expert advice and relief
More Posts
Share by: