Bothered by Corns on Your Feet? Here’s What to Do
Corns on your feet have several names. In medical circles, we call them “hyperkeratoses.” In Great Britain, they’re referred to as “rooster’s eye,” although we haven’t had an opportunity to consult any citizens there to find out exactly why! By any name, a corn refers to a patch of thickened skin on your foot.
Corns are commonly found on top of and in between your toes. In between, they’re usually soft to the touch, while corns on the top of your toes are hard.
What causes a corn?
Corns form as a reaction to repeated pressure – for example, the constant friction of your toe hitting the inside of your shoe. Essentially, your body protects itself from invasion by forming a layer of “armor” on the skin.
Corns may also form due to poor foot mechanics or an existing toe deformity that causes one toe to rub against its neighbor.
How to treat a corn
If your corns don’t bother you, then you don’t have to treat them, and they’re not harmful. However, if you’re unhappy with the way corns make your feet look or they’re irritated and causing you pain, there are steps you can take to reduce or eliminate them:
- Take away the source of pressure. Try wearing shoes with a wider toe box. Or, ask us about custom orthotics to fix biomechanical problems that may be causing friction against your toes.
- Soak your toes in warm, soapy water. After they soften a bit, use a pumice stone or foot file to rub away the hardened skin gently.
- Make an appointment with Kenneth R. Wilhelm, a board-certified podiatrist in Fairfax County, Virginia. Dr. Wilhelm can fit you with foam pads or orthotics that reduce pressure on your corn. He will discuss other ways to reduce the pain of corns safely.
For expert medical advice about corns and all other ailments of the feet and ankles, contact Clifton Foot & Ankle Center at (703) 996-3000 or contact our Centreville office online.
