We all know about corn on the cob, but what do we know about corn on the foot? And how did it get its name? Well, we can probably thank the Roman doctor Aulus Cornelius Celsus (25BC-50AD) for the corny coining of what is also known as “heloma”.
In this edition of “Foot Facts” we will dive into all things corn, from the ailment to prevention.
What Are Corns?
According to the Mayo Clinic, corns are smaller and deeper than calluses, and have a hard center surrounded by swollen skin. If you have experienced a corn, you know it can be painful when pressed. Hard corns often form on the top of the toes, the outer edge of the small toe, and the bottom of the foot.
What Causes Corns?
Corns and calluses are caused by friction and pressure from repeated actions. Some sources of this friction and pressure include:
– Wearing ill-fitting shoes and socks. Tight shoes and high heels can squeeze areas of the feet. If your shoes are loose, your foot may repeatedly slide and rub against the shoe. Your foot may also rub against a seam or stitch inside the shoe. Socks that don’t fit right can also be a problem.
– Skipping socks. Wearing shoes and sandals without socks can cause friction on your feet.
– Inheriting a tendency to develop corns. The type of corn that forms on non-weight-bearing areas, such as the soles, might be caused by genetics.
If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet, you’re at greater risk of complications from corns and calluses.
When Should You See a Doctor About Your Corns?
First, once diagnosed as a corn, we try soaking and shaving off the top unhealthy tissue periodically. However, in some cases the pain and inflammation may still reach an unbearable stage. When this occurs we may need to surgically remove the corn.
Caution: if you have diabetes or poor blood flow, seek medical care before self-treating a corn or callus. This is important because even a minor injury to your foot can lead to an infected open sore(ulcer).
These approaches may help you prevent corns and calluses:
Wear shoes that give your toes plenty of room. If you can’t wiggle your toes, your shoes are too tight. Have a shoe shop stretch your shoes at any point that rubs or pinches. Shop for shoes when your feet are most swollen, usually at the end of the day. If you use orthotics and inserts, be sure to have them on while fitting your shoes at the store.
Use protective coverings. This might include felt pads, nonmedicated corn pads or bandages over areas that rub against your footwear. You can also try toe separators or some lamb’s wool between your toes.
A patient of ours tried all the preventive measures but still needed the corn excised to stop the pain. If curious, you can see a photo of the extraction and the corn on our Facebook: Harbor Foot & Ankle Clinic.
At Harbor Foot and Ankle we are happy to perform an exam and offer a treatment plan that best suits your specific needs. Call (360) 533-7388 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sheikhizadeh today.