Treatment for Corns

What are corns?

Corns are thick layers of dead skin that result on the tops of the toe joints from repeated pressure and friction against the shoe. The chronic rubbing causes the corns to develop, and even a small fluid filled sac can form between the bone and the skin. This sac is the body’s response to the constant friction as it attempts to cushion the bone.

Corns are smaller than calluses and form on the tops of the toes. They usually have a harder center surrounded by inflamed skin. They typically develop on parts of your feet that don’t bear weight and can even develop between your toes.

What causes corns?

Pressure and friction cause corns to develop. Skipping socks and wearing shoes that are too tight, especially high heels that push your foot forward into a cramped pointy toe box; are the most common reasons for corns to develop.

What is the treatment for corns?

Usually, skipping the shoes that make your toes feel cramped and painful is enough to avoid corns or prevent them from getting bigger.

However, if you don’t want to toss your favorite shoes there are several options for padding the corns and reducing the pain. However, if you cannot find relief from these options medical treatments will include: trimming down thickened skin during an office visit; antibiotic medication; shoe inserts; x-rays, and perhaps surgery.

Healthy individuals only need treatment for corns that cause discomfort. For most people, it is usually enough just to eliminate the source of friction or pressure, which makes corns disappear.