A corn is a callus that develops on the toe when two bones create pressure by being pushed together for long periods of time. This can happen while people are at work or on their feet for long durations where their feet carry the brunt of their body weight. If you want to learn how to prevent corns on feet, read on.
There are two types of corns that can develop: the hard corn and the soft corn. The hard corn is tough, callused skin found on top or on the side of the little toe. On the soft corn, the skin is more tender, resulting in a corn that looks more like a sore than the hard corn. The soft corn will usually be found in between the toes, where they rub together during the course of the day.
Corns can be recognized by the yellowish skin that surrounds the center of the skin mass.
How to Prevent Corns on Feet
Corns can be caused by several factors, including abrasion between the shoe and the toe caused by deformities in the toe, such as in the case of those with hammer toes or claw toes. Corns can be caused by shoes that are too small, that squeeze the foot, creating added pressure, or that are too large because loose shoes cause friction when the foot slides.
Other causes in the development of corns are toes rubbing against a small protrusion in the shoe, such as a stitch or seam or wearing socks that don’t fit well. High heels may also cause corns due to the pressure they put on the toes.
To prevent corns on feet, a person should wear shoes and socks that fit well, especially if the person has a deformed toe. The shoe should also be free of annoying protrusions that can cause the skin to callus, and soft, supportive flats should be worn whenever possible.
The Treatment of Corns
Corns can be treated at home by placing a round foam pad with a hole in the middle on the corn before putting on socks and shoes. They can also be treated by using lamb’s wool as a buffer between the toes instead of the foam pad. People have also found relief with hot soaks and pumice stones.
Finally, if the home treatments do not provide relief, people are urged to contact a podiatrist, such as those at Michigan Podiatry, for the removal of corns and calluses.
