Foot corns can interfere with a person’s everyday life by causing discomfort and pain. Luckily, they can be easily treated as long as you’re aware of the anatomy of a corn on the foot and the reason why they develop. Before deciding on the right type of treatment (in-home methods or corn removal surgery), make sure you learn all there is to know about this foot condition.
Anatomy of a Corn on the Foot – What Are They?
Corns are small surfaces of hardened skin, and they come with a core or the center, which represents the thick knot of skin where it experiences the highest friction. The core is surrounded by swollen, dry skin. Corns can form on the upper surfaces of your toes (hard corns), between the toes (soft corns), and on the soles of your foot (seed corns)
How Are Corns Formed?
Although sometimes painful and inconvenient, corns are actually formed as a protective barrier. They occur when the skin tries to protect itself from the constant irritation, pressure, and friction by thickening. However, sometimes it can do more harm than good, leaving the person who has them with discomfort and pain during activities such as walking or exercising.
What Are the Main Reasons the Corns Are Formed and Developed?
There are multiple common reasons corns occur on foot, such as:
- Weaning too tight or too loose shoes – ill-fitting shoes are the most frequent reasons people get corns,
- Weaning shoes without socks – socks are a much-needed barrier between your skin and the shoe, without which corns can form,
- Genetics – corns can also be a hereditary foot condition, especially when it comes to seed corns,
- Other foot deformities – foot conditions such as hammer toe or bunions can also be the cause of corn development.
How to Know You Have a Corn on Your Foot?
You only need to perform a simple inspection of your feet to determine if corns have formed – you’ll be able to see small patches of thickened skin or a raised, hardened bump. Keep in mind that corns are not the same as calluses – they are usually deeper, much smaller, and occur in different places.
What Is the Best Treatment for a Corn on the Foot?
The best treatment for a foot corn depends on the results you wish to achieve, the time you have, as well as your current medical condition. Take a look at the examples below to see some of the most common treatment possibilities.
There Is a Home Treatment Option
If you don’t wish to undergo corn removal surgery, you can try home treatment. It includes soaking your feet in warm water, trimming the corns with a pumice stone, and applying a moisturizing foot product that will soften and hydrate your skin. You need to do it daily, which will allow you to see the result within a few weeks.
You Can Also Consult With a Medic
People who experience severe pain caused by corns or those who wish to get rid of them as soon as possible may see corn removal surgery as the best option. On the other hand, remember that if you have poor blood flow, diabetes, and other medical conditions, they increase the possibility of infection. In that case, removing the corn should be done only by a medical professional.
Schedule the Procedure With Your Surgeon in Miami and Get Rid of the Corn
If you decide that a surgical procedure is the best option for removing corns, you’ll need to contact the experts in this field. Our team at Luxe Foot Surgery is there to get you familiar with the procedure itself and inform you about everything you need to know – from the cost of the surgery to the recovery process. Contact us as soon as possible through the phone or an online form, and book your free consultation.
FAQ
Do Corns Have a Hole in the Middle?
In the middle of the corn is a core, which represents the thickest part of the skin. Once it is surgically removed, you’ll be left with a small hole in your foot.
How Do You Get Rid of Deep Root Corns?
Deep corn removal can be successful with the help of home treatment options. However, a surgical procedure usually represents a much more efficient way of getting rid of corns.
Do Foot Corns Have a Core?
Yes, foot corns have a core. It’s the center of the corn and part of the skin that suffers the most pressure of friction.
What Is Inside a Corn on the Foot?
There is nothing inside of corn on foot. The hardened part you’ll be able to see and touch is simply dense thickened skin.
References
- Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Corns and Calluses. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/calluses-and-corns
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Corns and Calluses. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/symptoms-causes/syc-20355946
