Are corns on the toes painful? This surely is a question you’re asking yourself if noticing some thick skin on certain parts of your foot. If that’s the case, let’s go over potential ways you can alleviate the symptoms as soon as possible besides undergoing corn removal surgery.
Are Corns on the Toes Painful? – What Should You Know About This Condition?
Corns might not seem like a major health concern at first, and yet, even a minor corn can cause a great deal of discomfort and make it difficult to go about your daily activities. Corns may spread and become more painful if the underlying cause isn’t addressed. Infection can develop, too. As a result, it can be difficult and painful to walk. It’s possible you’ll need to see a doctor or even have surgery.
Are There Different Severities of Pain?
Pain from a corn is subjective. When developing, some may not initially cause any discomfort. But, tenderness or sensitivity to touch could characterize the skin’s raised areas, especially those afflicted by large corns.
When pressed, they might cause some discomfort. It’s common for corns to develop on the tops of the toes and the sides of the small toes. Corns between the toes, also known as soft corns, are a common foot problem. Also, when a corn becomes infected, the pain or discomfort it causes is almost guaranteed.
What Can Affect the Pain of Corns on the Toes?
Corns develop when skin is repeatedly exposed to pressure and friction. The following are some potential causes of such friction and pressure:
- Putting on shoes and socks that don’t fit. Some parts of the foot may experience discomfort when wearing shoes that are too tight or have a high heel.
- Wearing footwear without socks can sometimes stimulate painful corns.
- A genetic predisposition to corn formation. Corns of the non-weight-bearing variety, like those found on the palms and soles (keratosis punctata), may have a genetic basis.
- Foot deformities that affect the structure or function, like hammertoes, tailor’s bunions, and congenital deformities, can have a significant impact on daily life.
- Long periods of standing, jogging, or walking. Involvement in activities, such as sports or manual labor, that put stress on the feet can cause painful corns.
Is the Location and Size of the Corn Important?
Corns typically develop near the joint where the toes meet on the top of the foot. Corns can range in severity from barely noticeable thickened skin to a painful, hard, or soft bump. They typically appear on the top of buckling toe joints, known as hammer toes. Corns on the toes’ tips are a common result of toes that curl inward.
Big and small corns can be formed on the bottom of your foot, too – the position doesn’t actually matter because they grow on the particular spots of your foot and become painful by simply standing on that foot.
What Are the Treatments for Corns on the Toes?
The corn should be treated based on the symptoms and the underlying cause. Most cases of corns respond just well to having the excess skin cut away, but be sure to do this home treatment properly. So, check some of the following steps on how to get rid of corns:
- Soak your foot in warm water until the skin softens (about five to ten minutes),
- Wet an emery board or pumice stone,
- Gently go over the corn with an emery board or your pumice stone,
- Ensure your moves go in the same direction,
- Be careful and don’t remove too much skin to avoid bleeding and infection,
- Apply your moisturizer every day, and consider wearing corn protectors.
When Should You Consult With Your Doctor?
You should visit a doctor if you notice that the corn has become extremely tender or inflamed. While you might have heard that many people tried to treat this condition on their own, it’s best not to do it on your own, especially if you have poor blood flow or diabetes. Even a minor foot injury can result in an infected open sore, known as an ulcer, and that is something you certainly want to avoid.
Schedule a Visit to Your Doctor in Miami and Get Rid of Painful Corns
In case there are some complications for your corn condition, it’s best to visit your trustworthy doctor and take care of it. Luxe Foot Surgery is the right choice for you – our experienced surgeons will take care of your foot in the best way possible and in no time. So, make sure you contact us as soon as possible and get your free consultation.
References
- Mayo Clinic. Corns and Calluses. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/symptoms-causes/syc-20355946. Published August 13, 2021. Accessed March 28, 2023.
- Health Mark Foot and Ankle. Corns: When Pesky Becomes Painful. Health Mark Foot and Ankle. http://healthmarkfootandankle.com/practice_areas/corns-when-pesky-becomes-painful.cfm. Accessed March 28, 2023.
- Cleveland Clinic. Corn and Calluses. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16896-corns-and-calluses. Updated October 21, 2020. Accessed March 28, 2023.
