Understanding the Factors That Contribute to Corn Formation
Foot corns and calluses are thickened layers of skin that most commonly develop on the main pressure points of the foot, especially on the bottom. If you’re dealing with this condition, you’re probably wondering about the main corn on the bottom of the foot causes. Here’s everything you need to know in order to understand the main factors that contribute to the development of foot corn.
How Are Corns on the Bottom of the Foot Diagnosed?
It’s very easy to diagnose corns and calluses because a simple visual exam is most commonly all that is needed. Also, only severe cases need corn removal surgery immediately. Your chosen specialist might ask you about your work or lifestyle and if it entails long periods of standing or walking, as well as what kind of shoes you wear and if you take good care of your feet. There are three types of foot corn – you can have a hard, soft, or seed corn, with the last one usually forming at the bottom of your foot.
What Are the Main Corn on the Bottom of the Foot Causes?
Foot corn forms if there’s continuous irritation and friction against certain parts of the foot, especially on the bottom or around the toes. But, before we get to the main causes of corn developing on the bottom of your foot, here are a few things you can do to minimize your chances of it forming in the first place:
- Wear comfortable shoes that are the right fit for you,
- Avoid wearing narrow-pointed dress shoes or high heels if you can,
- Always wear socks with shoes,
- Avoid walking barefoot,
- Use shoe inserts, especially if you’re dealing with abnormal feet structure.
Wrong Footwear Can Cause Corns
If you’re wearing a pair of ill-fitting shoes for long periods of time, the unpleasant friction and pressure can easily cause a foot corn to develop. It goes either way – your shoes might be too tight or too loose, and all of that additional friction will result in foot corn sooner or later. So, it’s important to always wear comfortable shoes, especially when you’re taking part in sports activities or dealing with having to stand or walk for hours.
Excessive Pronation of the Foot Is Also a Factor
Obviously, the way you walk will influence what parts of your foot receive the most pressure. Pronation refers to that – it’s the way the foot rolls inward for impact distribution upon hitting the ground. It’s a natural movement of the human body, but each person walks in a different way. So, if there’s any improper posture or abnormal walking tendency, it can be the main reason why you develop foot corn on the bottom of your feet.
High Arches Can Cause Corns
High-arched or cavus feet refer to a disorder that entails an abnormally high arch in the foot, as the name implies. It can develop at any point in your life, but it’s usually genetic. This condition causes additional amounts of weight to be focused on the ball and the heel of the foot, which can consequently cause the forming of foot corns. There are several treatments for cavus feet available, such as orthotics, physical therapy, and surgery.
Long-Standing Is Also a Factor
We’ve mentioned it already, but if you’re standing for a long time or frequently taking part in an activity that puts constant pressure on the bottom of your feet, you are more likely to end up with foot corn.
Bony Prominences May Also Cause Corns
If you’re already dealing with a medical condition that influences the bones of your feet to be abnormally aligned, there could be a lot of added irritation on the main pressure points of your feet. This includes arthritis, bunions of the big toe, bone spurs, or hammertoe deformities. If that’s the case, it’s essential to use silicon or pressure-relieving pads or any other shoe inserts your specialist might recommend.
When Should You Consult Your Doctor About Corns?
Foot corns on the bottom of your feet are easily treated, but if it’s not done right, it can eventually grow larger in size and cause a lot of pain. If you know the main causes and work towards minimizing the friction, chances are you will get rid of your foot corn easily.
However, if you keep having problems, or worse yet – if you’re experiencing intense pain, reddening, or discharge from the corn, it’s important to consult a specialist and talk about potentially undergoing a corn removal procedure.
Schedule a Procedure With Your Surgeon in Miami and Get Rid of Corns
If you’re having problems with the corn on the bottom of your foot, the experienced doctors at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic in Miami can help you with every step of the way, from the surgery insurance to dealing with pain after the procedure is done. All the necessary information is on our website, so contact us and schedule your free appointment.
FAQ
How Do You Get Rid of Corns Permanently?
There are a few treatment options available for getting rid of a foot corn, from carefully trimming it down with a pumice stone to consulting a specialist for a surgical procedure.
Can You Pull a Corn Out of Your Foot?
Pulling a corn out of your foot by yourself is not recommended, as it can lead to further complications if not done safely. It’s best to talk to a specialist about getting rid of the foot corn.
Do Corns Go Away on Their Own?
If the irritation that caused it to develop disappears, a foot corn can go away on its own. However, there are several treatment options that can speed up this process.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Corns and Calluses. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16896-corns-and-calluses [Accessed 10 Feb 2023].
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Corns and Calluses. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/symptoms-causes/syc-20355946 [Accessed 10 Feb 2023].
- Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. (n.d.). Corns and Calluses. [online] Available at: https://www.afacc.net/foot-problems/corns-calluses/ [Accessed 10 Feb 2023].
- Healthline. (n.d.). How to Identify and Treat Seed Corns on Feet. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/seed-corn-on-foot [Accessed 10 Feb 2023].
- WebMD. (n.d.). Understanding Corns and Calluses – the Basics. [online] Available at: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-corns-calluses-basics [Accessed 10 Feb 2023].
