Corns seem like a massive issue, but they’re common and treatable. Although they can go undetected, infected corn becomes a bigger problem in the long run. While that can be solved with corn removal surgery, you need to know more. Here are the signs and symptoms of infected corn on the bottom of the foot and how to treat it.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Infected Corn on the Bottom of Foot?
Corns are areas of hardened and thickened skin caused by buildup, friction, or irritation. They can often appear on the hands and fingers, but they’re most commonly found on the feet, especially around or on the toes.
The shape of corn is round; they’re not too big, but if left untreated, there’s a chance of spreading. Corns come in three types:
- Seed corns – small and usually found on the bottom of the feet,
- Soft corns – more elastic in texture and typically appear between the toes,
- Hard corns – dense and larger than the other two types; they’re typically found on top of toes or areas where the bone presses the skin more often.
Who Is More Likely to Get Corns?
People who wear tight and ill-fitting shoes have a greater risk of developing corn on their feet. Similarly, people on their feet all day, usually for work, tend to get foot corn and even on their hands.
Are Corns Painful?
Corns are typically painful, but the pain shouldn’t be numbing. The main reason they hurt is that they form on areas where the toes or feet come in contact with shoes.
If the pain is mild but persistently present, that’s normal. However, if the pain becomes unbearable and the shoes impossible to wear, this could be a sign of infection.
What Are the Complications of Having Corns?
If a person gets untreated corn, the issue could double in size and severity. An infection is likely the next step in the process, and infected corn causes extreme pain and walking issues. This is when corn removal surgery is recommended.
How to Treat Infected Corn on the Bottom of the Foot?
When you have corn, surgery isn’t always the first solution; it’s not the only solution, either. Minimally invasive surgery is typically the final step after non-surgical treatment methods fail.
There are numerous ways to treat corn, but you can read about the three most popular and low-effort methods.
Soak Feet and Water and File Away the Corn
Soaking the feet helps to soften the skin. The tissue around and on the corn will soften after five to ten minutes.
For filing, you can use a pumice stone or an emery board. When the skin becomes soft, simply rub the filing tool of choice on the corn to remove dead tissue.
Don’t remove too much of the skin because overdoing it can cause bleeding and worsen the infection.
Change Shoes
If you can’t afford to sit at home while your corn heals, change your shoes. If work demands wearing uncomfortable footwear, try to find the best possible alternative that provides more space for the feet and comfort.
Start Using Moisturizer
Moisturizers that contain urea, salicylic acid, and ammonium lactate are ideal for putting on corn daily. It’s easy to forget this, but try to soak your feet and moisturize them every night or at least four times a week.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
If the corn starts to hurt and burn so much that you can’t bear it anymore, it’s time to seek medical help. It’s recommended to see an expert when you first see corn, but you don’t need to complicate the situation if they don’t hurt. In case of severe pain, however, see a physician immediately.
Consult Your Doctor in Miami and Schedule Corn Removal Operation
If your corn problems persist and you need a cosmetic surgeon in Miami, contact Luxe Foot Surgery. Our surgeons are highly skilled and professional. They can explain any persisting issues and provide information on corn surgery costs.
Contact us via a form on the website, or make an appointment by phone. Our office hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM every weekday. For any other inquiries, we’re also available via email.
Resources
- Healthmark Foot and Ankle. (n.d.). A Corn Can Have Severe Complications If Not Treated Quickly. [online] Available at: https://www.healthmarkfootandankle.com/library/a-corn-can-have-severe-complications-if-not-treated-quickly.cfm [Accessed 10 Feb 2023].
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Corns and calluses – Symptoms and causes. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/symptoms-causes/syc-20355946 [Accessed 10 Feb 2023].
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Corns and Calluses. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16896-corns-and-calluses [Accessed 10 Feb 2023].
