Seed corns are small foot corns that develop due to excessive friction and pressure imposed on the skin. They are usually associated with dry skin, and they appear as collections of small corns that are dry, stiff, and bumpy and look like seeds. They appear on the sole and ball of the foot, but you can see seed corn on the bottom of the big toe too. They are often painful and uncomfortable, but they can easily be treated at home, even though, in some cases, only corn removal surgery can help.
What Are Some Common Areas for Seed Corns to Develop on the Foot?
Seed corns are usually located on the ball and soles of the feet. But they can appear on the bottom of the big toe as well as on the heel. Seed corns are easily confused with the plantar wart, as they appear on similar areas of the foot. However, seed corns have a pale yellow appearance, while plantar warts are gray or white, with tiny dark dots. Also, seed corns almost always have dry skin on top of them.
Is It Common for Seed Corns to Develop on the Bottom of the Big Toe?
In essence, seed corns can appear anywhere on the feet, but they are typically found on the soles and ball of the foot. Sometimes they can appear on the bottom of a big toe. It all depends on what kind of shoes you wear and whether you wear heels often.
What Causes Seed Corns on the Bottom of the Big Toe
Seed corns appear on the area of the foot that is most vulnerable to friction and pressure. They develop as the skin responds to constant rubbing. In most cases, seed corn appears on the bottom of the big toe with people that wear high heels and ill-fitting shoes often. Furthermore, some foot conditions, such as hammertoe or bunions, can lead to the formation of foot corns. So if you have any of these conditions, consult with your doctors about bunion surgeries you can undergo to prevent the development of other problems like corns.
What Are Symptoms of Seed Corns on the Bottom of the Big Toe
To diagnose whether you have seed corns, no tests are needed – a simple visual examination by your doctor is all that is necessary. Here are some of the common symptoms of seed corns.
Pain and Discomfort
In most cases, as the seed corn forms, you will not feel any pain, but in time as the skin gets thicker, pain and discomfort will appear when pressure is put on it and while walking.
Inflammation and Redness
Like any type of corn, seed corn can also be infected, which can lead to inflammation and redness. If this happens, the best is to seek medical attention.
Formation of Hard, Thick Skin
One of the first signs of seed corns is the formation of hard and thick skin. Seed corns appear as raised and hardened bumps of the skin. They are small and shallow but often come as a formation.
When to See Your Foot Doctor?
If you have diabetes or any heart condition or problems with circulation, seed corns are likely to develop infection and must be treated by a doctor. Also, if your seed corn discharges clear fluid or pus, it means the corn is infected, and urgent medical attention is needed.
Consult Your Miami Surgeon About Seed Corns on the Bottom of the Big Toe
If you have developed any kind of painful and uncomfortable condition on your feet that won’t go away, consult with your doctor in Miami. Our team at Luxe Foot Surgery can book you an appointment to examine the seed corns and give you advice on your next steps. You can contact us from Monday to Friday and get an appointment as soon as possible.
References
- DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. (n.d.). Seed Cord. Retrieved from https://denielfootandanklecenter.com/seed-cord/
- Feet First Clinic. (n.d.). All About Corns. Retrieved from https://feetfirstclinic.com/blog/all-about-corns/
- Havard, G. (n.d.). Seed Corn on Foot. Retrieved from https://www.cwmtafpodiatry.co.uk/blog/seed-corn-on-foot
- Family Podiatry of Maryland. (2019, April). What is a Corn? What is a Callus? Retrieved from https://familypodiatryofmd.com/2019/04/what-is-a-corn-what-is-a-callus/
