Small Corn on the Foot: How to Prevent and Treat Corns on the Feet

Updated on: February 11, 2023

Foot corns are small patches of hardened skin that can form in different areas of the feet. Luckily, a small corn on the foot can be easily treated. While some conditions can be improved with non-invasive methods, more severe ones demand a simple corn removal surgery. If you wish to learn how to treat foot corns properly or even prevent them from occurring, just read on.

What Causes a Small Corn on a Foot?

Most of the corn is formed due to the pressure and friction that can come from different sources. This condition usually occurs when a person wears ill-fitted shoes or socks. For example, high-heeled footwear and tight shoes often squeeze certain parts of the feet, which can result in the corn being formed. On the other hand, shoes that are too loose may cause the foot to rub against the shoe repeatedly and produce the same result – as can wearing shoes and sandals barefoot, without any barrier.

Still, keep in mind that some people can genetically inherit a tendency for corn development. For instance, seed foot corns (those that occur on the soles of your feet) may be hereditary.

How Can You Prevent a Small Corn on the Foot?

Seed, hard, or soft corns can all be prevented with the right care, which usually involves wearing appropriate shoes as well as protecting sensitive skin. Here are some tips you should consider following.

Invest in Footwear

Since ill-fitting shoes are the most common reason corns occur, you need to make sure all your footwear is properly fitting – both width and length-wise. It would be best to choose shoes that are not too tight and allow some additional space (around half an inch) between the shoe front and your big toe. Additionally, when you go shoe shopping, choose later hours of the day because that’s the time feet tend to be most swollen.

It’s also advisable to lower heel height as much as possible – high heels and shoes with sharply pointed toes should be avoided. In the end, make sure you replace (or repair) your shoes regularly. Worn soles and heals won’t provide the necessary protection from walking or exercising on hard surfaces and will add pressure to your heel bone.

Keep in mind that corn can also be caused by a certain type of foot deformity, such as hammer toe or bunions. So that wouldn’t happen, it would be best to contact the medical experts that can help you deal with them.

Use Protective Coverings

Wear socks with your shoes as much as possible, and make sure they are snug enough. And consider getting custom-made padded or cushioned insoles. In addition, avoid walking barefoot – you need some type of protection between the soles of your feet and the hard surface. If your feet tend to sweat a lot, use foot powder regularly to keep them dry.

How to Treat a Small Corn on the Foot?

Fortunately, you’ll be able to treat most corn conditions on your own. Just remember that you can’t simply shave or cut the corn – removing it is a process that takes time. If you are prone to infection, have poor circulation, or have diabetes, avoid treating this condition by yourself altogether and make sure to visit your doctor.

Reduce Thickened Skin

Soak your feet for up to ten minutes in warm water. After your skin has softened, move a wet emery board or pumice stone across the corn in one direction in order to remove the dead tissue. Be careful not to remove too much of your skin and cause bleeding and infection.

Apply a Moisturizer

After your feet are dry, make sure you use moisturizing lotion or cream on your corn and the dead skin surrounding it – do this daily. It’s best to go with products that contain ammonium lactate, urea, or salicylic acid.

If you have painful corns, use a cold pack to reduce the swelling and pain, but for no more than ten to twenty minutes at a time.

Consult Your Surgeon in Miami About Surgical Procedure

Sometimes DIY treatments won’t provide you with the wanted results – and that’s when you should consult medical professionals. Our team at Luxe Foot Surgery will provide you with a free consultation and go through all your questions so that you can become completely prepared for the corn removal procedure. Contact us over the phone or through an online form – and book your appointment.

FAQ

Can I Pull Out a Corn on My Foot?

Cutting a corn can lead to severe infection if not performed by a medical expert. Getting corn removal surgery or trying some of the non-invasive corn removal techniques is a much better choice.

What Happens if a Corn Is Not Removed?

If a corn is not removed or treated properly, it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort and even lead to dangerous infections.

Does Removing a Corn Leave a Hole?

During the deep corn removal surgery, the doctor will cut out the center of the corn. This removal will most likely leave a barely visible hole in the place where the corn’s center once was.