Symptoms

A corn is a small area of skin which has become thickened due to pressure on it. A corn is roughly round in shape, but has a deep hard center. Corns press into the deeper layers of skin and can be painful.

• Hard corns commonly occur on the top of the smaller toes or on the outer side of the little toe. These are the areas where poorly fitted shoes tend to rub most.
• Soft corns sometimes form in between the toes, most commonly between the fourth and fifth toes. These are softer because the sweat between the toes keeps them moist. Soft corns can sometimes become infected
• Seed corns are associated with dry skin (anhidrosis). They usually appear in multiples, on the first and second metatarsal on the sole of the foot
• Subungual corns (corns under the nails)
• Neurovascular corns have both nerves and blood vessels in them; these can be difficult to treat as they bleed.

Causes

Corns are a thickening of skin on the feet that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure or friction (rubbing) on the skin. The common causes of rubbing and pressure are due to tight or ill-fitting shoes which tend to cause corns on the top of the toes and side of the little toe. Corns are more likely to develop if you have very prominent bony toes, thin skin, or any deformities of the toes or feet which cause the skin to rub more easily inside shoes.

Treatment

Successful management requires removal of the cause followed by treatment aimed at reducing pain and restoring normal skin function. The Professionals at FHP Group will reduce callus and enucleate (remove) the corn with a scalpel to reduce pain, pads may be advised to alleviate further friction and reduce pain. A review and suggestion of supporting products may be suggested to help absorb shear pressure, and or orthotic wear. It may be necessary to change shoes if they are not suitable for example; a smooth inside to footwear and well-fitting shoes may avoid some of the associated problems. 6-8 week appointments may be necessary to monitor and control the situation.