Corns

Most commonly forming on the toes, corns can cause considerable pain, especially when walking or running. Joseph Hall, DPM and  Leigh Hall, BSN, RN, CFCS provide treatment methods to alleviate the pain of corns and prevent them from recurring. To schedule an appointment call  Dr. Joseph Hall, DPM (Foot and Ankle Specialist) or our foot care nurse Leigh Hall, RN, CFCS (Certified Foot Care Specialist) at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic in Mill Creek, WA or request one online today. 

What are corns?

Like calluses, corns are hardened areas of tough, dead skin that form on areas of the toes or feet as a result of friction or uneven pressure. Unlike calluses, corns have a “core” of sensitive living tissue at the center that usually appears lighter than the surrounding dead tissue.

Why do corns develop:

• wearing shoes that don’t fit properly 
• wearing high heels on a regular basis
• with certain types of foot shapes or gait patterns.

How are corns treated?

Very mild corns in their early stages may be treated with frequent soaking to keep the skin soft, followed by the application of moleskin to prevent friction. Wearing shoes that fit properly is also essential.

More severe or thicker corns can be trimmed and the core removed by Dr. Hall or Leigh, RN, CFCS. When needed, injections of cortisone can be used to relieve significant pain and inflammation.

Custom 3D printed prescription orthotics can be used to prevent corns from recurring by relieving pressure points. In some cases, such as when a corn is caused by a bunion or other underlying issue, surgery may be needed to correct the problem and prevent corns from developing.

What can I do to prevent corns?

Often, corns can be prevented by choosing shoes that fit properly, especially in the toe area where tight, restrictive shoes can cause toes to rub against the shoe or each other. Shoes that don’t provide adequate arch support can also result in friction, usually in the ball area of the foot located below the base of the toes.

One of the best ways to prevent corns from developing and becoming symptomatic is to see the team at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic at the first sign of corn formation, including tenderness or hard tissue formation. 

When your foot shape makes it difficult to find footwear that fits properly, custom 3D printed prescription orthotics can be useful in providing adequate support that distributes pressure evenly. Over-the-counter remedies and at-home trimming should be avoided since these activities can damage the surrounding tissue and cause dangerous infections.

If you have bothersome corns, call Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic to schedule an appointment or request one online today.