Image via popsugar.com
A corn is a skin condition that is caused by excess pressure and friction on discrete areas of the foot. There are different types of corns but the most common is the hard corn. These usually form on the plantar metatarsal heads (ball of the foot) and on the tops of the toes. A hard keratin plug develops and in some cases can be quite deep. This causes pressure on the surrounding tissues and consequently pain. Not to be mistaken for bursitis, the corn has hardened keratin as the cause of pain as opposed to an inflamed bursa. Worst of all, corns can stop you wearing your favourite shoes….. So how to avoid them?
We have treated countless women over the years that have hobbled into our practice for treatment of these nasty lesions – they not only look unsightly but can be really painful. So what is the most common cause? Yes let’s all sing it together – SHOES
Corn on the top of the right 2nd toe
Here’s what we suggest for treatment –
- Seek treatment from a podiatrist who will expertly remove the lesion with the least amount of discomfort and damage to the surrounding tissue. This will give you immediate relief! They will also explain the causes of the lesion which is necessary for treatment.
- Avoid the use of over the counter corn pads. These pads contain acids in them that cause a chemical burn of the hard skin and the surrounding good tissue. They often make the lesion worse and can cause ulceration.
- Find the culprit pair of shoes! There is often one pair that either has rough stitching over the area or are too narrow for your foot.
So get to work on these little lesions before they make your shoe choices limited. There are a lot of mules and sandals coming up this season and they don’t call for a corn as an accessory!
Until next time,
E&E
