Corns - Podiatry Corner

Unlike Calluses, Corns tend to be painful and are caused by a dense thickening of centralised dead skin. A Corn is typically caused by excessive pressure (such as ill-fitting shoes: too tight/too narrow) and may develop between toes, on the top surface of toes, under the soles of the feet or in any areas where poor alignment is met with pressure. People with abnormal bone structure, some forms of arthritis and lesser toe deformities (hammer toes, claw toes etc) are prone to developing Corns.

There are four main types of Corns, each of which will present differently depending on their location: Seed Corns, Hard Corns, Soft Corns and Neurovascular Corns. Neurovascular Corns may be especially painful as they contain nerve fibres & blood vessels. They tend to be especially deep and chronic in nature.

Podiatrists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of corns. Corns are best treated by eliminating or offloading pressure. This may be a change in footwear, off-loading innersoles, orthotics or custom pads. Podiatrists are trained professionals and well adept at painlessly debriding (removing) Corns. 

Comfort Co. Breakdown

Corns are painful thickened skin formed from pressure, often due to ill-fitting shoes. Common on toes and soles, they affect those with toe deformities most. There are 4 types, with Neurovascular Corns being the most painful. Podiatrists treat Corns by relieving pressure and safely removing them.

Comfort Co. Treatments

Footwear

• Cushioned shoes with a wide toe box: You want to look for shoes that provide enough room for your toes and have soft cushioning help reduce pressure on the corn. Anything in the Anodyne range would be perfect for this. Or brands like Vitasole & Scholl, which focus on foot health and comfort would be a good place to start.
  
• Orthopedic or arch support sandals: All Sandals within The Comfort Co are designed for keeping feet properly aligned. This will reduce friction on areas prone to corns.
  
• Padding and shock-absorbing insoles: A good quality pair of Insoles will help redistribute weight evenly across the foot.
  

Footcare Products

Moisturizers and pumice stones: Keeping the skin soft and hydrated can prevent corns from forming or worsening. Look for foot creams with urea, like Callusan to deeply hydrate, and use a pumice stone to gently reduce hardened skin.