Corns
Description
It may come as no surprise to you to learn that corns on the feet get their
name because of their resemblance to kernels of corn (kernels that have
somehow landed and gotten stuck on your toes). (Any who think that corns
actually resemble Napoleon Bonaparte have got more serious issues than odd
bumps on their feet.)
Corns, like calluses, are caused by pressure on the skin, usually from too-
tight shoes, foot deformities, or abnormal ways of walking. For instance,
say you wear shoes that have such a tight toe box that in order to get in
them, you have to bind your toes together with masking tape. These shoes
then rub on your toes, or make your toes rub against each other. Your skin
doesn’t enjoy the sensation, so it grows some extra protective layering to
defend itself. And, hey presto, you’ve got a corn! Similarly, foot
deformities such as hammertoes (not at all related to rapping, in case you
were wondering), in which the toes become semi-permanently or permanently
scrunched and bent, make parts of the foot like the tops of your toes
raised, which then rub against the inside of shoes, resulting in corns.
Other causes may include bone spurs or other abnormalities, or an unusual
way of walking.
Corns can become quite painful, particularly if the area continues to be
exposed to pressure. Eventually, the body may decide that the corn is a
foreign invader, and begin to attack it. Corns may become infected,
inflamed, irritated, and in general get in a bad mood. Fortunately, they’re
usually not too difficult to treat.
Symptoms
In general, corns usually appear with thickened and sometimes horny skin,
and may be dry and scaly, or in the case of soft corns (they form between
the toes, usually the fourth and fifth) might be white and moist. Unlike
calluses, which tend to be rather diffuse thickenings of the skin, corns
usually have distinct edges with a central hardened core. That core can
have a point that digs downward into the skin, making it quite painful
(kind of like having a thumbtack that’s stuck between your shoe and your
toe). Corns may resemble kernels of corn in shape, although not always.
(Watch out for random wandering hens, which might mistake your corn for
breakfast.)
Diagnosis
In general, your podiatrist should be able to diagnose a corn by performing
a simple examination of your foot. He or she will likely take a good look
at your affected skin, and may touch your foot to determine if there’s any
discomfort or tenderness at the spot. (It’s possible that he or she will
also perform some arcane and ancient corn-discovering ritual involving blue
smoke and firecrackers, although that’s highly unlikely.)
Treatment
The best way to treat corns is to remove whatever is causing the unusual
pressure on your foot. If your shoes are to blame, your podiatrist will
probably recommend that you make a change in the way you are shod. You’ll
want to get shoes with toe boxes that accommodate all your toes
comfortably, with a little bit of wiggle room left over. If you have a
condition such as hammertoes or bone spurs, your doctor will need to treat
the underlying condition as well as the corns. This may include wearing
orthotics (prescription shoe inserts), managing inflammation (by use of
oral or injected medication), and possibly surgery.
You’ll likely be able to find some relief from the corns themselves by
using a doughnut-shaped pad of felt or moleskin to relieve pressure on the
area. Your podiatrist may be able to remove the corn surgically if it is
particularly bothersome, although be aware that if the cause of the corn is
not removed as well, those pesky little bumps will likely come back. Kind
of like that ugly sweater of your spouse’s that you keep trying to throw
away. However, DON’T attempt to cut the corn off yourself, since doing so
can get the area all infected (and admit it-you weren’t really trained as a
foot surgeon). You also probably want to avoid over-the-counter chemical
corn-removers, particularly if you’re diabetic or suffer from other
neurological or circulatory problems. Because they can eat away healthy
tissue as well as corns, these must be used with care and only under the
direction of a podiatrist.
If you follow your podiatrist’s instructions and get rid of whatever is
putting too much pressure on your foot, you should be able to live a corn-
free existence. (Well, except for the stuff on the cob. That’s pretty
delicious with butter.)
Call 719-543-2476 today to schedule your appointment!
