A corn is a hard shield the foot develops to defend itself
against pressure, irritation or friction.
The pressure or friction that most commonly causes corns is
produced simply by shoes. The shoe rubs against joints, usually the toes, until
nature feels the damage and starts to build a protective layer of hard, dead
skin. The longer the pressure continues, the worse the corn gets.
There is usually an underlying hammertoe deformity making
one of the joints or the end of the toe get more pressure.
Soft corns may form between the toes, as a result of
pressure from one toe rubbing against its neighbor. And remember, corns have no
age limit. Even children often develop corns.
If you have a corn, home treatment might consist of soaking
the foot in warm, soapy water, then using a pumice stone or fine emery board to
file the surface of the corn. This should be done carefully and gently, so as
not to damage healthy tissue. Wearing a doughnut-shaped pad can help ease the
pressure on your corn.
If pain still persists, seek professional help. Never use a
sharp instrument to cut or probe a corn.
Perhaps the most important and effective treatment for
corns is finding and correcting the problem that caused the corn in the first
place, whether it be deformity, disease, biomechanical dysfunction, or simply
wearing the wrong shoes.
A thorough examination by a doctor of podiatric medicine
can help determine whether your corns are caused or aggravated by other health
problems and what remedies should be considered.
Can podiatric care help your corns? We make it easy for you
to find out. Here's how...
The physicians and staff of the A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Centers maintain two complete podiatric clinical facilities and provide 24-hour emergency service. We participate in most health plans including Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid. We complete and file all necessary insurance forms and make every effort to assure you of maximum benefits with minimum out-of-pocket expense.
You are invited to make an appointment today to relieve your foot problems by calling us at 970-493-4660 or 970-667-0769.
