Corns

Corns are small, thickened areas of skin that typically develop on the tops and sides of toes or the soles of the feet. They are a protective response to repeated friction or pressure, often caused by ill-fitting shoes or abnormal foot structure.

1.  Ill-Fitting Shoes: Tight, loose, or high-heeled shoes can cause excessive pressure and friction on certain foot areas.

2.  Foot Deformities: Conditions like hammertoes or bunions can lead to uneven pressure distribution, resulting in corns.

3.  Poorly Cushioned Feet: Reduced fat padding on the feet, often due to ageing, can increase the risk of corn.

4.  Repetitive Actions: Activities that put consistent pressure on the feet, like running or standing for long periods, can contribute to the development of corn.

• Thickened Skin: Corns are characterised by a thick, hard layer of skin that is often cone-shaped.
• Pain and Tenderness: The area around the corn can be painful, especially when pressed.
• Dry and Waxy Appearance: Corns often appear dry and yellowish or greyish.

1.  Hard Corns are small, concentrated areas of thick skin, usually found on the tops of toes or on the sides of the feet where there is bone pressure.

2.  Soft Corns appear between the toes, where the skin is moist from sweat. They are smoother and more rubbery than hard corn.

3.  Seed Corns: These tiny corns tend to develop on the soles of the feet and can be pretty painful.

When you visit a foot health practitioner for corn removal, the appointment typically involves several steps to ensure effective and safe treatment. Here’s a friendly overview of what to expect during your visit:

1. Initial Consultation and Examination

• Health History: The practitioner will begin by asking about your medical history, any foot issues you’ve had, and your current symptoms.
• Visual Inspection: Your feet will be examined to assess the size, location, and severity of the corn. They might also check for any signs of infection or other underlying issues.

2. Cleaning and Preparation

• Foot Cleaning: Your feet will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
• Sterilising Tools: All instruments are sterilised to ensure a hygienic procedure.

3. Trimming the Corn

• Careful Trimming: Using a sterile scalpel, the practitioner will gently trim away the thickened, dead skin of the corn. This procedure is usually painless as the skin being removed is dead.
• File: In some cases, a foot file may be used to smooth the area after trimming.

4. Addressing Underlying Causes

• Footwear Advice: The practitioner will discuss your footwear and suggest changes if it is contributing to the problem. They might recommend shoes with better support, more room for your toes, or softer insoles.
• Aftercare Instructions: You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for your feet after the treatment. This might include keeping the area dry, applying moisturising lotions, and avoiding tight shoes. You may also be advised to change your socks daily and avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces to prevent the corn from returning.
• Pain Management: Recommendations for managing any discomfort you might feel after the procedure, such as using over-the-counter pain relievers or soothing foot soaks.

• Prevention Tips: The practitioner will provide tips to prevent the corn from returning. This could include advice on proper foot hygiene, nail trimming techniques, and wearing well-fitted shoes.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Depending on your condition, a follow-up appointment might be scheduled to monitor your healing and ensure the corn does not reoccur.

Remember, the goal of your corn removal appointment is straightforward: to alleviate pain and prevent future issues. By addressing the symptom and the underlying cause, your foot health practitioner will help ensure long-term relief and healthier feet.