Understanding the Corns on Your Feet
Feet are our primary mode of transportation throughout everyday life, so it’s no wonder that with all the walking and running around sometimes our feet can have a negative reaction to their environment if not properly looked after. For many, “corns” are one of these symptoms. These patches of painful dead skin can erupt for a variety of reasons, including wearing ill-fitting shoes, foot deformities, and going commando in the sock department.
If you see what appears to be a hard patch of skin on your feet, it could be a corn that needs your attention. This is your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to treat corns on the feet. Taking preventative measures is always a good place to start, but if you’re already experiencing corns then it’s imperative that you seek treatment immediately. There are many options available, including washcloths, medicated corn pads, and even podiatrists for more serious cases. Take a look at the following infographic for more information on how to asses and eliminate corns on the feet.
What are Corns?
Corns are small, circular patches of thickened skin on your feet
They typically appear on the tops or side of your feet
They're often annoying and sometimes painful.
They're called "corns" because they look like kernals of corn
What Causes Corns?
Anything that creates friction on your feet can cause painful lesions.
Wearing poorly fitted shoes is the primary cause of corns.
Women are four times as likely as men to develop foot problems. The culprit: High-heeled shoes.
Certain foot deformities can increase the likelihood of developing corns.
Walking improperly can also create the type of friction that leads to corns.
Wearing shoes without socks means your feet are more likely to rub directly against the shoe.
How Do I Know if I Have a Corn?
A thick, hard patch of skin on your feet, particularly on the tops or sides of your toes, is the primary sign of foot corns.
They sometimes look like a dump on the skin.
Flaky, dry skin can be a telltale sign.
Pain or tenderness may also be a symptom.
How Can I Get Rid of Corns?
Do: Soak your feet and rub the corn with a washcloth or pumice stone to make it smaller.
Don't: Try to shake it off yourself. You may get an infection.
Do: Call your podiatrist to safely remove the corns from your feet, especially if you have diabetes or other circulation problems.
Don't: Use medicated corn pads.
Do: Call your doctor if you have a rough patch in a place that hasn't been exposed to friction; it could be a sign of something more serious.
How Can I Avoid Corns?
Wear comfortable shoes that fit!
Check your feet thoroughly and often. Use a mirror if necessary.
Put Your feet up when you're sitting down to increase circulation
Use non-medicated pads to clean the affected area.