by Last updated on March 6th, 2024 at 04:27 pm
Foot corns, those frustratingly painful and hard patches of skin, can be an unwelcome interruption to your daily life. Understanding the causes and exploring the various treatment options can be your first step to restoring your feet to health. Let’s delve into the aetiology, epidemiology, and corns on the feet treatment.
Causes and Prevalence
Foot corns, also known as helomas, are areas of thickened skin that develop as a result of continuous pressure and friction on certain parts of the foot. The most common cause is improperly fitting footwear, where shoes that are too tight or have high heels can result in the formation of corns.
Abnormalities such as bunions, hammertoes, or claw toes also play a significant role in corn development. Not to be forgotten is abnormal gait patterns which can redistribute pressure unequally to certain areas. Essentially, when our feet are subjected to abnormal pressure, our bodies respond by thickening the skin at those spots, leading to the creation of corns.
These small yet painful nuisances aren’t exclusive to our modern lifestyle. Foot corns have been present in all societies throughout history, affecting various populations, from manual labourers to ballet dancers. In today’s context, it is estimated that around 14-48% of adults deal with pain from foot corns. Interestingly, the prevalence is higher in females, primarily due to the more frequent use of narrow, high-heeled shoes.
Exploring Corn Treatment Options
Thankfully, a wide range of effective treatments exist for dealing with foot corns. A podiatrist, a healthcare specialist for feet and lower limbs can assist you in choosing the most suitable course of action. Here is a closer look at the various treatments.
Debriding
Debriding is a standard first-line treatment that involves carefully paring away the hardened skin using a scalpel. This trimming down of the corn’s size eases the pressure and provides immediate relief. This procedure is typically straightforward, often painless, and performed by a podiatrist in a controlled or clinical environment.
Offloading Pads
Offloading pads work by redistributing the pressure away from the corns. These specially designed pads are placed over the corn, relieving the pressure and friction that leads to corn formation. With consistent use, these pads can contribute significantly to gradually eliminating foot corn.
Orthotics
Orthotics are customised shoe inserts created to correct any imbalance in your foot mechanics. By addressing the root of the issue, they provide a long-term solution that helps not only in the elimination of existing corns but also in preventing new ones from forming.
Appropriate Footwear
The role of appropriately fitting footwear cannot be stressed enough in the prevention and treatment of foot corns. Always opt for shoes with a wide toe box to provide ample space for your toes, and try to limit the use of high heels. Not only does this simple change assist in healing existing corns, but it also helps to prevent the formation of new ones.
Salicylic Acid Treatments
Over-the-counter corns on the feet treatment containing salicylic acid are effective in softening corns. This softening process makes removing the corns easier and helps alleviate discomfort. These treatments are readily available and can be a good starting point in the treatment process. Ideally, you should consult your podiatrist to ensure this treatment option is safe if you have diabetes or other medical conditions that are contraindicated for using salicylic acid.
Urea Cream
Just like salicylic acid, 40% urea creams also help soften the hardened skin of corns, making them easier to remove. However, caution is necessary when using these creams as they can potentially damage surrounding healthy skin if not applied properly.
Silver Nitrate
Silver nitrate is a potent topical treatment applied directly to the corn. It acts by breaking down and removing the excess skin. This treatment should be performed by a podiatrist to ensure safe and effective application.
Microwave Energy Treatment
This newer, non-invasive approach uses thermal energy to treat the tissue causing the corn. Microwave energy treatment boasts quick recovery times and often results in a lower likelihood of pain from the corn, even if it reoccurs. It is believed that the thermal energy causes localised nerve denervation. Thus, pain is not felt even if the corn returns after treatment, which involves debridement and microwave energy.
Abrasive Laser Therapy
Abrasive laser therapy, also known as ablative laser treatment, is another technique that can be used to treat foot corns. It involves using a laser to remove or ablate the hard, thickened skin that forms the corn.
This process works by directing concentrated light energy at the corn. The light heats up the skin tissue, causing it to break down or vaporise. Ablative laser treatment is known for its precision, as it can target the specific area of the corn without affecting the surrounding healthy skin.
Punch Incision
For particularly resistant or recurrent corns, a punch incision may be used. In this minor surgical procedure, the core of the corn is excised with a small incision, offering immediate relief.
Surgical Management
In severe cases where corns recur due to underlying bone deformities, surgical management becomes the most viable option. This approach deals directly with the primary cause of corn formation by correcting the structural abnormalities in the foot.
Concluding Thoughts
Foot corns, although painful, need not be a permanent bother. By understanding their causes and seeking appropriate treatment, you can stay comfortable and confident. Remember, the best approach to foot health often starts with professional advice. A podiatrist, with their specific training and expertise, is well-positioned to guide you in determining the most effective corns on the feet treatment plan tailored to your needs. Good luck!
FAQs
Can corns on the feet spread or turn into a contagious condition?
No, corns on the feet cannot spread from one person to another as they are not contagious. Corns are formed due to repeated friction or pressure on certain parts of the foot and are not caused by a virus or bacteria that can be transmitted.
Can I continue my exercise regimen while I’m undergoing treatment for corns?
Generally, you can continue exercising while undergoing corns on the feet treatment, but it’s important to avoid activities that cause significant pressure or friction on the corn. Always wear properly fitting athletic shoes and consider using protective pads on the affected area. However, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider or podiatrist for personalised advice.
How can I differentiate between a corn and a callus?
While both corns and calluses are thickened hard skin areas formed due to pressure and friction, they differ in their appearance and location. Corns are generally smaller, have a hard centre, and develop on non-weight-bearing parts of the foot, like the tops and sides of the toes (They can develop on the foot bottom as well). On the other hand, calluses are larger, lack a defined centre, and typically develop on the soles of the feet.
Can corns lead to more serious health issues if left untreated?
In most cases, untreated corns won’t lead to serious health issues, but they can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty walking. However, in people with diabetes or other conditions causing reduced blood flow to the feet, untreated corns can lead to ulcers or infections, which can be serious. Therefore, seeking treatment for persistent corns is essential, especially if you have an underlying health condition.
Is there a dietary solution to treating foot corns?
While maintaining a balanced diet is essential for overall health, there is no specific diet known to treat or prevent foot corns. Corns are primarily caused by mechanical factors like pressure and friction. However, eating a balanced diet contributes to good skin health, which can aid in recovery when coupled with appropriate treatment.
DISCLAIMER: Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment for corns. This article is intended to be educational and does not substitute professional medical advice.
