Foot Corns
What is a corn:
A corn is a corns hardening of the skin, particularly on the toes or areas of the foot, often resulting from friction and generally found on the top or soles of the feet. Corn types range from hard (tough, hardened calluses), soft (raised with sensitive skin), seed (hard and very sensitive, often found on the heel of the foot) and plantar calluses (often found on the sole).
SYMPTOMS: Because corns vary in size and type, symptoms range in sensitivity from toughness to tenderness and in color from paleness to reddened skin. If the skin of a callus is broken, it may release blood, a clear liquid or pus. Pus or clear liquid indicates a possible infection and requires immediate medical attention.
Other symptoms include:
- A thick, rough area of skin
- A hardened, raised bump
- Tenderness or pain under your skin
- Flaxy, dry or waxy skin.
CAUSES: Corns are generally caused by shoes that do not fit well. Women are at the highest risk for corns due to high-heeled shoes, which raise the heel and place a great deal of pressure on the toes. Any ill-fitting shoe which causes repeated friction on a localized area of the foot may cause corns. Foot deformities or walking gait may also be a contributing factor.
- Ill-fitting shoes: When shoes are too tight, then your feet get compressed causing discomfort and corns and calluses develop. If the shoes are too loose, then the feet rub against the shoe. The foot may rub against a poorly placed seam or stitch inside the shoe.
- Skipping socks – Wearing shoes or sandals without socks can be a problem. Socks should fit properly.
- Using hand tools – The use of tools with your hands without gloves can also cause calluses or corns on them.
- Bunions and hammertoes. These can cause rubbing of the foot while wearing shoes.
- Abnormality in walking.
