Corns Of Feet: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Corns of the foot are thickened, elevated patches of skin that form on the soles of the feet due to constant rubbing or squeezing. Corns of feet can occur in any area where there is excessive pressure or friction such as between toes or under the foot. They are typically light to yellowish-brown and circular in shape.

• Hard Corns: These corns, also known as heloma durums, are the most common type of corn. Hard corn is a thick and dry conical structure with a yellowish colour that forms on top of the toes and can be very painful when pressure is applied.
• Soft Corns: Soft corns, also known as heloma molles, form in-between the toes and are moist due to excessive sweating or dampness of the skin. They are usually white in colour and feel spongy to touch, making them easy to puncture. They can cause irritation between toes when shoes are worn and therefore should be treated early before they get worse.
• Seed Corns: Seed corns, which are small hard kernels that form underneath the centre of a callus, resemble seed grains so they’ve been given this nickname instead. These corns can often be too deep inside to treat with topical solutions and may need to be surgically removed in extreme cases if they’re really bothering you.
• Plantar Warts: Plantar warts develop from an infection that occurs after coming in contact with human papillomavirus (HPV). They often appear singularly on feet but there could also be several grouped together as clusters due to many infections from single exposure from walking barefoot around public places like pools or shower rooms contaminated by HPV virus particles transmitted by contact with other infected people's skin cells or objects used by them

• Corns of the feet are caused by excessive pressure on the feet from ill-fitting shoes, standing for long periods of time and extra force from activities such as running and jumping.
• The excessive pressure causes the skin to thicken in order to protect itself, resulting in hard lumps or corns on the toes and soles of the feet.
• Ill-fitting shoes, high heels and pointed toe boxes can all cause corns to form as they compress areas of skin together.
• Excessive walking or running can also strain certain areas of the feet, leading to corns developing as a result of repetitive friction from shoes over time.

• Painful feeling: Corns of feet can cause a sharp, burning, or painful feeling when pressure is applied.
• Thickened skin: A common sign of corn is a patch of hard, thickened skin over the affected area.
• Visible lumps: Corns typically appear as lumps with a defined centre and are surrounded by callus tissue.
• Discoloration: Affected areas may become red, flaky, and appear shiny after long periods of standing or walking.
• Mild inflammation: Small blood vessels around the corn may become swollen and irritated, resulting in redness and tenderness in the area.

• Choose a pair of shoes that will support your feet and offer a roomy toe box.
• Keep feet dry and wear cotton socks or woollen socks to absorb sweat.
• To avoid skin damage from pressure and friction, padding, cushioning, and felt pads should be used.
• Keep your time spent in high heels to a minimum.
• Keep feet clean and free of excessive moisture, bacteria and fungus.
• Exfoliate the skin on your feet regularly with a pumice stone or foot file to remove dead skin cells that could cause irritation and corn formation near the toes.

• Visual Examination:A visual examination of the foot is usually the first step in diagnosing a corn. During this examination, the doctor will look for any signs of inflammation or discolouration which may indicate the presence of a corn.
• X-Ray:An X-ray can be used to confirm the presence of a corn and to see if there are any underlying conditions which may be contributing to its formation.
• Ultrasound:Ultrasounds can help to identify deeper structures such as tendons and muscles which may be causing pressure on the corn and causing it to form.
• MRI Scan:An MRI scan can provide an image of the entire foot, allowing the doctor to look for any signs of inflammation, swelling or infection which may indicate a corn or other conditions.
• Biopsy:In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary in order to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other potential causes for the symptoms being experienced.

When a corn is pressed on, it can be quite painful and uncomfortable.

• Infection:If corn becomes infected, it can cause redness, swelling, and skin odour.
• Interference with daily activities:Corns can be bulky or painful enough to interfere with daily activities such as walking or wearing shoes.
• Prevention of circulation:Corns can also be deep enough to press on nerves and prevent circulation to the area, leading to numbness or tingling of the toes.

• Keep your feet dry as moisture can increase the risk of developing corn.
• Soak the affected toes in lukewarm water with baking soda, lemon juice or Epsom salt for 20 minutes daily to soften up the thickened area of skin around the corn.
• Rub aloe vera gel, Vitamin E oil or castor oil on and around the corns for quick relief.
• Applying a poultice made from cooked rice flour and turmeric powder also helps in getting rid of corns on feet naturally and safely.
• Carry out proper foot care exercises such as stretching your toes to relax tense muscles, thereby reducing friction and pressure on affected areas.

• Choose high fibre foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and legumes.
• Eat lean proteins such as fish, lean meats, and tofu.
• Choose low-sodium options for canned and processed foods.
• Consume numerous glasses of water all of the day to aid in eliminating waste products from your system.
• Choose healthy fats like olive oil or avocado instead of butter or lard when cooking.
• Eat small meals more frequently throughout the day instead of large meals so that your body can digest food more easily without putting too much strain on the feet or joints.

• Stay away from white sugar, brown sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and any other types of added sugars.
• Stay away from white bread, pasta, and rice because they are all refined carbs and have been processed.
• Avoid fried and greasy foods, including most fast food items.
• Do your best to cut back on salt and other high-sodium meals and sauces.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

• Padding and taping:Padding around the corn can provide cushioning that helps protect it from rubbing against a shoe or any other surface that could irritate it further.
• Trimming:A podiatrist can carefully trim away the core of the corn.
• Shaving:A podiatrist can use a scalpel to shave away the corn in thin layers.
• Padding and cushioning can prevent additional discomfort by supporting the affected region.
• Surgery:A minor surgical operation may be necessary to remove corns from deep within the foot, although this should only be considered as a last resort.
• Cryotherapy:Cryotherapy involves freezing the corn with liquid nitrogen, which destroys the affected tissue without damaging surrounding tissue.

A podiatrist is the best doctor to consult for issues related to corns of feet.

Podiatrists are qualified healthcare professionals who specialise in providing medical care and treatments for people facing problems with their feet, ankles and lower legs.

• Urea cream: This chemical exfoliates the skin and helps dissolve hard, dry areas of skin, including corns.

  Analgesics like ibuprofen and naproxen belong to the family of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).These are used to reduce swelling and reduce the discomfort associated with corns on the feet.

• Corticosteroids: These medications are similar to cortisone and can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and other symptoms of corns on the feet.
• Keratolytics: These drugs help dissolve or soften dead skin cells that often trap corns against the surface of the skin. Examples include salicylic acid products, urea cream, and lactic acid creams.
• Pain Medications: Analgesic medications designed to relieve pain can also help reduce discomfort caused by corns on the feet. Over-the-counter opioid medications such as codeine may be recommended in more severe cases where more intense relief is necessary.

Corns of feet typically take anywhere from one to two weeks to heal.

Generally, treatments such as soaking and manual removal can provide immediate relief from pain but may not permanently cure the corns.

However, treatments such as topical creams and medicated pads may be more effective in preventing recurrence. Ultimately, regular self-care and maintenance is important to prevent recurrence of corns of feet.

• Clean your feet daily:Thoroughly clean your feet with mild soap and water, making sure to pay close attention to the affected area.
• Apply a medicated cream:Rub a nonprescription cream containing salicylic acid, urea, lactic acid, or another approved medicine on your corn after bathing each day.
• Wear clean socks:Wear clean, absorbent socks each day to help keep the corn dry and reduce friction.
• Change socks regularly:Socks can become damp throughout the day from sweat or fading body moisture, so make sure you change them often for maximum protection.
• Wearly proper-fitting shoes:Shoes that don’t fit properly increase the pressure and friction in the affected area which may worsen corns and calluses; Be sure to wear shoes that fit well and have plenty of room for your toes to move around comfortably.

On average, a consultation with a podiatrist can range from ₹250-₹350, while minor treatments such as corn removal and callus care can start from ₹300.

In addition, more aggressive treatments such as chemical cauterisation may have additional charges ranging up to ₹3000.

Treatment of corn on the feet may cause skin irritation, redness, swelling or tenderness in the treatment area.

Some people also have responses to over-the-counter pads and drugs.

Some people may also experience decreased sensation in the affected area due to tissue damage caused by excessive pressure and inflammation.

Improper trimming can lead to infection, including blisters and ingrown toenails which can be painful and require medical treatment.

Corns of the feet are hard, thickened patches of skin that can cause pain and discomfort. They are usually caused by friction or pressure from tight shoes, high heels, or an underlying foot deformity. In some cases, medications and surgery may be necessary if the corns become too painful or if an underlying condition is causing them.