Corns on the feet are thick, hardened areas of skin that often develop as a result of friction or pressure, and they can be very painful. There are many ways to treat corns, but as the saying says, prevention is better than cure. We’ll take a look at the treatments you can try to relieve corns and what you can do to prevent them from developing in the first place.
How do corns develop?
Corns often develop on the areas of the feet that come under pressure from rubbing or irritation, or from friction. This is usually caused by wearing shoes that do not fit your feet well, or by wearing shoes without socks. The most common places to develop corns are on or in between the toes or on the underside of the foot. Shoes that are too tight, or high heeled shoes, can put pressure on these areas of the feet while shoes that are too loose can rub against the skin – all of these can cause corns to develop.
How to treat corns
Corns that are left untreated will usually get worse, and it is important to treat them to try to relieve the discomfort as soon as possible. If a corn is not treated, it may become infected and affect your posture or your mobility. However, if you have a corn, don’t despair! There are several ways to treat the problem, including:
- A regular foot care routine. Washing and drying your feet carefully on a daily basis will help to keep them clean and give you an opportunity to notice if there are any problems developing. After drying, you can rub some moisturising cream into your feet and this is a great opportunity to give yourself a quick foot massage, too! If you already have corns, soaking them in warm, soapy water and using a pumice stone to rub the affected area and smooth the skin can be very helpful.
- Keep your toenails trimmed. Trimming your toenails regularly is a good way to look after your feet and ensure that they are not rubbing on the skin or against the fabric of your shoes or socks.
- Pay attention to your socks. Socks should be changed every day, or immediately if they are wet, and you should ensure that they are giving you additional support and cushioning the feet to protect against rubbing. Avoid tight socks and stockings to provide a healthier environment for the foot.
- Consider your choice of footwear. Choosing good shoes that support your feet in all the right places is the key to preventing and/or resolving several painful foot conditions, including corns and calluses. Avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose. Visiting a specialist shoe store like Foot Solutions can help you to find shoes that fit your feet correctly and give you the protection you need.
- Alternate your footwear. You should not wear the same shoes every day, as this can allow the same areas of the feet to become irritated each time and this can increase the risk of corns developing. Alternating your shoes can give the feet a chance to recover and can also prevent the buildup of bacteria in the shoes, which can lead to fungal foot infections.
- Precision-Tailored Orthotics. By correcting foot alignment and redistributing weight, precision-tailored orthotics not only reduce the risk of corns developing but also promote healing by minimising the irritation caused by existing corns.
- Visit Foot Solutions. If you have tried the above suggestions and are still struggling with corns on your feet, it is a good idea to seek professional help by consulting a podiatrist or a Foot Solutions Foot Wellness Expert for further help. We will be happy to offer you advice and solutions to treat corns or any other foot problem you are experiencing.
It is advisable to avoid over-the-counter corn removal treatments and medicated pads, as these products may sometimes exacerbate irritation and discomfort. Individuals with diabetes or poor circulation should refrain from using chemical agents to remove corns, as they may pose additional risks to foot health
Pop in and see us at Foot Solutions today
Here at Foot Solutions, we are experts in feet and we can help you to find the best solutions for you and your lifestyle. Every foot is unique and whether you are living with corns, bunions or plantar fasciitis, our team can help you to understand the problem and treat it so that it does not affect your mobility in the long term. Staying comfortable means you will be able to lead an active lifestyle for longer, and this is the best way to protect your health throughout your life.
Visit us in a Foot Solutions store for supportive, comfortable footwear and we will help you to explore the services we offer, including custom orthotics and gait analysis. Our extensive range of footwear includes training shoes, workwear, sandals and boots, so you’ll find the perfect option for every occasion.
