What Causes Corns?

Corns can affect anyone and may become quite a nuisance if left untreated. However, corns actually form to protect your feet’s skin from further injury. Do you know how you can keep your feet healthy and corn-free? Find out with Dr. Steven Vetter at Oakton Foot and Ankle Center in Fairfax, VA.

What is a corn? 
A corn is an area of skin which has become thickened due to friction or pressure. Calluses do not have the inner core characteristic of corns and do not require treatment. Corns can be soft or hard, with both types potentially, but not always, causing pain while walking. Soft corns form between the toes while hard corns form on the toes’ top, outer skin.

How does a corn form? 
Corns usually present themselves due to wearing an ill-fitting shoe. Corns may also form due to an abnormal gait or foot deformities such as flat feet. Repeated motions like those found in sports may also cause corns. Corns and calluses are often confused. However, corns are usually hard, thick patches of skin that may have a ring around the outside with an obvious core at the center. Soft corns found between the toes may look like a sore.

Corn Treatment in Fairfax, VA
Diagnosing a corn begins with a physical examination. While some minor corns resolve themselves when the patient begins wearing correctly fitting shoes, your doctor may suggest other treatments. Try wearing shoes with a wider toe box with plenty of room for your feet and toes. Protective padding placed inside your shoes may decrease the amount of pressure and friction placed on the corn. Some cases require your doctor to trim down the corn, called paring. Dr. Vetter can help you determine the best course of treatment for your corn.

For more information on corns, please contact Dr. Steven Vetter at Oakton Foot and Ankle Center in Fairfax, VA. Call (703) 352-8888 to schedule your foot examination today!