With the amount of daily force and pressure placed on our feet, it’s no wonder they suffer from so many aches and pains. Our podiatrist in Cumming sees many patients with common foot issues, like corns, and offers advice below.

What Are Corns?

Corns are hard, thickened areas of dead skin that usually develop on the tops and sides of your toes. You may not even notice corns on your foot, although advanced corns can make even walking painful.

Types of Corns

There are two types of corns; hard and soft. A hard corn is described as having a small “plug” of thick dead skin in the center, while a soft corn’s whitish surface is much thinner, and usually forms between your toes.

Your Shoes Are the Likely Culprit

While some corns develop as a result of a foot abnormality or an uneven gait, most corns are caused by ill-fitted footwear that puts extra pressure and friction on your toes. In fact, women who wear high heels are four times more likely to develop corns than men. People who wear sandals or shoes without socks may also develop corns, due to the excess friction on the skin around the foot from the shoe’s leather or rubber interior.

How to Treat Corns

Most corns eventually go away once you remove the source of friction, although our podiatrist may want to treat your condition with additional measures at our office. When purchasing shoes, we recommend that you avoid ones with cramped, pointed toes, and also make sure that your feet are not slightly different sizes.

When to Consult Our Podiatrist in Cumming About Corns

You should schedule an appointment to see our experienced podiatrist in the following circumstances:

• The corn gets irritated, painful, or starts to bleed

• You notice pus discharge around the area of the corn

• There is no obvious source of pressure to cause the corn to form
• You have other medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease

Have More Questions About Foot Care?

Our knowledgeable podiatrist and staff provide expert care for the health of your feet – call us today and find out how we can help.

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other podiatry-related topics, feel free to contact Forsyth Foot & Ankle Associates by clicking here or by calling 678-262-4040.