Corns on the feet are one of the most common problems for which many clients consult us. These thickenings, while not fatal, can make your life miserable. Symptoms range from pain when wearing shoes to discomfort when walking, and an unappealing appearance of your feet.
Fortunately, this condition can be treated! Ointments, moisturizing creams, compresses and orthotic insoles are some examples. However, in more delicate cases, or if you suffer from diabetes or vascular disease, consulting a certified podiatrist is the best alternative.
If you are already facing this annoying problem and want to get rid of it, you are in the right place! As Clinique Podiatrique de Laval, the best podiatry specialists in all of Laval, we explain here how to remove and prevent corns on the feet. Let’s get started!
What is a corn on the foot?
A corn on the foot is a thickened area of skin that usually develops in response to repeated pressure or friction. Corns on the foot often form on the toes, heels or soles of the feet. They can be painful when pressure is applied to the affected area, making walking and wearing shoes uncomfortable.
What are the causes of corns on the feet?
Corns can form for various reasons: your shoes, your lifestyle or another foot condition. But in general, corns appear because of skin rubbing. Your body reacts to this phenomenon by forming protective layers of hardened skin to avoid damage.
Other causes that can lead to the formation of corns on the feet are the following:
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes that rub or put pressure on certain areas of the foot
- Toe deformities, such as hallux valgus (bunion) or hammer toes
- Dry, thick skin that is more prone to forming corns on the foot
- Certain activities that put repeated pressure on the feet, such as running or dancing
What are the symptoms of corns on the feet?
Before knowing the symptoms of corn, you need to know how to tell the difference between corn and a callus. Calluses are rarely painful and usually appear on the soles of the feet. They are generally larger than corn and vary in size and shape. On the other hand, the appearance of corns on the feet is characterized by:
- A hardened, raised bump resulting from thickening of the skin
- Sensitivity and pain when walking or wearing shoes
- Thick, swollen skin around the bump
Risks of corns on the feet
Although they are easy to treat, corn on the feet can be dangerous for people with diabetes or circulation problems. An improperly treated or injured callus can lead to serious infections or ulcers. Therefore, if you suffer from these diseases, it is crucial that you consult our podiatrists to avoid these complications, we will be happy to assist you in our clinic!
How to remove a corn on the foot?
There are several options for treating a corn on the foot, depending on its size and severity:
- Gentle filing: Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently file down the corn on the foot after a bath or shower, when the skin is softened.
- Patches and creams: Patches and creams specially designed for corns on the foot can help to gradually soften and remove the thickened skin.
- Orthotics and cushions: Orthotics or gel cushions can be placed over the corn on the foot to reduce pressure and friction.
- Surgery: In severe or stubborn cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the corn on the foot.
Some measures to prevent corns and calluses on the feet
Fortunately for you, preventing the appearance of corns or calluses is simple. Just change a few habits in your routine and take care of your feet with more assiduity. Let’s take a look at some prevention tips:
- Wear more comfortable shoes. Avoid wearing tight or narrow-toed shoes.
- Use custom insoles to cushion pressure and friction on your feet.
- Don’t walk barefoot.
- Always dry your feet after getting them wet. Preferably apply moisturizing creams to keep your skin soft and smooth.
- Frequently remove roughness from your feet, at least once or twice a week. Use a quality file or pumice stone.
- Keep your toenails trimmed.
- Use protective pads or bandages to relieve discomfort.
Consult your podiatrist regularly. Regular follow-up with a specialist will help you identify other abnormalities in your feet or gait that can lead to corns.
When to consult a podiatrist?
If you suffer from persistent or painful corns on the foot, it is recommended to consult a podiatrist. The professionals at the Clinique Podiatrique de Laval specialize in treating foot conditions, including corns on the foot. They can offer you personalized treatment and advice to prevent the recurrence of these problems.
Say goodbye to calluses on your feet at the Podiatry Clinic of Laval
Now that you know how to remove and prevent corns on your feet, what are you waiting for to apply these tips? Don’t let calluses continue to spoil your daily life. Also, don’t forget to take care of your feet and follow all preventive measures, so that the skin on your feet does not harden and crack.
On the other hand, if you are already facing this problem and need the intervention of a professional, we are the ones you need! At The Clinique Podiatrique de Laval, our qualified professionals will treat the corns or calluses on your feet with the most advanced equipment.
But that’s not all! Our clinic offers you a variety of podiatry services, ranging from consultations to treatments, including orthotics, minor surgery, sports podiatry, pediatric podiatry and much more. Our clinic is the number one reference in Laval for the health of your feet.
We provide you with the highest quality care in a professional and friendly environment. Our specialists treat all kinds of foot conditions, whether it be nail fungus, plantar warts, athlete’s foot, bunions, hammer toes or other podiatric complications.
As if that were not enough, we have the latest technologies for your feet. Our address is 3333, 100e Avenue – Suite 105, Laval (Québec), we will help you solve all your problems! In addition, our clinic applies all biosafety and disinfection protocols, for your well-being.
At our clinic, our priority is to restore the health of your feet. Do not hesitate to make an appointment with us by clicking on the image below! The most prestigious podiatrists in Laval are waiting for you!