Corns
About Corns
What Are Corns?
Corns are small, round, thickened areas of skin that typically develop on the toes, feet, or even hands. They often form in response to friction or pressure and can cause discomfort or pain.
Causes of Corns:
Ill-fitting Shoes: Tight shoes or high heels can create pressure points on your feet, leading to corns.
Abnormal Foot Structure: Conditions like bunions or hammertoes can cause your toes to rub against shoes, resulting in corns.
Repetitive Motion: Activities that involve repetitive motion of the feet can contribute to corn formation.
Walking Barefoot: Walking without proper cushioning can increase friction on your feet.
Foot Deformities: Some individuals have naturally occurring foot deformities that make them more prone to corns.
Symptoms:
– Pain or discomfort when walking
– Thickened, rough skin
– Visible bump or lump
– Redness or swelling
– Sometimes, small black or yellow dots (blood vessels) within the corn
Â
Podiatric Treatment Options:
Footwear Changes: Wear comfortable, properly fitted shoes with adequate cushioning and support. Avoid high heels and narrow shoes.
Padding: Your podiatrist can use padding or orthotic devices to redistribute pressure and relieve pain.
Debridement and enucleation: In-office, a podiatrist can carefully trim the corn using specialised instruments.
Medication: Topical creams containing salicylic acid can help soften and reduce corns. Your podiatrist can recommend an appropriate product.
Custom Orthotics: These inserts can help correct foot deformities and reduce friction, preventing corns from returning.
Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct underlying structural issues.
Â
Prevention Tips:
– Choose shoes that fit properly and provide good arch support.
– Keep your feet clean and moisturized to prevent dry skin.
– Avoid walking barefoot in high-friction areas.
– Use protective pads or cushions in problem areas.
– Regularly inspect your feet for any signs of corns or other foot issues.
Â
When to See a Podiatrist:
If you have persistent corns, severe pain, or underlying foot conditions, consult a podiatrist. They can provide proper diagnosis and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
Other Services..
General Nail & Foot Care
Routine foot and nail care is essential for preventing issues like ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses. We help keep your feet in top condition with professional trimming, debridement, and treatment of common nail and skin concerns. Ideal for seniors and those with mobility issues.
Sporting Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries from sports can significantly impact your mobility. We diagnose and treat conditions such as heel pain, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, and stress fractures to get you back in action as soon as possible.
Specific Foot Problems
If you’re experiencing foot pain, swelling, or discomfort, we assess and treat conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, Morton’s neuroma, and arthritis-related foot pain, providing tailored solutions to improve your comfort.
Diabetic Foot Management
People with diabetes are at risk of foot complications due to reduced circulation and sensation. Our diabetic foot care services include regular check-ups, wound management, and preventative care to help avoid serious complications.
Home Visits & Age Care
For those who cannot make it to the clinic, we offer home visits across the Central Coast. This service is particularly beneficial for seniors, DVA Gold Card holders, and individuals with mobility challenges who require ongoing foot care.
Nail Surgery
We provide expert treatment for chronic ingrown toenails, including minor nail surgery when needed. Our gentle procedures help relieve pain and prevent recurring issues.
Paediatric Foot Care
Children’s feet develop rapidly, and early intervention can prevent future problems. We assess and treat common paediatric concerns such as flat feet, growing pains, and gait abnormalities to support healthy development.
Biomechanical Assessments
Custom orthotics and biomechanical assessments help correct foot posture, improve function, and relieve pain from conditions like overpronation, high arches, and sports-related strain.
Paraffin Foot Baths
Paraffin wax therapy is a soothing treatment for dry skin, arthritis, and joint stiffness. The warm wax helps increase circulation, hydrate the skin, and reduce pain in the feet. Ideal for those with arthritis or chronic foot discomfort.
Call today to make an appointment
Give us a call so we can have a quick chat about helping you!