Causes of Corns on the Feet

Everyone hates to get corns. Many consider them unattractive and often painful to the touch. Women, and even men, buy creams, shavers and potions to rid themselves of their corns. A better strategy may be to learn the causes of corns to begin with as well as the purpose they serve in protecting our feet.

What are Corns?

Corns are hard areas of thickened skin, generally on the foot between toes and sometimes on the bottoms of feet or the sides of a toe. They can appear gray or yellow in color, and they often have an inner core that can be hard or soft depending on the corn. Corns that occur between toes often have softer cores than those that appear on boney area of the foot. They may appear in many areas of the foot because there are many causes of corns.

Causes

Corns, in general, come from friction or pressure against the foot over a period of time. The skin of the restricted area eventually dies and creates a hard surface. Corns with soft centers also form in this way, but in an area where perspiration develops and causes the corn to become soft in the center. The friction that leads to corns can come from a variety of sources.

Poorly Fitted Shoes

Shoes that are either too tight or too large frequently result in corns. Shoes that are too small squeeze the foot and cause friction. Large shoes cause the foot to move up and down inside the shoe, causing them to rub against one another. In both instances, a corn can result.

Wearing the Wrong Shoes

Wearing sandals, high heels or a shoe with an inside seam can all lead to corns. Sandals rub against the foot in many areas, including between toes and on the backs of heels. High heels pinch the foot at the toe, while shoes with prominent inside seams can rub against the tops and sides of toes to cause extra friction.

Conditions that Cause Corns

Corns are more prominent in those with large bumps on the feet caused by rheumatoid arthritis, or in those who injure their feet during physical activities. Any condition that causes a swollen area on the foot, increases the risk of friction and of getting corns.

Treatment

Unless corns are painful, no treatment is necessary. If they do become painful, wear proper shoes that fit snugly but not tight. Wear soft socks that do not bunch when walking and avoid sandals and heels. Stay off your feet as much as possible to allow the corn to heal itself. In extreme cases, a doctor may cut away part of the corn to make it smaller and less painful. The affected foot may also be soaked in warm water to soften the skin, and then a pumice stone can be used to scrape away dead skin.