Description of Corns & Bunions
Corns and bunions both form as a result of too much pressure on certain areas of the foot, but corns consist entirely of skin. Bunions consist of both skin and the bone underneath, so treatment for large bunions requires surgery.
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Appearance
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A corn looks like a flat, thickened and rounded spot with a waxy center. A bunion results when the base of the big toe enlarges into a lump.
Pain
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Both corns and bunions cause more pain as they grow larger, to the point where they interfere with normal walking.
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Causes
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The single biggest cause of corns is poorly-fitting, tight shoes. Toe deformities and an abnormal gait can also result in areas of the foot subject to greater pressure and corn development. A bunion forms after continual displacement and misalignment of the big toe towards the other toes. While shoes can cause bunions, poor foot function and joint instability probably influence bunion development more.
Heredity
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Bunions tend to form more often on flat feet and feet that roll towards the center, so there is a hereditary factor for bunions that does not influence corns.
Treatment
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Removing a bunion requires surgery, but you can use padding, physical therapy and orthotics to ease pressure and slow its development. You can also use padding and orthotics for corns, but it's best to have a podiatrist cut them off correctly. You can use topical acid solution to burn them off, but follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging normal skin. Corns will recur if pressure to the foot continues.
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