How to Treat Hard Corns Professionally

Corns are caused by friction and pressure, generally over bony prominences on the toes. If you have a persistent corn that won't go away, see a foot doctor. Neglected corns can turn into sores that can, in turn, become infected.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Children's Sandals
• Men's Sandals
• Women's Sandals
• Callus/corn Treatments
• Cushioned Shoe Insoles
• Foot Buffers
• Foot Lotions
• Foot Powders
• Pedicure Kits

1. Understand that shoes don't cause corns, but do aggravate them. Corns develop because of structural changes in the foot bones, due to arthritis, trauma, bunions, heredity, or foot deformities.
2. Choose a board-certified podiatrist or chiropodist.
3. Realize that your foot doctor will most likely not treat your corns with caustic agents.
4. Anticipate that your foot doctor will shave down your corn, using surgical instruments.
5. Expect to make several follow up visits to the podiatrist if you have chronic corns, especially if you are diabetic or have peripheral vascular disease. Your doctor may have to shave corns down slowly, over an extended period of time.
6. Consider seeking the services of an orthopedic surgeon, for repair of structural changes in the foot. For example, a hammertoe can cause chronic corns. Having the hammertoe surgically straightened can eliminate the redevelopment of corns on that toe.
7. Wear shoes with plenty of toe room, or go barefoot as much as possible in between corn-shaving visits to the podiatrist.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes getting rid of the chronic corn means taking care of the underlying structural foot changes.
• You can visit a skilled pedicurist for a milder version of the shaving procedure, but be aware that underlying problems may complicate it.
• If you choose to treat yourself, you may develop ulcerations or other problems.
• If you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, consult a physician before self-treating foot problems.
• There may be painful scarring after surgery.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.