How to Keep from Getting Corns from Wearing Heels
Corns are a common foot problem caused by excessive pressure or rubbing on the toes. They are identified as thick, tough patches of skin that are gray in the middle and surrounded by a softer layer of yellow skin. Corns often develop near the tops of toes or in between the digits. Wearing high heels can result in corns because the tapered or pointed toe section is tight against the toes, causing discomfort and chafing when walking in this type of shoe.
Instructions
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Choose a pair of high heels that will not put pressure on your toes. Avoid sharply pointed toes, heels higher than 3 inches and stilettos. These traits transfer pressure to your toes, which causes corns. Instead, choose lower, supportive heels with a wider toe. Select leather over synthetic materials, as leather stretches to accommodate the foot, whereas synthetic materials are more restrictive. Open-toed heels are ideal because your toes will not experience the pressure of rubbing against an enclosed space. Also, make sure that your shoes comfortably fit the length and the width of your feet.
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Add full-shoe gel inserts to your high heels. The inserts will cushion the bottoms of your feet, which can help prevent other foot problems. They will also help even the distribution of weight inside your shoes, reduce damaging rubbing and take some of the pressure off of your toes to alleviate issues with corns.
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Keep a pair of comfortable shoes handy in your car or at your desk at work. Change out of your high heels into these less formal shoes if you have to run errands or do a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are better-suited for movement activity and will not excessively rub the toes and cause other problems that high heels do.
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Apply an exfoliating emollient lotion to your feet and toes on a daily basis. The lotion will moisturize any developing hard spots and remove the outer layers of dead skin.
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References
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