What They Are — Why They Form — How to Treat Them Safely

What Is a Corn?

A corn is an area of thickened, hardened skin that develops in response to repeated pressure or friction. Corns are the body’s way of protecting itself — but they can become painful and limit walking if left untreated.

Corns most commonly appear:

• On the tops or sides of toes
• Between toes
• On pressure points of the foot

Why Corns Form (Root Cause)

Corns do not form randomly. They are caused by ongoing mechanical stress such as:

• Tight or narrow shoes
• High heels or stiff footwear
• Toe crowding or deformities
• Abnormal foot mechanics
• Uneven weight distribution

Important:
If the pressure is not corrected, the corn will return — even if it is removed.

The 5 Key Elements of Treating Corns

1. Remove or Reduce Pressure (MOST IMPORTANT)

This is the foundation of treatment.

Helpful steps:

• Wear shoes with a wide toe box
• Avoid tight or rigid footwear
• Use padding, gel toe caps, or spacers
• Consider orthotics if foot mechanics contribute

Without pressure relief, treatment will fail.

2. Soften the Hardened Skin

Daily foot care helps reduce thickness safely.

• Soak feet in warm water for 10–15 minutes
• Optional additions:
  • Epsom salt
  • Diluted apple cider vinegar

This makes the corn easier to manage and less painful.

3. Gently Reduce Thickness (DO NOT CUT)

After soaking:

• Use a pumice stone gently
• Light pressure only
• 2–3 times per week

⚠️ Do not cut, shave, or dig into a corn. This can cause infection.

4. Keep the Skin Soft and Healthy

Apply a moisturizing agent daily:

• Coconut oil
• Castor oil
• Aloe vera

This prevents cracking and reduces irritation.

5. Monitor for Warning Signs

Seek professional care if you notice:

• Increasing pain
• Redness, swelling, or drainage
• Bleeding or open skin
• Corns that keep returning

What NOT to Do

• Do not use razor blades or knives
• Do not use harsh chemical “corn removers”
• Do not ignore recurring corns

⚠️ Do NOT self-treat corns if you have:

• Diabetes
• Poor circulation
• Neuropathy
• A history of foot ulcers

These patients should always be evaluated professionally.

Corns vs. Calluses (Quick Difference)

• Corns: Small, focused, often painful, pressure-related
• Calluses: Larger, flatter, usually less painful

Long-Term Prevention

• Wear properly fitted shoes
• Maintain foot alignment and balance
• Address gait or structural issues
• Keep skin moisturized

Corns are often a mechanical problem, not just a skin problem.

Summary

Corns can usually be managed safely by reducing pressure, softening the skin, and gently maintaining the area. Long-term relief depends on correcting the cause — not just treating the surface.

Keefe Clinic

5016 S. 79th E. Avenue
Phone: 918-663-1111
Fax: 918-663-2129
Email: docjohn@keefeclinic.com