Corns

Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC

Podiatry & Foot & Ankle Surgery located in Fort Lee, NJ, Queens, Forest Hills, NY, Gramercy, New York, NY, & Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

When corns begin to develop on your feet, they can be known for causing a large amount of pain to the point where it can make wearing any pair of shoes unbearable. If these thickened areas of skin are causing you daily pain, the orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC can provide relief for you at their offices in Fort Lee, New Jersey, Forest Hills, New York, Gramercy, New York, New York, & East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. To learn about corn treatment options, call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online.

Corns Q & A

What is a corn?

A corn is a small buildup of hard, dry, dead skin that typically develops on a non-weight-bearing part of your foot, such as the sides of your feet or on or between your toes. They usually have a hard center, and the tissue surrounding it is inflamed and tender. Your corn might be painful when you put pressure on it. 

What causes corns?

Like calluses, corns develop when extra friction triggers your skin into producing extra cells to cushion the pressure. Physical deformities like bunions, hammertoes, and bone spurs can increase your risk of developing a corn. 

For example, if you have a hammertoe and the top of your toe rubs against the inside of your shoe, you may develop a corn at that spot.

How are corns treated?

In some cases, you can treat your corn at home with some simple modifications. You should change your shoes to ensure your feet and toes have enough room, and wear socks every day to reduce the friction between your skin and the inside of your shoes. You can use an emery board or pumice stone to slough away corns and calluses after soaking your feet or having a bath. 

If you have diabetes, you shouldn’t try to remove corns or calluses at home; always have a podiatrist take care of your feet for you. 

If your corns are painful and don’t respond to your at-home care, the team at the Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC can help. They can safely remove the excess skin with a scalpel or dissolving solution and offer antibiotic cream to prevent infection. If your corn is due to a deformity, they can take steps to correct any misalignment in your feet or release a hammertoe.

How can I prevent corns?

The best way to prevent corns is to wear properly fitting shoes that allow your feet and toes to lie flat. You can also wear protective coverings like felt pads, moleskin, or toe separators on your feet to reduce friction. 

If you’re concerned about corns, call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online.