What is it?

• Dead skin cells that build up and harden to form a callus-like point that presses on the nerve below

• Most often found on tips, top, and inside of toes

• Like poor tread wear on automobile tires, corns and callus are often indicators of structural foot problems

What causes it?

• Continued excessive friction and pressure points
• High-heeled and poorly fitting shoes, abnormal gait (the mechanics of how one walks), flat feet, high arched feet, bony prominences, and being overweight can all cause corn formation
• Corns can lead to the formation of foot ulcers if left untreated in people with diabetes, circulatory problems, and other disorders

Signs and Symptoms

• Buildup of dry, hardened points on the foot that may become painful

Prevention and Treatments

• Prescription custom orthotics to help correct the structural foot problems causing the corns
• Special padding to offload specific problem areas of the foot
• Callus reduction using a surgical scalpel is an effective method to eliminate callus buildup and remove corns
  Note: never try removing a corn yourself with a razor blade or sharp instrument. Serious injury or infections can occur. See your Chiropodist for safe, effective corn treatment, especially if you have diabetes
• Possibly prescription custom footwear, depending on the severity of the problem
• Avoid wearing high-heeled and poorly fitting shoes. For an illustration of what to look for in footwear at your local shoe store for your type foot, click here. Your Chiropodist can provide further footwear advice
• People with diabetes or circulatory problems should never use off-the-shelf chemical corn pads or solutions. These can cause excessive skin breakdown which may result in serious complications

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