CORNS

Corns are one the foot's most common forms of reaction to abuse and stress. These highly visible conditions signal where something is wrong. The corn is another attempt by the body to protect the foot. It is a small area of thick, dead layers of skin that serve as padding over skin tissue that is subject to excessive pressure.

Excess pressure usually results from repeated wearing of tight, ill-fitting shoes. A contributing condition could be an underlying bone deformity that makes excess pressure more likely. Most often a corn develops where a toe or other part of the foot rubs against a shoe or against another toe. The discomfort from a corn can be considerable. See your podiatrist for removal of a corn and for a thorough examination of your feet.

To avoid corn development, it is important to always get a proper shoe fit for each foot. Thick socks are recommended for all sports activities and for recreational walking. When wearing thick socks, wear a larger shoe size. These simple cautionary measures are critical to avoiding possible unwanted pressure on your feet - and the corns that can result.

Corns are also manifestations of the body's efforts to protect itself. Protective or not, once formed they can cause extreme discomfort, even pain. The result can be a limiting of actions involving the affected foot - reduced mobility for a time, and altered lifestyle.

Courtesy of The Center for Podiatric Information


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