Every year, millions of Americans suffer from the formation of corns on their feet. Many may not even realize they have corns! At Precision Podiatry – a leading podiatrist near Round Rock, TX, we treat a wide variety of foot and ankle injuries including fractures, ingrown toenails, Achilles tendonitis, and corns – just to name a few.
What are Corns?
Have you ever noticed a hard, round spot on the bottom or side of your foot or toes? This could be a corn. Corns are simply hardened layers of dead skin that your body has created in an effort to protect your foot from increased pressure or friction. You’ll often see them as small, with clearly defined borders. They tend to appear in areas of increased pressure, so this could be the bottom of your foot, sides of your foot or toes, or in between the toes.
There are 2 types of corns:
· Hard corns: small, defined calluses, that again, are often the result of added pressure on the foot that normally comes from ill-fitting shoes.
· Soft corns: these corns tend to be more rubbery in nature and found between the toes, often the result of sweat or frequently moist feet.
Most of the time, corns are not a major medical issue, but if you notice redness, severe tenderness, inflammation, numbness, or nerve pain, it’s time to seek professional medical advice on corn removal in Round Rock.
What is the Difference Between a Corn and a Callus?
While both corns and calluses are formed from the build up of dead skin cells, calluses are normally larger with an ill-defined border. You’ll also notice that calluses can form in other parts of the body as well, like the hands and elbows.
How Do I Prevent Corns?
Corns can be a nuisance, but there are ways to prevent them from forming! Here are a few recommendations from our podiatrist near Round Rock, TX:
· Wear Shoes that Fit Properly: This is the #1 reason we see people in our clinic for corns. A shoe should fit snugly, with plenty of room around the toes to wiggle and move.
· Limit Heels: Women tend to get corns from wearing high heels regularly because the toes are bunched up together at the top of the shoe, adding additional friction and pressure.
· Wear Moisture-Wicking Socks: If you suffer from soft corns, try switching from cotton socks to moisture-wicking socks made of wool or synthetics to keep the feet dry.
If you are concerned about the formation of corns on your feet and are looking for a podiatrist near Round Rock, TX, give us a call at Precision Podiatry. With 3 Austin area offices, there is sure to be an office near you that can help with all your foot and ankle care needs. We look forward to serving you!
