CORNS (CLAVI)

Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas.





Corns

General Information:

  • Are caused when a bone in one toe, or sole of the foot, rubs against the ground the shoe or another toe.
  • Repeated rubbing and pressure lead to the formation of corns.
  • Soft corns are located in areas where moisture softens the skin, such as between the toes.
  • Corns on the soles, tops of the toes or other dry areas are called hard corns. 
  • Are caused by pressure from improper footwear or changes in the shape of the feet, such as in diabetes
  • When a bone rubs against a hard object, like a shoe or another toe, the overlying skin protects itself by getting thicker.
  • If the skin gets thick enough we refer to it as either a corn or a callus.
  • It is natural and normal to have calluses on the balls of the feet, under your heels and on the inside of your right middle finger where your pen or pencil rubs.   These are normal.

  • Corns hurt for several reasons.

  • The skin hurts because it is irritated.

  • The underlying structures of the bone or joint can become inflamed.

  • Corns can also hurt and get infected when they form an ulcer or break in the skin.

Treatment

  • Relieve the pressure causing the corn. If the pressure is not relieved, then the corn will never get better.
  • Methods to reduce pressure are:
    • Circular corn pads used to cushion the affected area
    • Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well
    • Orthotic insoles to help redistribute the pressure in the affected area.
    • Orthotic are usually prescribed by podiatrists and other foot specialists. 
    • Orthotics are not made or fitted in my office.  Talk to your doctor about a referral to a qualified specialist for this service.
    • Salicylic acid preparations which soften the corn and make it easier to remove with a pumice stone
    • Liquid Nitrogen:
      • It is a cold spray used to 'freeze' the corn to destroy it.
      • The treatments are painful and the area treated may remain painful for 1 to 2 days.
      • The treatment may produce a blister or a blood blister. This is normal.
      • If the blister is painful, "pop" it with a sterile needle to let the fluid out.
      • The treated area requires no special treatment.
      • You may bathe normally.
      • A bandage is not necessary, although it may make the area more comfortable.
      • Treatment is usually done every 1 to 2 weeks.
      • If treatments are spread further apart they are even less effective.
    • Surgery to trim the bone that is causing the abnormal pressure.
    • Surgery is performed by specialized surgeons for the feet.  This service is NOT offered in my office.

 

 

 

 


























Soft Corn on little toe

Hard corn on the sole

Please click on the images above to see an enlarged view