Corn (Clavus)

Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas

Corns (Clavi):

  • Are caused by:
    • A bone in one toe, or sole of the foot, rubbing against the ground, the shoe, or another toe
    • Repeated rubbing and pressure
    • Pressure from improper footwear or changes in the shape of the feet, such as in diabetes
  • When a bone rubs against a hard object, 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
  • 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
  • Corns hurt for several reasons:
    • If they are infected, especially when they form an ulcer or break in the skin
    • The underlying structures of the bone or joint can become inflamed
    • The skin hurts because it is irritated
  • Pressure Reduction:
    • 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:
    • 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 less effective
  • Surgery:
    • Surgery to trim the bone that is causing the abnormal pressure
    • Surgery is performed by specialized surgeons for the feet
    • Surgery on the bones of the feet is NOT offered in my office, please talk to your doctor about a referral to a foot surgeon

What if you are interested to learn more?

If you would like to learn more please phone the aesthetic centre directly at (905) 549-7873 to book a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable technicians or

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