Why do my corns keep coming back?

Patients frequently ask, "Can't you just remove the root of the corn?" when they come in for their first or second visit to alleviate the discomfort caused by corns. However, it's crucial to understand that corns don't operate in this manner, and there are many reasons for it.  

Mechanical pressure and friction on the skin, leading to the thickening of the skin, are the primary underlying causes. When these pressures are consistently concentrated on a specific area for an extended period, the development of a corn and the surrounding callus is a natural pathophysiological response.

Here are some contributing factors to the development of a corn:  

• Ill-fitting shoes
• Bony deformity i.e., hammer toe or bunions
• Gait abnormalities  
• Loss of fatty padding underneath the foot

Suffering from a corn can be extremely painful. Even the slightest pressure can cause discomfort and irritation. Those affected often struggle to find comfortable footwear and may even limp. This altered gait can potentially result in additional biomechanical issues affecting the kinetic chain, potentially causing knee or back pain. Individuals may even adopt a 'compensatory' gait to shift their weight away from the foot with the corn, which can pose a significant challenge when dealing with a corn on each foot.

Soft corns have the potential to develop secondary fungal infections. Corns subjected to substantial pressure can break down and ulcerate, giving rise to additional complications like infections, particularly in cases where an individual's health is compromised, such as in diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.

There are many over-the-counter treatments available for corns. These pads contain a dose of acid designed to loosen the corn, allowing it to eventually dislodge. we have frequently witnessed the acid causing harm to the surrounding healthy tissues, with limited success in effectively addressing the corn itself. Consequently, we highly advise against using corn plasters to reduce the risk of causing ulceration.

You may require Custom Orthotics to offload the pressure that is contributing to the formation of a corn. Your podiatrist will be able to advise you on the best treatment plan to keep you pain-free!