Corns on Feet

Corns on Feet

Inherent in walking or running is the battle between a fixed surface (the floor) and the foot delivering force with each step. Each step results in friction that can irritate the ball of the foot and the toes. In a response to friction, skin will often thicken to form a protective outer layer. We call this thickening a corn or callus. orns and calluses come in all shapes, sizes and varieties. Corns can be found on the tops of toes, between toes, at the tips of toes or even adjacent to the nail. A corn is simply the formation of a callus on a toe. The terms corn and callus can be used interchangeably, but for sake of conversation, a callus is a build up of skin on the bottom of the foot or heel, while a corn is a build up of callus on the toes. Initially, the formation of callus can be a helpful process. As the skin senses a mechanical irritation it responds by thickening, forming a callus. What do we mean by mechanical irritation? Well that could be a shoe that is too tight, it could be friction against the ground or it could even be the mechanical friction that occurs between two toes. In each case, corns form by the recurrent rub of mechanical friction. The most common corn is due to contraction of the toe (hammer toe) placing pressure on the top of the toe from the toe box of the shoe. This type  of corn, is referred to as a helloma dura (HD), or hard corn, and is often seen in cases of hammer toes where the toe is contracted and pushing against the roof of the shoe. Soft corns, on the other hand, are found between the toes. Soft corns, also known as HM's (helloma molle) or kissing corns, are commonly misdiagnosed as a chronic athlete's foot infection. With soft corns, we’ll see a breakdown of the skin between the toes. This breakdown is usually between the 4th and 5th toes.

Corns on Feet

Corns on Feet

Corns on Feet

Corns on Feet

Corns on Feet

Corns on Feet

Corns on Feet

Corns on Feet

Corns on Feet