If your feet are plagued by corns that are inhibiting your daily life and causing you pain, know that there is a lasting solution. Your best option to finding a permanent solution to the corns on your feet is by seeing a foot expert. Podiatrists have several different methods of corn removal that they can use on your feet so that you can get back to doing all of the things you love, pain-free.
How Long Does Corn Removal Take?
The time it takes from walking into our offices until the corns on your feet no longer exist depends on which treatment you choose to remove the corns. If you want your corn removed but you aren’t sure what the best solution is, our experts will consult with you and develop the best plan of action to suit your needs and lifestyle.
From surgical removal to padding and trimming, to custom orthotics, your corn may be able to be removed after just one appointment.
Methods of Removing Corns
Surgical Corn Removal
The quickest way to be rid of the corns that plague your feet is through their surgical removal. This is relatively quick and takes place in the office. Once the corn is removed surgically, you’ll be rid of it immediately, but that doesn’t mean it won’t return.
Certain lifestyle changes and a protocol must be followed to prevent future corns. This option may not be the best option for everyone, and we will examine your feet and discuss whether or not surgery is the answer.
Trimming and Padding
A less invasive way to remove corns is by trimming them and then adding padding. The Podiatrist will use a scalpel or similar tool to trim down the corn, removing a significant amount of hardened skin.
Once the corn is severely reduced, padding is added to the area through a band-aid-like application. This will help protect the trimmed area and help keep the corn from redeveloping and becoming an issue again.
Custom Orthotic Treatment
Corns often develop due to friction caused by footwear that puts pressure on a certain area of the foot. Custom orthotics will be able to stop that pressure and friction and will help treat your current corns and prevent more from developing.
Once you get sized and fitted, your unique orthotics will be made and shortly after, you’ll be able to pick them up and begin daily treating and preventing corns with each step you take.
Other Methods of Treatment
Another way that a Podiatrist can remove corns starts with a physical exam of your foot. Doing so will help determine the root cause of the corn, and if needed, an X-ray, MRI, CT, or bone scan can be requested in order to further evaluate the corn and its ultimate cause.
What Causes Corns?
There are several factors that lead to the formation of corns. For some, they are simply caused by genetic factors. For others, they’re caused by lifestyle alone, and for still others, it’s a mix of both heredity and lifestyle factors. Shoes that are too small, too tight, or that just that fit poorly can cause corns. A bone spur on your foot can also lead to the formation of corns as can a muscular or bio-mechanical imbalance within your body.
Can I Treat Corns at Home?
While removal at one of our offices is the best solution to the foot pain you experienced due to corns, there are some ways to ease your pain at home in the days leading up to your appointment. These methods will not remove or reduce your corns: they will simply help alleviate any pain until the issue is evaluated, addressed, and ultimately treated by one of our skilled Podiatrists.
Moisturize
One way to ease the pain caused by corns is to apply a quality moisturizing lotion to the area several times a day to keep the corns soft.
If you feel like this makes your feet feel too slippery, like when you leave a pedicure appointment and can barely walk in your own shoes, use an old sock or buy one at a drug store intended for moisturizing and wear it night or when you have some downtime that the lotion can do its magic without causing your feet to slip around.
Soak Your Feet
There is something very relaxing about soaking your feet. If you have corns on your feet, an added benefit of soaking them is pain relief. Simply fill up a container or a bathtub with lukewarm water and let your feet soak. You can add any bath salts, essential oils, or scrubs as well. The warm water will help ease pain and also soften the areas of your feet hardened by corns.
Consider Scheduling a Pedicure
Another way to get a foot soak in is through a pedicure, where your feet are not only immersed in warm water but exfoliated with salts and scrubs and softened with buffing.
If you’re embarrassed by the corns on your feet and the thought of having a pedicure makes your cringe, remember that pedicurists see hundreds of feet each week and it’s very likely they’ve seen worse. A pedicure can help relieve corn pain leading up to your Podiatrist appointment.
Apply a Cold Compress
Another way to temporarily relieve pain caused by corns is through the application of a cold compress to the area. Apply such a compress at night when you’re already sitting down watching TV or when you’re sitting down to read. Whenever you have time and you’re already going to be sitting, applying a cold compress to the area will help relieve inflammation and provide some natural pain relief.
Buy New Shoes
Corn can forms when the seams of your shoes rub and create friction on different parts of your feet. In order to prevent this from happening, find a supportive pair of shoes without seams that will rub against your corns. Doing so will not only ease the pain caused by your current corns but will also help prevent the formation of new ones. Choosing a well-fitting shoe such as one designed for activewear will provide support to your entire foot as well.
What Not to Do
Never attempt to remove corns on your own, as you may end up doing far more harm to your feet than good. Unless specifically instructed by a Podiatrist, never use an instrument to cut corns or calluses at home. If you see a DIY, at-home corn removal video, resist the urge to attempt one and pick up the phone and make an appointment instead. You’ll be happy that you did when it’s all said and done.
Don’t let corn pain determine your life. Know that there is a solution within reach and you have the power to do something about it. We have offices conveniently located throughout British Columbia, Canada including Kelowna, Nanaimo, Victoria, Campbell River, Prince George, Terrace, and Williams Lake. Call us today at Island Foot Clinics and schedule your removal appointment; we’ll help you get back to your favorite activities and regain confidence in the appearance of your feet.