What Is the Best Way to Handle Painful Corns on Toes?

Question by vaughgeran: What is the best way to handle painful corns on toes?

Best answer:

Answer by jjthinstrips
Corns and calluses can be long-term problems if you consistently wear shoes that do not fit properly. Even with good footwear, you may continue to have painful corns and calluses if there is some abnormality in your gait or foot structure that causes unusual stress on parts of your feet when you walk.

Prevention

In most cases, you can help to prevent corns and calluses by wearing shoes that fit properly. In particular, choose low-heeled, comfortable shoes that have enough space around the toes. Wear socks to cushion any areas of unusual rubbing or pressure, and use foot powder to reduce friction.

Treatment

If your corns and calluses are painful, your doctor may shave away some of the thickened skin to relieve pain and pressure in the affected area. Although many people can do this themselves, podiatrists and other foot specialists can make sure the procedure is done safely. Your doctor also may recommend that you modify your footwear to prevent your problem from returning. For example, pads or “donuts” made of moleskin, lamb’s wool, foam or felt will cushion the affected area. Corrective shoe inserts will redistribute the forces that cause friction and pressure inside your shoes, relieving some of the stress on your feet when you walk.

Your doctor may ask you to return regularly to have your feet examined and your corns and calluses shaved, if necessary.

You also can minimize corns and calluses by regularly rubbing them with a pumice stone, which is available in most drug stores.

In rare cases, foot surgery may be necessary to treat corns and calluses that keep returning and are not relieved by padding, shoe inserts and periodic shaving. Never try to shave or cut a corn or callus on your own. Instead, use a pumice stone to trim it down safely. Also, you can use nonprescription medications to dissolve corns and calluses. However, people with diabetes or poor circulation should avoid these products.

When To Call A Professional

Make an appointment to see your family doctor, orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist if you have painful corns or calluses.

If you have diabetes or poor circulation, examine your feet every day. For the best view, use a mirror to inspect the soles of your feet and the skin folds between your toes. If you see an area of redness, swelling, bleeding, blisters or any other problem, call your doctor promptly.

Prognosis

Although corns and calluses tend to return even if they are removed, this may be less likely if you use foot padding and shoe inserts.

Additional Info

American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
2517 Eastlake Ave. E
Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98102
Phone: 206-223-1120
Toll-Free: 1-800-235-4855
Fax: 206-223-1178
Email: [email protected]
http://www.aofas.org/

American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
9312 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-571-9200
Toll-Free: 1-800-275-2762
Fax: 301-530-2752
Email: [email protected]
http://www.apma.org/

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
8725 West Higgins Road
Suite 555
Chicago, IL 60031-2724
Phone: 773-693-9300
Toll-Free: 1-800-421-2237
Email: [email protected]
http://www.acfas.org/

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