Corns

Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center

Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Phoenix, AZ & Maricopa, AZ

Corns are your feet’s way of protecting themselves against friction, but unfortunately, they can also be a source of great discomfort. To help you find relief from corns, the team of podiatrists at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center offers many different solutions, from conservative approaches to surgical intervention. If you’re in the Phoenix or Maricopa, Arizona, areas and your corns are causing problems, call or use the online scheduling tool.

Corns Q & A

What are corns?

Corns are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop as a result of excess friction. Corns usually develop on non-weight-bearing areas of your feet, typically on the tops and sides of your toes. While corns aren’t dangerous, they can be painful, especially when they’re inflamed.

Most corns have the following characteristics:

A rough patch of skin
A hard bump at the center
Sensitivity to pressure
Surface skin that’s dry and flaky

Again, corns don’t usually represent a serious medical problem, but they can hamper your ability to move without discomfort. Also, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes, corns can be a cause for concern.

How do corns form?

Corns develop when your skin tries to protect itself against excessive friction. Corns can form as a result of bone deformities, prominences, and foot deformities. Also, poor fitting footwear can result in the development of corn and calluses.

Outside of footwear, corns can also form as a result of:

Bunions
Hammertoes
Foot deformities
Injuries

If you’re in a constant struggle to keep corns at bay, a visit to Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center will provide you with the solutions you need.

How are corns treated?

The team at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center typically likes to start out conservatively when treating corns. After a thorough examination of your corns, they may recommend:

Pads
Orthotics
Padded socks
A change in footwear

In most cases, these simple measures are enough to remedy your corns, which you can keep soft and moisturized in the meantime.

If your corns are aggressive, the team at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center responds in kind and offers in-office surgical removal for a more permanent solution for your corns.

It should be noted that you should avoid trying to remove corns on your own by cutting or “sanding” them, especially if you’re a diabetic. Trying to remove a corn on your own may lead to an open wound, which can be particularly dangerous for those who have circulation problems in their lower extremities.

For expert corn care, call Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center or use the online scheduling tool to set up an appointment.

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