Corns. What are they and how come they hurt so much??

The first thing to be aware of when talking about corns is that we podiatrists will refer typically to 3 different types of corn. These include, hard corns, soft corns and neuro-vascular corns. In this post we're focusing on hard corns, simply because they account for some of the main reasons our patients ask us for help.

Hard Corns are small circles of thick skin that usually develop on the tops and sides of toes but most commonly on the sole of the foot.

These form when the skin of a particular part of the foot is subjected to high or abnormal pressures. This initates a pathological process where the skin is produced much more rapidly than normal. In fact the skin is made so fast that it often lacks elastin. Elastin works to keep the skin supple. In the absence of it the corn becomes so hard and painful sufferers often mistake it for a stone in the shoe and in severe cases, a piece of glass in the foot. The corn is actually conical which can explain why they are so exquisitely painful.


Women can get corns from ill fitting shoes but there are other causes. Excessive pressure due to worn out shoes, thin soled shoes or anatomical deformity. Whatever the cause the treatment is often the same. Typically the corn can be removed. When removed using a scalpel by your podiatrist the process is known as enucleation whereby the podiatrist will skillfully cut the corn away from the surrounding tissue, and thus providing relief.

Enucleation isn't the only way to treat corns. It is possible to treat corns using acid based preparations like those contained in corn plasters but BEWARE, corn plasters should be used with caution, particularly if you are a person with diabetes or have sensory or vascular impairment of your leg or foot for any other reason. They have been know to be a cause of foot ulceration in these patient groups. If you feel that you do need to use a corn plaster please consult with a podiatrist before hand so we can prevent any unnecessary damage. Corn plasters typically contain salicylic acid. When applied for a period of time this effectively burns the skin which contains the corn. This can take time and the process of enuleation is often quicker.

Corns often occur on the ball of the foot especially when a lack of natural cushioning exists. They can also develop secondary to another foot problem, such as a bunion, high arched foot, toe deformities etc.Corns are commonly confused with other foot pathologies like verucca, but they are completely different and have totally seperate causes.

If you have localised pain to any part of your foot why not ask for an expert opinion by calling the clinic today to arrange an appointment. We can advise you, and if appropriate treat any problem you might have, but above all, we can provide more information of the causes of corns and just how you can prevent them from coming back. Suffice to say however that they are the direct result of pressure. If you can reduce the pressure you should prevent or at the very least slow down the recurrence of your corn.