Corns can occur on various areas of the foot and are quite common on the bottom of the foot because of pressure and friction from the ground when walking. A corn is a circular area of thickened skin known as hyperkeratosis, which has a core or “nucleus.” A corn on the bottom of the foot is known as a hard corn or heloma durum. This type of corn is often mistaken for a wart and needs to be properly assessed and diagnosed to ensure effective treatment is performed.
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Symptoms
Pain and discomfort are often felt when a hard corn develops on the bottom of the foot, making walking and activities of daily living challenging. A hard corn may be round or irregular in shape and can vary in size. The area of thickened skin typically appears yellowish or brownish depending on a person’s skin tone. A hard corn will feel hard or firm in texture and may have flecks of red or brown which indicates bleeding in the tissue due to excessive pressure. If left untreated, corns can begin to break down causing a skin wound. This can lead to infection and significant pain.
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Causes
Ill-fitting or inappropriate footwear that does not support the foot well can contribute to the development of corns. Hammertoes and bunions change the position of toes and can create pressure points on the bottom of the foot. Flat feet with fallen arches can cause instability and hypermobility when walking which places more pressure and friction on the certain areas of the foot. High arches can also cause pressure points on the bottom of the foot leading to painful corns.
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Treatment
When a corn is painful, treatment by a Chiropodist or Footcare Nurse is recommended. They will assess the area and provide treatment, which includes reducing the thickness of the corn. If there is a nucleus or core in the lesion, it may need to be enucleated or removed. The lower limb clinicians at BioPed Footcare work together to remove the corn but also treat the cause. Custom foot orthotics can correct the mechanics in the lower body and improve the position and movement of the foot. They can also be modified to effectively offload high pressure areas. Supportive footwear is key and acts as an excellent “house” for orthotics.
