Corn

One of the most frequent changes on the foot, causing sharp pain on pressure and knocking. Corns are caused by the thickening of the skin (callus), formed on the foot's overburdened and excessively used parts. The skin is protecting itself against the repeated rubbing and pressure by creating a thicker layer of skin, which does not only appear on the surface but also under the skin, where it ends in a cone-shaped core. This deformation under the skin presses on the nerve ends, causing severe pain.

• There are two common types of corn
  • the hard corn, which usually develops on the sole under the capitula of the metatarsals and on incurved toes,
  • the soft corn between the toes. The former is caused by static problems and bad footwear, whereas the latter is clearly caused by inappropriate footwear.
• Prevention
  Prevention is the best way against corns, primarily by wearing comfortable shoes with heels of the right height.
• Treatment
  If a callus has already developed, it can be removed using a skin rasp or file, but in more serious cases it is best to see a specialist. Through using an individual orthotic insole even the most stubborn corn can be got rid of. Restoring the foot's upset balance, the insole relieves pressure on the most overburdened parts and thus eliminates the cause for the callus. Even corns with a thick core will disappear by using an expertly made orthotic insole with a sponge pad at the right place. The corn must be removed by a specialist before wearing an insole, but it will not develop again.