Understanding Corns – Why They Form and How to Treat Them

Do you have a small, painful bump on your toe that just won’t go away? You might be dealing with a corn.
Corns are one of the most common reasons patients visit our podiatry clinic in the San Francisco Bay Area.
While they’re not dangerous, they can be very uncomfortable — especially when walking or wearing shoes.

What Are Corns?

A corn is a thickened area of skin that forms due to constant friction or pressure, usually from tight shoes or toe deformities.
They’re your body’s natural way of protecting the skin, but over time they can become painful and inflamed.

• Hard Corns: Typically found on the tops of toes or sides of the foot; firm and painful when pressed.
• Soft Corns: Appear between toes where moisture is trapped; may look whitish and feel tender.

Common Causes of Corns

The main reason corns develop is excessive pressure or friction on the toes or soles.
Here are the most frequent causes we see in our practice:

• Wearing tight or narrow shoes
• High-heeled footwear that increases pressure on the toes
• Toe deformities such as hammertoes or bunions
• Walking barefoot or improper foot alignment

Symptoms to Watch For

• Thick, rough bump on the toe or ball of the foot
• Discomfort or pain when walking or wearing shoes
• Dry, flaky skin around the bump
• Occasional redness or tenderness

Treatment Options Recommend

If you’re dealing with corns, don’t worry — most can be easily treated with conservative care.
At Ace Foot and Ankle Podiatrists, we focus on pain relief, pressure reduction, and skin healing.

At-Home Care

• Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes to soften the skin
• Use a pumice stone gently (never cut the corn yourself)
• Moisturize daily with a cream containing urea or lactic acid
• Wear properly fitting shoes with cushioned insoles

Professional Treatment

• In-office debridement to safely remove thickened skin
• Custom orthotics to reduce pressure and prevent recurrence
• Treatment for any underlying deformities like hammertoes

⚠️ Important: Never use over-the-counter corn removal acids if you have diabetes or poor circulation. These can cause burns and infections. Always consult a podiatrist first.

How to Prevent Corns from Coming Back

• Choose wide, supportive shoes that fit comfortably
• Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces
• Use toe separators or padding if needed
• Maintain regular podiatry checkups for early detection

When to See a Podiatrist

If you notice persistent pain, thickened skin that keeps returning, or if you have diabetes,
schedule an appointment right away. Dr. Kim and our team at Ace Foot and Ankle provide safe, effective treatments to keep your feet pain-free.

Book Your Appointment Today

Don’t let corns slow you down!
Visit Ace Foot and Ankle Podiatrists in the San Francisco Bay Area for expert care.
📞 Call us today or book an appointment online to keep your feet healthy and comfortable.