Did you say I have a Corn in my foot?

The term “corn” is commonly used to describe what feels like a little stone in or under the foot and can look like barely anything at all! Or they man have a firm and dry appearance with a polished surface. They can also be found between the toes and be quite uncomfortable!

Corns are referred to as either Heloma Durum, Heloma Molle, Heloma Neurovasculare or Heloma Miliare by a Podiatrist.

Any type of corn is the result of excessive pressure to one focal point on the foot, for an extended period. Pressure can result from footwear, foot structure and/or foot mechanics. Depending on where the pressure is coming from, will determine the location of a corn. For example, if your new work shoes are just that tad too tight across your toes, you may find you’ve landed a “Buy one pair, get a corn between your toes free” in the process.

Heloma Durum is the most common type of “corn”. Otherwise known as “hard corns".

Heloma Durum’s are most commonly found on the sole of the foot and are a result of dysfunctional foot structure or foot biomechanics. If the foot isn’t working the way it’s meant to, the body (including the skin) will react in different ways.​

​Think of a corn as your bodies way of saying “Hey! Look at me! If you don’t start supporting my arch soon, this corn is going to be the least of your problems!”

If the cause of a corn is not addressed the corn will grow and increase in pain. The bigger the corn gets, the more it pushes on the healthy structures surrounding it. This is what makes you say
“OUCH” on every step! If a corn is not addressed, we find people also start walking in ways to avoid the pain, therefore putting pressure on other parts of the foot, even causing another corn. “Help! 

​It is important to investigate

  1.  Why is this corn hanging around?
  2.  What type of corn is it?
  3.  How can I remove it?
  4.  How can I make sure it doesn’t keep coming back?

HOT TIP: I do not recommend corn pads due to the skin surrounding the corn becoming inflamed, macerated and painful. Corn pads may or may not resolve the issue and they certainly don’t address the cause.

Luckily, there is a resolve for all types of corns, and the earlier you catch them the better. The best thing to do is talk it to your Podiatrist for a proper assessment. This may involve a full gait analysis, biomechanical and footwear assessment.

Anneliese Ball
Podiatrist
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Anneliese is at Health Associates as a Podiatrist working Monday and fortnightly Saturday.
She holds both a Bachelor of Psychology and Podiatry.
As a podiatrist she combines her proficient knowledge of human mechanics and ability to connect and engage with her patients to deliver outstanding clinical outcomes and an exceptional customer experience.
Anneliese loves health and fitness and enjoys encouraging her patients to maximise their health.

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