What is a corn and what can be done about it?

One of the most common complaints seen in my office in 23 years of private practice is the simple corn.  Everyone has heard of corns and many of us have experienced the pain of a corn, but do we really understand what it is?
             
A corn is a thickened, hardened area of skin normally caused by excessive pressure or friction on the skin.  Most often this is due to an enlargement of bone that rubs the skin against the shoe..  With repeated pressure the skin builds thickened layers of hard tissue that causes excessive pressure to the area.  The result can be pain with every step you take.
             
Treatment by a podiatrist would consist of carefully cutting out the hard tissue and thus relieving all the pressure it causes.  The problem is, corns often come back because the rubbing on the skin is still often there.  Changes in shoe type (generally softer, more accommodating shoes) will often be enough to prevent the corn from returning.  Foam toe spacers, toe sleeves or pads are also a good conservative way to prevent pressure to the toe.
             
Especially problematic is when a corn occurs under a toenail.  This is often due to an enlarged bony spicule or a bone spur.  This can cause considerable discomfort at or under the nail.  Surgical excision of the bone spur is often necessary.  The most effective way to treat this condition is to make a small opening in the tip of the toe and insert a small surgical instrument to reduce or eliminate the spur.  The bone spur can easily be removed with this technique and helps insure a lasting result.  Healing is usually fast and uneventful.
             
Whether by conservative methods, or by surgery, there is a solution to the problem of corns.

Dr. Evan B. Kelner D.P.M.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP OFFICE

1398 Highway 35

Ocean, NJ 07712

(732) 988-0070

TOMS RIVER OFFICE

191 Highway 37 W

Toms River, NJ 08755

(732) 286-9200

SELECTING WALKING SHOES

Walking shoes are different from street shoes or running shoes.  Designed specifically for walking, they are more rigid and offer greater support than running shoes, but they absorb less shock. To select walking shoes from the numerous brands available, you should know something about shoe construction.
 -  walking shoes are usually lighter in weight than street shoes, but heavier than running shoes
 -  if you have flat feet, you may need to consider additional support at the heel or midsole
        
When you buy shoes, tell the salesperson what your level of activity will be.  Try on shoes with the socks you would normally wear when walking.  The shoes should feel comfortable as you soon as you first try them on.
       
Try several styles to make sure you find your best fit.  Remember, the shoes must feel "friendly" on your feet immediately, there is no such thing as a breaking in period.

Dr. Evan B. Kelner D.P.M.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP OFFICE

1398 Highway 35

Ocean, NJ 07712

(732) 988-0070

TOMS RIVER OFFICE

191 Highway 37 W

Toms River, NJ 08755

(732) 286-9200