Foot corns are fairly common among runners and can be painful, even sometimes preventing you from running. Fortunately, they can usually be treated at home with a few simple steps.
What are Foot Corns?
Corns are hard, painful lumps on the skin. They tend to be smaller than skin calluses and have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. Corns typically develop on the tops and sides of your toes and even between your toes. They can also be found in weight-bearing areas.
Soft corns develop on the moist skin between toes in response to a lot of friction, such as running in tight shoes. They tend to be whitish in color with a rubbery, pliable texture.
Hard corns form on the bony parts of the skin, usually right where the bone comes in direct contact with your shoe. They’re usually small and circular and can lead to sharp, stabbing pain.
How to Prevent Foot Corns
Corns are caused by constant rubbing and pressure from shoes that are too tight. The best way to prevent them is to make sure you’re not wearing shoes that are not long enough or too narrow. You should have plenty of room in the toebox. If you can’t wiggle your toes, your shoes are too tight.
Do you have an existing corn? Use a layer of Vaseline over it and on the outside of the sock to prevent more corns from forming.
How to Treat Foot Corns
Most corns don’t require medical treatment and can be treated at home. Here’s what to do:
- First, you need to remove the source of the irritation and make sure you’re wearing shoes that fit properly. You may need to replace some shoes that are too tight. Keep in mind that your feet change over time, due to aging and weight fluctuations, so shoes that fit for years may no longer work for you.
If you suspect your running shoes are the cause of the irritation, go to a running store for a foot and gait analysis to get the right type of shoes. In some cases, you may need an insert or orthopedics to address foot structure or gait issues. - Soak your foot in warm water. Doing so for 10 to 20 minutes can soften the skin and may help relieve some of the pain. Once finished, dry thoroughly.
- After soaking your foot (or bathing/showering), rub the corn with a pumice stone or emory board to help remove the layer of toughened skin. (A pumice stone is a type of rock used to smooth the skin.) Rub gently, only in one direction, to avoid tearing the skin. Once you’re done, use an extra-thick, emollient-rich lotion or cream to moisturize the skin.
- Take some of the pressure off the corn by putting a corn cushion on it. Corn cushions, which are sold at most drugstores, are small pads with a hole in them that reduce friction when fitted over the corn. There are also over-the-counter corn removers that typically contain salicylic acid. While they can be effective in removing a corn, you should stop using them if you experience any pain or skin irritation.
When to See a Doctor
If all of the above methods don’t work to remove your corn, check with your health care professional. You may need to have the corn trimmed by a doctor.
Most importantly, if you have diabetic neuropathy or any condition that affects the blood flow to the foot, you should avoid at-home treatment and consult your doctor for treatment advice. Conditions like these can impede normal healing and lead to sores and ulcers.
More Running Foot Injuries and Issues:
- How to Prevent and Treat Foot Blisters
- Ways to Prevent and Treat Black Toenails
- How to Avoid Burning Feet When Running
- Tips for Preventing and Treating Plantar Fasciitis
