1. Off the Stalk
A corn is a callus that is concentrated in one spot, usually on a toe. It is hard, packed skin that forms because of undue pressure in an area, typically on the foot. Toes are more prone to corns because of the stress they are under all day. If left untreated, infection can form under a corn, making it really painful and harder to diffuse.
2. Footwear Follies
Improper footwear is the leading cause of corns. Pointy-toed shoes may be all the fashion rage, but the flared out shape of the human foot is not made to squeeze into unnatural spaces like pointed shoes. High heels put excess pressure on the toes as well, causing a chance for a corn to form.
3. Follow in Your Family Footsteps
Corns are also a result of genetics. If you have big bony toes, no matter how wide a shoe you wear, walking will put pressure on those toes and corns can form. Hammer toes and other foot disorders are typically passed down through heredity, putting people at risk for corns. A funky gait can contribute to corns. Walking can be an inherited or learned trait, but it is one that can be corrected much more easily than a foot deformity. Practice walking correctly, heel to toe, pushing off with the ball of your foot.
4. Pad that Corn
Corn pads are widely available and offer a little cushion between the hard skin and your shoes. Some come with medication built in to work on the corn and loosen the build-up. While wearing a corn pad, try to wear shoes with more room in the toe area to relieve some of the pressure. Your shoes will be even tighter with the pad in place.
5. Harvest the Crop
Corns can be cut off. You can do it yourself with a blade or very sharp scissors, but be careful not to cut too deeply. Sterilize the knife or scissors if you plan to attack the offending skin yourself. You'll need a backup if you get an infection. People who are prone to corns will keep getting them if they do not fix the cause. So, either learn to live with an occasional bout of tough, tender skin, move to the country and go barefoot all day or get yourself a pair of sensible shoes.
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