Corn Treatment in Sacramento, CA
Corns are small, thickened areas of skin with a hard center surrounded by irritated tissue. When pressure is applied, corns can cause significant pain and discomfort. At Dennis Grandy, DPM, we safely remove painful corns and address the pressure that causes them so you can walk comfortably again. Call (916) 920-0371 to schedule your visit.
What Are Corns?
Corns are your skin’s way of protecting itself from repeated pressure and friction. They tend to be smaller than calluses and have a hard, dense core that presses into the deeper layers of skin. While corns can form on the bottom of the foot where pressure is usually applied, they are more commonly found on the tops and sides of the toes and even between the toes.
Types of Corns
- Hard corns form on the tops and outer edges of the toes, often where shoes rub.
- Soft corns develop between the toes, where moisture keeps the skin soft and rubbery.
- Seed corns are tiny corns that often appear on the bottom of the foot.
What Causes Corns?
Ill-fitting shoes are the most common cause of corns. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or have high heels can squeeze the toes and create friction. Toe deformities such as hammertoes and bunions also make corns more likely by creating bony prominences that rub against footwear. Wearing shoes without socks can add to the friction.
Corn Treatment Options
Dr. Grandy can safely trim and remove corns in the office, providing immediate relief. Protective padding, roomier footwear, and custom orthotics can reduce the pressure that causes corns to return. We do not recommend cutting corns at home or using medicated corn pads without guidance, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation, as this can lead to wounds and infection. Patients with diabetes should review our diabetic foot care recommendations.
Corn FAQs
What is the difference between a corn and a callus?
Corns are smaller, have a hard center, and usually form on the tops, sides, or between the toes. Calluses are larger, spread out, and typically form on the soles.
Why are corns painful?
The hard core of a corn presses into the deeper layers of skin and nerves, especially when shoes add pressure.
Can I remove a corn at home?
We recommend against cutting corns at home. A podiatrist can remove them safely without risking cuts or infection.
Do corns come back after treatment?
Corns can return if the source of pressure is not addressed. Proper footwear, padding, and orthotics help prevent recurrence.
What shoes help prevent corns?
Shoes with a wide toe box, low heels, and soft materials reduce friction and pressure on the toes.
Should people with diabetes worry about corns?
Yes. People with diabetes should have corns treated professionally to avoid skin breakdown and infection.
When should I see a podiatrist for a corn?
See a podiatrist if a corn is painful, keeps returning, shows signs of infection, or if you have diabetes or circulation problems.
Step Comfortably Again
Painful corns are easy to treat with the right care. Call (916) 920-0371 to schedule an appointment with Dennis Grandy, DPM.