The usual suspects for foot problems – pressure and friction – are also primarily responsible for a condition familiar to every foot specialist: clavus, or corn. Initially rather inconspicuous, it can develop into a painful pressure point Developing corns can affect the entire movement pattern. There are plenty of self-help remedies and methods, but do they really provide the promised relief? It's better to consult a foot specialist. With a podiatrist, your feet are in the best hands, and the problem of corns can be permanently resolved.

The cause: pressure and friction

A corn typically develops due to persistent high pressure or friction on the affected area. Wearing tight shoes or compression stockings, for example, very often leads to corns forming, especially between the toes. The preference for fashionable footwear means that women are particularly affected. Toe deformities such as hallux valgus or claw/hammer toes can also promote the formation of corns.

Constant pressure initially causes a callus to form. The uppermost layers of skin thicken and become keratinized – actually a sensible skin reaction. Formation of a protective cushion against constant external stress. Over time, this increased keratinization (hyperkeratosis) extends into deeper layers of the skin, forming a central, keratinized lump. At this stage, sharp pain can occur when pressure is applied.

Corns are versatile

From a medical point of view, the following types of corns (lat. Clavus) are distinguished:

• Clavus mollis: Corn with a soft, flat core. Often found interdigitally, i.e., between the toes.
• Clavus durus: Corn with a hard, highly compacted corneal core.
  It occurs primarily in areas subject to high stress, such as hammer/claw toes.
• Clavus subungualis: Corn under the nail.
• Clavus vascularis: Corn containing small blood vessels.
• Clavus neurovascularis: This variant is permeated with nerves and small blood vessels and is therefore very painful.
  Particularly careful treatment is required here.
• Clavus neurofibrosus: Corn with nerve and connective tissue fibers, occurs exclusively on the soles of the feet and the balls of the feet.
• Clavus papillaris: Characterized by a white border. Often, there is a collection of fluid in the center beneath the corneal layer; it is very painful.
• Clavus miliaris: A non-superficial, round corn that occurs primarily in areas not subject to pressure. Since it is painless, it is also known as a "pseudocorn".
  

The foot specialist knows them all and, above all, he knows the most effective treatment method for each type.

How is a corn treated?

A foot bath should be the first step in every treatment. This softens and disinfects the skin. In the podiatry practice, excess skin layers are carefully removed with a burr or scalpel. Then the focus shifts to the root cause. The callus cone can be softened with keratolytic preparations, for example, with... peclavus PODOmed corn softening gel , which can be applied precisely and to the affected area. The corn should then be professionally removed with a scalpel blade, cuticle nippers, or a... Hollow cutter In most cases, the procedure is virtually painless. If the corneal cone is very deep, the treatment may need to be done in several stages. Until it heals, pressure relief or a foam ring should be applied.

Relief for long-term success

Symptoms can be treated – but it's more important to eliminate the causes. Well-fitting shoes that don't constrict the feet play a crucial role. Pressure relief devices can be used preventively in vulnerable areas. "The market offers a wide range of pressure relief solutions – Corn pads , Felt rings or “ Toe separators ,” explains Mirjam Meier, podiatrist and instructor at the Neuenbürg School of Podiatry, “but often it’s most effective to work with custom-made orthoses that are precisely fitted to the patient’s foot.” Regular washing and proper foot care keep feet healthy and resilient. Orthopedic insoles can help with foot deformities.

Better not to: self-treatment with a rasp, plasters and tinctures

Various methods are recommended for self-treatment. A common approach is to use corn plasters soaked in salicylic acid. These soften the thickened layers of dead skin, making the corn easier to remove after a few days. Caution is advised, however, as the acid can also penetrate healthy skin, potentially causing injury and inflammation. Corn tinctures have a similar effect, but the healthy skin should be covered with cream before application.

Mechanical removal with a knife, plane, or rasp is always risky. The risk of injury is high, especially for high-risk patients such as diabetics. Every roughened or cut corn is a potential entry point for germs and bacteria, which can easily lead to infections. Therefore, the sooner you seek professional treatment, the safer and easier it is to achieve pain relief and healthy skin on your feet.

Practical tips

In her new video, podiatrist Elisabeth Prinz addresses the problem of corns, presents different types, and demonstrates treatment methods proven effective in practice. Don't miss the new YouTube video!

Elisabeth Prinz is a podiatrist and licensed alternative practitioner specializing in podiatry, and runs a successful practice in Neustadt an der Weinstraße. This passionate podiatrist shares her extensive expertise with anyone interested in her work through videos. You can find all of Elisabeth Prinz's videos on the HELLMUT RUCK GmbH YouTube channel.