Corns
What Are Corns (Heloma Durum)?
Corns, also known as heloma durum, are small, hardened areas of skin that develop due to repeated friction or pressure. They often form on the tops, sides, or soles of the feet and can cause discomfort or pain when walking or wearing shoes.
Common symptoms of corns include:
Thickened, hardened skin in a localised area.
Pain or tenderness when pressure is applied.
A dry, waxy, or translucent appearance.
Causes of Corns
Corns typically develop as a response to prolonged pressure or friction on the skin. Common causes include:
Wearing ill-fitting or tight shoes.
Walking barefoot, which can increase friction.
Toe deformities such as hammer toes or bunions.
High-impact activities that put pressure on the feet.
How JS Podiatry Treats Corns
At JS Podiatry, we provide effective treatments to relieve pain and remove corns safely, including:
Debridement: Professional removal of the hardened skin to reduce discomfort and promote healing.
Padding and Offloading: Using specialised padding to reduce pressure on the affected area and prevent recurrence.
Footwear Advice: Recommending proper footwear to minimise friction and pressure.
Custom Orthotics: Prescribing orthotics to correct biomechanical issues that contribute to corns.
Preventive Care: Guidance on foot care to avoid future corn formation.
Why Choose JS Podiatry for Corn Treatment?
Experienced Podiatrists: Our team specialises in treating corns and other foot conditions with precision and care.
Comprehensive Care: We address both the symptoms and underlying causes of corns to provide long-term relief.
Accredited Clinic: We accept Medicare, DVA referrals, and offer private health fund rebates via HICAPS.
Convenient Location: Visit us at 14 Wickham Street, East Perth, WA, for expert podiatry care.
Preventing Corns
To reduce the risk of developing corns, we recommend:
Wearing properly fitted shoes with adequate cushioning.
Using protective padding or insoles to reduce pressure on high-friction areas.
Keeping your feet moisturised to prevent dry skin.
Regularly inspecting your feet for signs of friction or irritation.
Book Your Appointment Today
Don’t let corns cause unnecessary pain or discomfort. Contact JS Podiatry for expert care and effective treatment.
FAQs:
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Corns, medically known as heloma durum, are small, raised areas of thickened skin that typically develop on the tops and sides of toes or on the soles of the feet. They are a result of repeated friction or pressure, often from ill-fitting footwear or abnormal gait patterns.
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Corns form from repeated friction or pressure on the skin, often due to footwear that doesn't fit well, foot deformities, or changes in gait. The skin thickens as a protective response, which can become painful over time.
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Symptoms include a hardened, raised bump on the foot, often surrounded by inflamed skin. Corns can be painful when pressed and may cause discomfort while walking or wearing shoes.
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Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination by a podiatrist, who will assess the affected area and consider factors like footwear and walking patterns.
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Treatment typically involves gently removing the thickened, hardened skin to relieve pressure and discomfort. Where footwear or foot mechanics are contributing to the problem, we may also discuss footwear modifications or offloading strategies to help prevent recurrence.
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Yes, prevention strategies involve wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate toe room, using protective pads in high-friction areas, maintaining good foot hygiene, and addressing any underlying foot abnormalities.
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If you experience persistent pain, notice signs of infection, or have underlying health conditions like diabetes, it's important to consult a podiatrist for appropriate management and to prevent complications.
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We recommend having corns assessed and treated by a podiatrist rather than using home remedies or over-the-counter corn removal products, particularly if you have diabetes or circulation issues, as self-treatment can sometimes cause more harm than good.
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Corns can return if the underlying cause (such as footwear or pressure points) isn't addressed, which is why we look at prevention as well as removal during your visit.
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Yes, our medical pedicure service includes corn and callus care as part of a broader, sterile, podiatrist-led foot health treatment.