Foot Corns Causes and Prevention

Foot corns are similar to calluses and are a build up of hardened, ugly skin. However, corns are typically smaller than calluses. Corns also include a hard center, which has led to the myth than corns have "roots" into the feet. Corns can be painful as well as unattractive.

Corns are the result of a reaction your skin takes to protect itself against unwarranted rubbing, friction and pressure.

Shoes are often the culprit behind your foot corns. When your shoes don't fit properly, the shoes can compress your feet if they are too tight, leading to corns. If the shoes are too loose, your feet might rub on the insides of the shoes, leading to corns. High heels can also lead to corns. In other words, if you like certain types of stylish shoes, particularly if you're woman who wears high heeled shoes for long periods of time, you may be more likely to develop corns than those who avoid high heeled, stylish shoes. In addition, if you are a runner with ill-fitting shoes, you may be asking for corns.

Hate wearing socks? You may end up with more foot corns than you would like. Socks can reduce the friction between your shoes or sandals and your feet. However, make sure that your socks fit correctly. Socks that are too tight or too loose can cause friction and pressure rather than relieve them.

Sometimes, foot deformities, such as hammertoes, bone spurs or bunions, can result in corns. The way that you walk may also contribute to determining whether or not you will develop corns over time.

For most people, corns are unsightly and perhaps painful, but they are not life threatening. Ultimately, the foot corns will go away if you fix the reason that you are getting corns, such as buying the right shoes. However, if you have circulation problems or diabetes, you should contact your physician before you treat your corns yourself.