Corns

If you have painful corns on your feet or don’t like the way they look, see board-certified podiatrist Gaston Liu, DPM. At Gaston Mike Liu LLC in Commack, New York, he can remove corns to ease discomfort or improve the appearance of your feet. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

What are corns?

Corns are small, thickened areas of skin that may develop because of repeated friction or pressure in specific areas. Corns are similar to calluses, and Dr. Liu can remove them as well. However, corns are often smaller than calluses and have a dense center pressing into deeper tissue layers. They’re more likely to become painful when wearing shoes and walking. 

With proper care and pressure relief, you can effectively manage corns to ease pain and help prevent them from returning.

What are the symptoms of corns?

Symptoms of corns may include:

• Hard central core surrounded by inflamed skin
• Round, small areas of thickened skin
• Discomfort when wearing narrow or tight shoes
• Tenderness or discomfort when you apply pressure
• Hardened areas forming on the top, side, or between your toes
• Redness
• Blisters
• Raised areas or bumps

If they don’t bother you, no treatment is necessary. But you might still choose to have corns removed if you don’t like the way they look. 

What may increase the risk of corns?

The following may increase the risk of developing corns on your feet:

• Toe deformities
• Tight or narrowed shoes
• Repeated friction
• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Abnormal foot mechanics
• Pressure from walking
• Poor-fitting shoes
• Running, standing, or walking for long periods
• Playing sports
• Going barefoot
• Poor posture
• Not wearing socks with shoes
• Physically demanding job

Anything that places pressure or friction on your feet or toes over time may cause corns. Wearing well-fitted shoes helps reduce the chance of developing them.

How are corns diagnosed?

Dr. Liu diagnoses corns by discussing your symptoms and lifestyle habits. He examines your feet to determine if your symptoms indicate a wart, callus, corn, or something else. Dr. Liu offers treatment recommendations offering symptom relief. 

How are corns treated?

Dr. Liu might suggest one or more of the following treatments for corns:

• Watchful waiting (no immediate treatment)
• Custom orthotics (shoe inserts)
• Protective padding
• Corn removal 
• Reducing pressure on the area
• Comfortable footwear
• Routine skin care
• Treating the underlying cause

Gaston Mike Liu LLC offers safe corn removal to eliminate thickened or uncomfortable skin without damaging surrounding tissues. Dr. Liu can also address any underlying causes of corns, such as hammertoes, bunions, or abnormal foot mechanics, to prevent the corns from returning. 

See Dr. Liu if your corns keep coming back, are painful, make walking uncomfortable, or if you also have circulation problems or diabetes.

Schedule a corns evaluation at Gaston Mike Liu LLC by calling the office or requesting a visit online today.