Corns — A Natural Foot Problem

by Sandi Duncan | Monday, August 27th, 2007 | From: Healthy Living

Corns generally occur on the toes and balls of the feet, usually as a result of pressure from improperly-sized footwear. A corn is a mass of dead cells that forms at the center of a callus. This hard, waxy core bores down into the skin, pressing on the underlying tissue and nerves, and causing extreme pain. Treatment should begin immediately whenever corns appear.

The first and best treatment for corns is to eliminate the cause of the pressure. Avoid wearing tight fitting shoes, which rub against your feet. This will allow your feet to breathe, in addition to reducing the pressure on the corn. In addition to improving existing corns, reducing the pressure on certain areas of the foot is one of the easiest ways to prevent future corns.

Soaking your feet in warm water and Epsom salt for at least five minutes, three times a day, will help to soften corns. Another common treatment is using a pumice stone to corn file down the corn, gradually removing part or all of the corn.

Sandi Duncan is the Managing Editor of the Farmers' Almanac. Click here to read Sandi's full biography.

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