Corns are more than an aesthetic issue that transforms smooth, comfortable skin into raised or rough patches. Left untreated, corns can cause significant discomfort, affect your gait, or cause walking difficulties. Eventually, corns can even result in infections or skin ulcers.
Therefore, it is important to know how to prevent corns Sherman Oaks from developing in the first place or returning after treatment. Here are some key preventative measures to keep your feet corn-free.
1. Keep Your Toenails Trimmed
If your toenails are overly long, they may push against the front of your shoes, inducing pressure on the skin underneath, and raising the chances of developing corns. Keeping your nails short can help avoid this pressure and reduce the likelihood of developing corns.
Regular trimming may also help avoid ingrown toenails, which could also result in painful corns. Ensure you utilize the correct nail-trimming tools and techniques to avoid injuring or damaging your nails.
2. Utilize Moisturizing Foot Cream
Keeping your feet clean and nicely moisturized helps you maintain supple, soft skin that is less susceptible to any tissue accumulation associated with corns. After cleaning your feet daily, dry them and apply a skin-hydrating foot cream.
If you realize that a corn is developing, soak your feet to soften the tough skin region, then rub the area with a washcloth or pumice stone to smoothly thin out the thickened layers. However, do not utilize this technique if you have diabetic neuropathy to avoid further complications.
3. Wear the Right Shoes
Tight shoes that pinch the toes can jam them together, creating friction that makes corns develop. Select footwear that provides your toes with enough room to move. The next time you wear your shoes, try wiggling your toes. If you cannot, the shoes are overly tight in the toe box.
Footwear that protects against corns should be supportive and comfortable. The right pair of shoes should be well-cushioned, have shock-absorbing soles, fits well, provides adequate room to wiggle the toes, and does not rub, or pinch any part of your foot.
4. Utilize Custom Orthotics or Pads
If you are susceptible to developing calluses or corns, custom orthotics can also help. Orthotics are shoe inserts that support your arches and keep your feet in healthy alignment to reduce the likelihood of injury. You can inquire about custom orthotics from your foot doctor.
If you often develop corns between or on top of your toes, your foot doctor may also recommend utilizing toe separators whenever you wear shoes. Alternatively, you can wear non-medicated corn pads over areas susceptible to friction.
5. Do Not Forget Your Socks
Socks might not seem vital, but they safeguard your feet from corns. When you wear breathable and thick socks, you protect the feet from areas that could easily rub against your shoes, such as the area above your toes.
Furthermore, if you spend much time barefoot, the skin on the bottom of your feet generally thickens as a protective measure. Therefore, consider wearing socks, whether you have shoes on or not.
Your feet do a lot for you. So, the least you can do is to provide them with the necessary care. Do not dismiss any foot issue, no matter how mild it might seem.
These measures can help you prevent the development of corns by reducing the pressure or friction causing them to develop. However, if you develop corns, and are uncertain what might be causing it, especially if the hardened skin is painful or you have diabetes, consult a doctor for professional care.
