Understanding corn treatment
A corn forms where pressure is repeatedly concentrated on one point. The thickened core presses inward, which is why corns become painful when walking.
Removing the corn without changing the pressure means it returns. Footwear advice, padding and, where relevant, referral for gait or structural assessment are therefore part of treatment.
Patients with diabetes or reduced foot sensation need particular care, and self-treatment with blades or acid plasters is strongly discouraged in that group.
This may suit you if
- Painful corns on the soles or toes
- Corns recurring despite over-the-counter treatment
- Thickened, tender pressure points affecting walking
What happens at the clinic
- 1
Assessment
The corn is examined and the pressure source identified — footwear, gait, a bony prominence or a deformity.
- 2
Treatment
The lesion is pared or removed with radiofrequency under local anaesthesia where needed, and any softening agent is prescribed.
- 3
Pressure relief
Padding, footwear change or onward referral is advised so the same pressure does not simply rebuild the corn.
- 4
Review
Healing and recurrence are reviewed, particularly in patients with diabetes.
Aftercare
- Keep the treated area clean and dry as instructed
- Apply the prescribed ointment and dressing until healed
- Do not pick or scratch scabs
- Use sun protection on the healed area to reduce marking
- Wear well-fitting, cushioned footwear
- Use any padding or insole advised
- Patients with diabetes should have any foot lesion reviewed promptly
Possible side effects
- Recurrence if the pressure source continues
- Tenderness during healing
- Infection — a particular concern in diabetes