Foot corns are painful nuisances, but they're also quite common. Fortunately, there's plenty of information on how to mitigate the issue. A trip to the podiatrist can help treat them, while also providing information on how to prevent future ones from sprouting up. Before making an appointment, it's comforting to have some knowledge about the condition. Here are some facts to get you started. 

What Are the Common Causes of Foot Corns?

Foot corns occur when there's excessive friction or pressure placed on the feet. Spending a lot of time standing or being active, even just walking or jogging, can cause corns to develop. These conditions are especially likely to result in corns if the shoes you're wearing are too small because the chances of friction are increased with your feet, socks, and the lining of the shoe all rubbing together in excess. 

How Can You Prevent Them?

It's not always possible or desirable to be less active to prevent corns, but you can obtain the proper footwear for the job. When breaking in those new shoes, it's best to wear thicker socks or put corn-preventing bandages on the toes and edges of the feet to prevent too much friction. Your podiatrist is likely to have recommendations for the best protective solutions, including the best accessories to buy. Keeping your toenails trimmed is also helpful, since unkept nails might cause toes to sit the wrong way in your shoes.  

What Are Some Possible Treatments?

Depending on the severity of the corn, there are possible at-home treatments. However, many of them involve soaking the feet and filing or scrubbing the impacted area with a pumice stone. This method can prove viable, but it can also be risky if not done properly. Seeking a podiatrist can help remove the corns, while working to prevent them from occurring in the future. A professional will soften the impacted area and either scrape, file, or shave the skin, removing the corn. This treatment includes sanitized tools and proper after-care to prevent infection. 

If corns are plaguing your life, it's time to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist. The experienced professionals at Westside Podiatry Group offer pain relief for an array of foot conditions to patients in Rochester, Greece, and Gates, NY. From examining the feet to providing treatment, these doctors strive to find the best solution for their patients. Call (585) 225-2290 to schedule an appointment and visit their website to browse their services.