If you’ve ever felt a sharp, burning pain on your toe or the ball of your foot when walking, you may have had a corn. Corns are a very common foot problem and one of the most frequent reasons people visit a podiatrist — but the good news is they’re highly treatable and often preventable.
What Is a Corn?
A corn is a small, thickened area of hard skin that forms when your foot experiences repeated pressure or friction. Unlike calluses, which are usually larger and spread out, corns are smaller, more defined, and often painful because they press into deeper layers of skin.
They commonly develop:
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On the tops and sides of toes
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Between toes
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On the ball of the foot
Corns are your body’s way of protecting itself — but that protection can become uncomfortable very quickly.
What Causes Corns?
The most common cause of corns is footwear that doesn’t fit properly. Tight shoes, narrow toe boxes, high heels, or seams that rub can all increase pressure on certain areas of the foot. Other contributing factors include:
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Toe deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or claw toes
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Walking patterns that place extra pressure on certain areas
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Thin or fragile skin, especially with age
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Not wearing socks or wearing poorly fitting socks
Do Corns Go Away on Their Own?
Corns may temporarily improve if pressure is reduced, but they rarely resolve fully without addressing the underlying cause. Filing or shaving corns at home is not recommended, especially for people with diabetes or circulation issues — as this can lead to infection or injury.
A podiatrist can safely remove the corn and, more importantly, identify what’s causing it so it doesn’t keep coming back.
Do Corns Come Back?
Yes, corns often return if the pressure or friction that caused them in the first place isn’t corrected. Simply removing the hard skin treats the symptom, but not the source.
Long-term solutions may include:
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Footwear advice and proper shoe fitting
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Padding or silicone toe devices
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Custom orthotics to redistribute pressure
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Treating underlying toe deformities
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
You should book an appointment if:
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A corn is painful or limiting your walking
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It keeps coming back
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You have diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve problems
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There are signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge
Early treatment prevents worsening pain and reduces the risk of complications.
The Bottom Line
Corns are common, uncomfortable, and frustrating, but they’re also very manageable with the right care. A podiatrist can not only remove the corn safely but help prevent it from returning by addressing footwear, pressure points, and foot mechanics.
If corns are slowing you down, professional care can get you back on your feet comfortably again.