Authored by Dr Harsh Sharma, Edited and Peer Reviewed by Dr. Pooja Sharma

Published June 30, 2014, Last updated October 21, 2016

What is a corn

A corn, which is known as a heloma in medical terms is a localised thickening of the skin as a result of undue pressure or friction on that particular part of the skin. Usually, this happens on those areas of skin that do not have hair and are smooth. Soles of the feet are the mostly affected as they are the ones who are most commonly the victims of excess pressure as well as frequent friction. This may result from too much walking or running or ill fitting shoes. At times, the shoe is too tight and at other times, the shoe is a bit too loose. A loose shoe may come as a surprise to many but it frequently rubs against the soft skin while walking or running.

While a normal person spends many hours standing and walks a few thousand steps in a day, some persons have to do much more as a part of their work. This is true in the case of sportspersons, athletes, policemen, armymen, doctors or nurses in hopsitals, workers engaged in construction work or in factories, salesmen or women going from door to door or in dancers. A lot of pressure is experienced on the feet which can go up to twice or even thrice their body weight. On the top of this, if their footwear is not proper, a lot of pressure may weigh in on a particular part of the foot. This can happen due to a shoe which is too tight and causes the foot to become cramped. On the other hand, a loose shoe can cause friction while walking. Some times, the corns can occur on the upper part of the toes instead of the soles.

The normal reaction of the body to this excess pressure or friction is to try to protect the soft tissues of the foot and it does this by forming an extra layer or padding which is hard. This normal defensive reaction of the body is what is known as the corn. This corn can itself become a source of trouble for the patient as it causes pain and discomfort. At times, the pain is quite severe and the patient is unable to put his foot down on the floor. Some of the corns have a tip pointing inwards which causes pressure on the nerves deep inside the foot and this causes severe pain on the slightest touch.

The pain makes it difficult or even impossible to walk without the use of soft padding in the shoes. Cutting off the corn with a blade is often resorted to but does not help as the corn recurs. At the same time, the risk of an infection or even tetanus is high while cutting off the corn.

Do’s and Dont’s for corns

• Wear properly fitting shoes.
• Avoid shoes that are sharply pointed at the front
• Don’t cut off the corns with a  blade. You are only running the risk of an infection.
• Use shoes that have a soft cushion.
• Dip your feet in hot water as it tends to soften the corns.

 Homeopathy cures corns without any surgery

Homeopathic medicines will always, without fail save you a needless surgery for corns. Medicines like Antim Crudum, Baryta Carb, Silicea, Ferrum Pic and Sulphur are very effective in treating corns, howsoever large or painful they may be. It is just a matter of a couple of weeks and you will be able to walk absolutely normally with the help of the homeopathic treatment.