Corns

Description

Corns are painful, hardened, cone-shaped areas made of thickened skin. They occur as a result of increased development of the corneous layer of your skin (hence their name). They are primarily located on the feet and between the toes.

Calluses, localized injuries, inflammation, infection, or even poor circulation can all manifest signs and symptoms similar to corns. However, corns, when cut away with a razor-sharp instrument, have a clear translucent core, which is exactly how you can be sure if you suffer from them.

Symptoms

Corns may only hurt in response to pressure or they may hurt continuously for no apparent reason.

Causes

The hardest corns occur primarily on the toes, while softer corns typically occur between your toes. Prevention is key and is accomplished by eliminating undue stress on parts of the foot. Assessment by a podiatric physician, osteopath, or chiropractor is of the utmost importance. A professional can evaluate foot gait, the actual role of other joints such as the pelvis in foot pressure problems, possible shoe issues, and any other potential causes.

Proper treatment includes wearing properly fitted footwear. Even if your podiatrist fixes your corn problem, the underlying cause still must be determined and addressed. Sufferers with repeating corns and calluses need ongoing treatments by a podiatric physician. Patients with poor blood circulation from diseases such as diabetes may also require additional care.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Lemon and verucas essential oils applied to the affected area can relieve pain brought on by corns.

Blossom Essences: Save Remedy Cream® applied topically can also be useful.

Herbs: Apply a salve made from calendula petals two to three times a day. This will quickly soften the actual tissue and it also acts being an anti–inflammatory.

Homeopathy: Graphites, Silica, and Antim crud are helpful homeopathic remedies to help relieve corn symptoms.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions.

Nutritional Supplementation: Vitamin A and vitamin E can both be applied topically and taken orally. EFA’s are also recommended, particularly omega-3 oils.

Topical Treatment: Apply Aloe Vera, peroxide gel or rub castor oil on corns twice daily.

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the remedies listed above, seek the help of a qualified health professional. These professional therapies have proven useful for dealing with and reducing the signs of corns: Chiropractic, Magnetic Area Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, and Reflexology. (See References for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)