Foot Corns

What are Foot Corns?

A foot corn, also known as a heloma, is a localized, painful skin thickening that forms in response to repeated pressure or friction. Unlike calluses, which are diffuse, a corn has a hard central core that presses into deeper tissues, causing sharp pain under pressure.

There are two main types:

• Hard corn (heloma durum): located on the top or side of the toes, with dry and compact skin
• Soft corn (heloma molle): located between the toes, kept moist by perspiration, with a whitish appearance

Causes and Risk Factors

• Wearing shoes that are too tight, too narrow, or have high heels
• Foot deformities: bunions (hallux valgus), hammer toes, or claw toes
• Prolonged walking or intense physical activity
• Abnormal gait or plantar pressure distribution
• Absence of socks or poorly fitted socks
• High-arched or flat feet increasing pressure zones

Symptoms

• Thickened, hard skin with a dense, painful centre
• Sharp pain under pressure or when walking
• Sensation of walking on a pebble
• Redness and inflammation around the corn
• Risk of ulceration in people with diabetes or reduced blood circulation

Podiatric Treatment

Your podiatrist at Clinique Claire Fontaine performs precise and safe treatment:

• Corn enucleation: removal of the central core using sterile specialized instruments, typically painless and without anaesthesia
• Reduction of surrounding callus to relieve pressure
• Protection and offloading of the treated area with custom orthotics or padding
• Custom orthopedic insoles to correct abnormal pressure points and prevent recurrence
• Personalized advice on footwear selection and preventive home care

Prevention

To prevent corns from returning, it is recommended to wear well-fitted shoes with adequate toe room, use comfort insoles when needed, moisturize the skin of the feet regularly, and consult your podiatrist at the first signs of skin thickening.