Corns, calluses, and bunions are all common foot problems. It is estimated that eight out of every ten adults suffers from at least one of the three. However, this is little consolation if your corns, calluses, and bunions are causing your feet to look unsightly, or even worse, causing discomfort. Below, you can find the common causes of these foot problems and treatment options that will give your feet the relief they need.

Corns

Corns are thick lumps that form on the outer layer of the skin. Most often, corns appear on the tops and side of toes. At first, these lumps are small, but they can become very large and very painful. The more pressure that is put upon the corn, the more tender and painful it will become.

Cause

Corns are caused from wearing restrictive shoes that put too much pressure on the toes. This isn’t a good thing and the body knows it. To protect feet and toes from injury, the skin forms hardened lumps (corns).

Treatment

To begin treating the corn, you will need to treat the root of the problem. Avoid wearing shoes that put too much pressure on your toes and cause discomfort. Once you have a comfy pair of shoes, you can treat the corn with a corn pad. This will prevent pressure on the corn and will reduce irritation. Corn pads should be changed regularly or as recommended by the manufacturer of the pad. Eventually, the corn will become smaller until it fades completely.

Calluses

Calluses cover a larger area than corns and tend to form on the heels or balls of the feet. However, they can also appear on toes or even the top of the foot. Calluses are relatively painless unless cracking and/or drying occurs.

Cause

Calluses appear gradually as a result of repeated pressure and irritation. In general, calluses are caused from wearing the wrong type of shoes or no shoes at all.

Treatment

Many people are tempted to try and rub or cut calluses away from the foot. This is a big no-no and can cause further damage or infection. The best way to treat this problem is by eliminating the cause. You can also try gently exfoliating the calluses with a high-concentration beta-hydroxy acid product.

Bunions

Bunions are much more serious than corns and calluses. They appear most often on the big toe and can become extremely red, swollen, and painful to the touch.

Cause

Bunions are almost always caused from wearing ill-fitting shoes, such as narrow-toed high heels.

Treatment

The only way to completely get rid of a bunion is by changing your shoes. To reduce some of the pain, you can ice down the area. However, it is advisable that you see a doctor. Some bunions may require surgery.

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