What Are Corns?
Corns are thick, hardened areas of skin that typically form on the toes or soles of the feet in response to pressure or friction. Unlike calluses, which are more spread out and generally painless, corns are smaller, deeper, and often painful when pressed. They can develop on weight-bearing areas or between toes and may feel like you’re walking on a pebble.
- Common on the tops and sides of toes or under the foot
- Often caused by ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or structural foot problems
- May feel painful, tender, or inflamed
- Can be hard (dry and dense) or soft (rubbery and between toes)
Corns may seem like a minor issue, but for many people, they cause daily discomfort, make wearing certain shoes difficult, and increase the risk of skin breakdown—especially for people with underlying health issues. At Best Foot Doctor NY, we treat corns with personalized foot care plans that relieve discomfort and help prevent recurrence, serving patients throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.
Types of Corns
Not all corns are the same. Identifying the type helps guide the right treatment and footwear adjustments.
The main types include:
- Hard corns: Typically found on the tops of toes or outer edges of the foot; dense and dry
- Soft corns: Often form between the toes, especially where moisture builds up; rubbery and more prone to irritation
- Seed corns: Tiny, discrete; found on the bottom of the foot; may feel like small pebbles and can cause sharp pain when walking
Understanding the difference between corns and other skin conditions—like plantar warts, cysts, or blisters—is important for effective treatment.
What Causes Corns to Form?
Corns develop as a natural response to repeated pressure or friction. The body builds up layers of thick skin to protect the underlying tissue. While this may seem helpful, the thickened skin can become painful and make walking uncomfortable.
Common causes include:
- Shoes that are too tight or too loose
- High heels or narrow toe boxes
- Toe deformities, such as hammertoes or bunions
- Abnormal gait or walking patterns
- Not wearing socks or using worn footwear
Without correcting the source of the pressure, they tend to recur—even after treatment.
Who’s Most at Risk for Corns?
Certain individuals are more likely to develop corns based on foot structure, lifestyle, or underlying health conditions.
Higher-risk groups include:
- Seniors, due to thinning skin and changes in foot shape
- Athletes and dancers, especially those in tight footwear or repetitive movements
- People with bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet
- Patients with diabetes or neuropathy, who may not feel early pain or pressure
- Individuals who frequently wear unsupportive shoes or go without socks
If you fall into one of these categories and notice pressure points or skin changes, it’s a good idea to have your feet evaluated.
Are Corns Contagious?
No, corns are not contagious. Unlike plantar warts—which are caused by a virus and can spread from person to person—corns are the result of mechanical friction and pressure. You cannot catch them from someone else, and they won’t spread to other parts of the body.
However, they can look similar to other lesions. A proper diagnosis from a podiatrist ensures you’re treating the right condition.
How Are Corns Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a corn is usually straightforward. Our podiatrists perform a visual exam to assess the size, shape, and depth of the lesion. We also evaluate your foot structure and gait to understand what may be contributing to the pressure points.
A differential diagnosis helps rule out:
- Plantar warts
- Calluses
- Skin cysts or foreign bodies
For patients with recurring corns, further evaluation may be needed using X-rays to assess bone alignment or foot deformities.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
While mild corns can sometimes be managed at home, medical evaluation is recommended when they become painful, persistent, or interfere with your daily life.
Seek podiatric care if:
- The corn is painful, swollen, or inflamed
- You have diabetes or poor circulation
- The corn keeps returning despite changes in footwear
- You’re unable to walk comfortably or wear shoes
Ignoring painful corns may lead to skin ulceration, infection, or worsening deformities—especially in at-risk individuals.
How Are Corns Treated?
At Best Foot Doctor NY, our corn treatments are tailored to your specific condition and lifestyle. We address both the immediate discomfort and the root cause to prevent recurrence.
In-office treatment options:
- Trimming or debriding the thickened skin using sterile tools
- Custom orthotics to relieve pressure on problem areas
- Padding or toe separators to reduce friction
- Shoe modifications or footwear guidance
- Surgical correction of underlying deformities in recurring or severe cases
Safe home care strategies:
- Daily foot soaking to soften skin (avoid if diabetic unless instructed)
- Moisturizing to reduce buildup of dry skin
- Wearing cushioned socks and supportive footwear
- Using non-medicated pads to offload pressure (avoid acid-based products unless directed by your doctor)
We strongly advise against attempting to cut or shave corns at home. This can lead to cuts, infections, or worsening of the condition.
Get Relief from Corns in NYC
If you’re tired of living with painful corns, our expert podiatrists can help. We offer advanced, compassionate treatment and restore comfort to your daily routine.
📍 Serving Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan with personalized foot care.
✅ Same-day appointments available
🌐 Multilingual team and conservative + surgical options
👉 Schedule a visit with Best Foot Doctor NY today and take the first step toward comfortable, healthy feet.