This video explains heloma molle, also called a soft corn, which commonly forms between the fourth and fifth toes. The doctor discusses why acid-based corn patches may irritate skin without correcting the underlying bone prominence. He then outlines a small-incision procedure and gives specific recovery and return-to-work expectations.
Video transcript
This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.
This morning we are talking about heloma molle, or a soft corn. This painful corn commonly develops between the fourth and fifth toes. Some people try corn patches, but the doctor says these contain salicylic or lactic acid that removes skin without correcting the underlying problem.
He describes the underlying problem as opposing bone spurs on the fourth and fifth toes. The surgical approach uses a small stab incision on top of the toe to shave down the bone prominence on each side. The doctor says the pain resolves once the bone spurs are gone. He gives a recovery time of about 10 days and says patients can walk after the procedure and return to work the following day.
Key takeaways
- A soft corn commonly forms between the fourth and fifth toes.
- The doctor says acid-based patches remove skin but do not correct the underlying bone prominence.
- The described procedure reshapes the opposing bone prominences through small incisions.
