How to remove corns from the sole of the foot

Before knowing how to remove a corn from the sole of the foot, it is important to identify it.

Symptoms of corns on the sole of the foot

• Hardened areas on the sole of the foot
• Thickened sole of the foot
• Lump higher than the rest of the sole of the foot
• Flaking
• Dry skin, particularly the heels
• Pain in the lump when walking

Types of corns on the sole of the foot

In the medical field, in order to know how to remove calluses from the sole of the foot, it is important to know what type of callus we are talking about. In this sense, there are:

• Soft corns: they are called heloma molle and are located particularly between the fingers. They are whitish and are also called partridge’s eye, chicken eye and rooster’s eye .
• Hard corns : these appear particularly on the phalanx of the toes, between the second and fifth toes, as it tends to rub against the shoe.
• Vascular corns : they are the most annoying of all. They tend to contain blood vessels and nerve endings. They are similar to cellulite.

This characteristic thickening of the skin can appear for a number of reasons, including:

• Friction and pressure : it is the main cause and is related to friction and constant pressure in this area and a bony prominence. Due to this, the skin seeks to protect itself and generates this typical callus thickening.
• Using the wrong footwear : especially those that are very tight and those with a narrow toe. This implies more pressure and the consequent appearance of thickening of the skin.
• Foot anatomy : some anatomical conditions of the foot tend to condition the appearance of calluses. This occurs in people with bunions, varus foot, osteophytes, hammer toe , etc.
• Hydration : poorly hydrated skin conditions this uncomfortable discomfort. This favors flaking and the presence of dead cells.
• Use of heels : the use of shoes with heels implies that the foot does not rest correctly on the ground, which increases the pressure exerted and favors the growth of the callus.
• Do not wear stockings or socks : the use of footwear without stockings or socks increases friction and pressure on the bony prominences causing thickening.

Foot pathologies are very common especially among the geriatric population . In fact, a study published in relation to the prevalence of foot pathology in a geriatric population and its impact on function, gait and falls syndrome ^[1] , carried out a geriatric evaluation of 171 women, obtaining as a result that the alterations Of the foot most found were the presence of claw toes (122), calluses (79) and peripheral vascular insufficiency (74).

To avoid these conditions in the foot, it is recommended to follow the following:

• Change your footwear frequently : in this way, you will avoid friction and pressure on the bony prominence in the foot area.
• Appropriate footwear : choose your shoes or footwear to suit you, neither too tight nor too big, but that have enough space for the comfort of the foot.
• Keep your feet hydrated : it is recommended to apply moisturizing creams, especially at night, to avoid peeling the skin on your feet.
• Avoid moisture on the feet : it is also important to prevent moisture from accumulating on the feet. In this case, it is important that after showering you dry your feet well before putting on any footwear.
• Wear socks : for the above reason, to avoid excessive sweating on the feet , it is recommended to wear socks, especially with closed shoes.
• Avoid heels : try to wear heels occasionally to avoid pressure on the bony prominences and condition the appearance of calluses.
• Use templates : this option is recommended, especially for those who suffer from anatomical problems that prevent them from walking correctly.

There are different effective treatments to remove corns from the sole of the foot:

• Use a file : the first includes the use of the file. This mechanical instrument makes it possible to flatten the corns that form with corns on the soles of the feet.
• Scalpel blade : depending on the cause and size of the callus, it is likely that the use of a scalpel blade will also be required to remove it. This should only be done by professionals.
• Pumice Stone – Another effective way to remove calluses from feet is to use pumice stone, widely known for its ability to scrape away hardness. To use it, it is advisable to soak your feet in warm water for 30 minutes and then pass the stone where the callus is. It is important to be careful with the areas where the skin is not thickened, since we can end up breaking it.
• Acetylsalicylic acid patches : the doctor may also order acetylsalicylic acid patches, freely available in pharmacies. This allows to remove corns effectively. The specialist will also explain how to use them and the time indicated to replace them.
• Orthopedic insoles : likewise, the doctor may indicate orthopedic insoles if the cause of the calluses on the foot is related to the anatomy of the foot. If there is any deformity, it is likely that the doctor will order tailored templates, according to the characteristics of the patient. This prevents the frequent appearance of calluses on the foot.
• Surgery : surgery will be necessary when the bone deformity is relevant to the friction of the bone, the skin and the formation of the callus.

In case you also feel pain, you may be interested in this other article by FastlyHealon Causes of pain in the sole of the foot .

Among the most used home remedies for calluses on the feet, the following stand out:

• Olive oil : a foot massage with olive oil once a week at night will eliminate the corns that have formed on the soles of the feet.
• Sodium bicarbonate : a paste prepared with sodium bicarbonate and water applied directly to the callus and leaving it to act for 20 minutes, allows the scraping of this area to be easier when removing the callus.
• Nettle : by applying a paste made with water, the stems, leaves and flowers of the nettle, we will be able to soften the callus to remove it easily. It should be applied with gauze and left to act for 3 hours.
• Onion with oil : when applied together, directly on the callus, it acts as an anti-inflammatory and softens the skin in order to eliminate the callus. It should be repeated every night and then put on your socks until the next morning.
• Garlic with oil : another powerful natural remedy to remove corns from the sole of the foot. Once the mixture has been applied, it is recommended to cover the foot with a bandage and leave it to act overnight and for several days until the callus has disappeared.
• Calendula : a paste made in a blender with calendula and water, applied directly to the callus and covered with gauze, allows the callus to soften until it disappears. It should be applied every night before sleeping.
• Tomato : there are several properties of tomato . In this case, it is useful to soften the callus until it is eliminated. It is recommended to apply its pulp directly on the callus, cover the foot and leave it to act overnight. Do it for a few days until the corn is completely gone.

The appearance of corns on the sole of the foot can fill the sufferer with uncertainty. However, it is a condition that does not affect the health of the person, except for the characteristic aesthetic discomfort. If you have any, do not hesitate to use any of the natural remedies described to eliminate them effectively or go to the doctor , if that is not possible.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to How to remove calluses from the sole of the foot , we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair and nails category .