Home Remedies for Foot Corns and Why Barefoot Shoes Can Help

Calluses, also known as corns, are small areas of thickened skin that form as a result of prolonged pressure or friction. They cause the condensation of collagen fibers and accelerate the maturation process of flattened keratinocytes.

Among calluses, there are two main categories:

Hard calluses: Hard calluses protrude slightly above the skin surface and appear as small, round spots with a shiny, pale yellow tint. They are characterized by the presence of a core that extends deep inside. Their pressure causes sharp pain, making each step a painful experience.

Soft calluses: Soft calluses are flexible and lack a centrally hardened area. Although pliable, they can still cause some pain, remaining as a result of prolonged pressure or friction.

Corns are a bit different. Calluses are more widespread than corns and penetrate much deeper, often having a so-called "root." Pressure on a corn causes pain, whereas with a callus, such pain is almost non-existent.

Calluses form as a result of keratinization and the accumulation of epidermis, while corns are caused by constant and intense pressure, leading to an inflammatory condition that penetrates deep into the skin.

Common locations where corns form:

On the joints of the toes
Between the toes
On the sole of the foot
Under the toenail
In the nail folds

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There are many causes of corns, including:

Poorly fitting shoes
Existing conditions such as foot deformities, calluses
Postural problems, flat feet
Obesity
Abnormal gait
Prolonged sitting
Sports activities

There can be many causes, and as always, it’s best to prevent rather than treat, such as by fixing other conditions or choosing the right footwear.

Can bad shoes cause corns on the feet?

We described that corns form as a result of constant and prolonged pressure. Well, what can cause more pressure on our feet than ill-fitting shoes?

Unfortunately, all kinds of fancy, winter, or other "heavier" shoes tend to be very stiff. In such cases, it's very easy to create pressure in various spots on the foot, leading to corns. If we respond quickly, we can prevent them, but corns tend to start forming painlessly, only to quickly become a more serious problem. Especially if we are constantly taught the philosophy of "just walk it off," "a little discomfort is normal," "we need to look good," and similar ideas. Later, the time comes when corns need to be removed, sometimes even surgically, and it's no longer such a simple matter.

Properly chosen, flexible, and most importantly, NON-COMPRESSING shoes are the guarantee that calluses, corns, and even blisters will not bother our feet.

Home Remedies for Corns – 5 Ways to Treat Corns Naturally

Of course, as with any condition, it’s important to listen to your body, and in cases of severe pain or problematic issues, seek medical attention (in this case, a podiatrist can help). However, calluses and corns can successfully be treated at home using natural ingredients. There are many special products on the market, such as exfoliating socks, applicators, corn patches, and other remedies that can help, but if you’re just starting to notice problems, proper care and home methods can be very useful in combating thickened skin and everything beneath it.

Fresh Lemon or Pineapple Compresses

Both of these fruits contain enzymes that can soften the skin and help remove a corn along with its root. Simply apply a slice of either fruit and wrap the area with a gauze bandage with the fruit attached. This "dressing" can be left overnight, and the next day, gently remove the corn. Whether this treatment will be effective depends on the severity of the condition.

Soaking Feet in Epsom Salt

There’s no reason why the previous foot soak in warm water can’t be combined with Epsom salt. This magnesium-rich, natural salt helps soften the skin, which can aid in removing corns and even calluses on the feet. Epsom salt also has relaxing properties, so a full bath with it can help you kill two birds with one stone.

Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

The combination of an acidic ingredient like lemon juice with a basic ingredient like baking soda can trigger a reaction that will help soften calluses. Start by mixing warm water with lemon juice. Soak your feet for several minutes, then add baking soda. This soak will help soften painful calluses and gently remove or reduce their effects.

Warm Water, Pumice, and Petroleum Jelly

In some cases, simply soaking your feet in warm water with or without soap for a sufficient amount of time is enough. Then, using pumice, gently rub off the softened thickened areas (of course, be cautious of any pain – the core won’t be as easy to remove, so don’t force anything). Finally, apply petroleum jelly to protect the area and prevent rubbing on the delicate skin.

Natural Oils, Acids, and Ointments

It won’t hurt to use any natural oils or ointments, though it's important to discern what actually helps and what is "sold" as trendy. Helpful substances may include: Salicylic acid and lactic acid Urea Castor oil Almond oil Apple cider vinegar Olive oil Fresh spinach grated into a paste With such remedies, it’s often the case that product A will work for some, while product B works for others. These are not harmful substances, so feel free to try and see which one works best for you.

When to See a Doctor

If painful corns are interfering with your ability to walk, if they discharge an unpleasant substance, or if they form unnaturally frequently on your feet, it is essential to see a podiatrist. Symptoms and treatment can vary greatly depending on the individual or the condition of the foot. In extreme cases, corns with roots may need to be surgically removed. Sometimes, a doctor may prescribe special insoles for shoes or other moisturizing creams and balms (with a higher concentration of medicinal ingredients).

Barefoot Shoes – Forget About Corns on Your Feet!

As mentioned above, corns often form due to poorly fitted shoes and continuous friction from too-tight footwear. What if we told you that barefoot shoes practically eliminate this cause?

Barefoot shoes provide:

Full freedom for the foot, especially the toes, preventing any unsightly changes in the feet.
Breathable materials, contributing to healthy skin.
A zero-drop sole that promotes the natural movement of the foot, which reduces the risk of developing corns due to posture issues or improper gait.
They are lightweight and flexible, so they don’t strain or rub the foot.