How to Prevent Severe Bunion Pain from Flaring Up
Do you have bunion pain that gets notably worse at times? Understanding why these flare-ups can happen can go a long way toward helping you prevent them in the future.
When It’s a Good Idea To Seek Care for Your Corns
Corns are uncomfortable and can feel embarrassing. While they might go away on their own if you alleviate the pressure that’s causing them in the first place, some corns need dedicated medical care. It can be tricky to know when you should try home care and when you should schedule an appointment with a podiatric specialist.
At Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center in Laveen, Arizona, Kyle Durfey, DPM, and Brian Hiapo, DPM, strive to make it as convenient and comfortable as possible for you to get the right care for your feet. Read on to learn when we recommend treating your corns at home and when you should pay us a visit.
Treating your corns at home
If you’ve just noticed a corn, you can try at-home treatments to alleviate your discomfort. Corns will often go away on their own if you take care of your feet properly and prevent further pressure on the corn. The best thing you can do to allow the corn to heal — and to prevent the development of new corns in the future — is to choose properly fitting shoes that don’t pinch or cramp your feet. Add padding to your shoes if you need it to comfortably accommodate your feet and protect the corn.
You can also soak the corn in warm water for 10 minutes and file it with a pumice stone. Be very careful not to remove any healthy skin from your foot. Apply a moisturizer afterward. Gentle, careful treatment with a pumice stone is the only way you should try to remove a corn at home. Do not try to cut it from your foot, or you could be left with an open wound that’s prone to infection.
If at-home care doesn’t resolve your corn, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center.
When to see a doctor about your corns
You should visit our team at Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center if you have a corn and:
- It’s causing regular, intense pain
- You notice swelling or redness in or around the corn
- The corn has pus or drainage
- You have a condition that affects blood flow to your feet, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease
After a thorough examination, we’ll design a treatment plan for your condition. Options may include the following:
- Topical medication to encourage the corn to peel from your foot
- Footwear recommendations to give the corn sufficient space to heal
- Custom orthotics to put in your shoes to alleviate pressure on the corn and prevent new ones from developing
If you have a corn, and at-home care hasn’t made a difference, book an appointment online or over the phone with Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center today.
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