When corns are a symptom, not the main problem: Identifying underlying causes

Most patients visit Harley Street Nail Specialist Clinic to have their corn removel in London, hoping that the procedure itself will relieve the issue permanently. Although cutting out the corn relieves pain in the short run, it's crucial to realise that corns are typically a sign of something deeper. Unless one identifies and addresses what's underneath, the corn will recur.

What Corns Really Are?

A corn is a small, thickened patch of skin that occurs as the body's reaction to pressure or friction. They are painful, ugly, and embarrassing when they make it hard to wear certain shoes. But the corn itself isn't usually the cause of the issue. It occurs because something is repetitively putting pressure on the same location of the foot.

Common Underlying Causes

● Toe deformities: Hammer toes or bunions alter the alignment of the toes. The new position causes rubbing in shoes, which causes corns.

● Gait abnormalities: The manner of walking places additional weight on specific areas of the foot. Over a period of time, this uneven weight causes zones of hard skin.

● Ill-fitting shoes: Too-tight, too-narrow, or too-high-heeled shoes can make pressure and friction worse, especially on the top or sides of toes.

● Previous injury: Trauma to the toe or foot may alter pressure distribution in a way that will cause corns to form.

Removing a corn without treating these causative factors is trimming a weed while the root remains. The tough skin is eliminated for the time being, but the force that brought it about is still intact. This is why corns tend to recur after minimal treatment.

At Harley Street Nail Specialist Clinic, we do more than just removal. We evaluate each patient's footwear, gait, and foot shape to identify what's actually behind the issue. In most instances, custom-made orthotics, modifications to footwear, or exercises to enhance foot function can prove to cut recurrence dramatically.

A long-term strategy for comfort

For patients, the true aim is not merely a smoother toe, but enduring comfort and mobility. That's why we focus on full care, including treating the corn and addressing what lies beneath it.

If you are having persistent corns and are thinking of corn removal in London, make an appointment at Harley Street Nail Specialist Clinic. We will determine the real reason behind your pain and give you answers that extend beyond temporary solutions.