|
What is
Corn removal?
The corn removal procedure involves the trimming of corn by
shaving off the dead layers of skin with the
use of a scalpel.
Back to Top
Effects
of Corn removal
Although the idea of corn surgery may seem extreme to some
people, it is the most efficient method of
long-lasting relief from corn pain. Corn
removal is effective in getting rid of the
pressure, friction and other uncomfortable
pain sensations.
Back to Top
Candidates
for Corn removal
Candidates for this procedure are those who have corns on
their feet. Corns, though, are more
prevalent in women as a result of wearing
tight or ill-fitting shoes.
Back to Top
Your
Consultation
The
corn removal procedure is
typically performed during an office visit
and
approximately takes about fifteen minutes to
half an hour. A local anesthetic is
sufficient for this surgery in most cases.
Back to Top
The Corn removal
Procedure
During the procedure, the doctor will make an incision on the
top of the fifth toe. The ligaments about
the joint in the toe are freed to allow
exposure of the head of the bone called the
proximal phalanx. The fifth toe bone
is the portion that is pressing on the base
of the fourth toe. The head of the proximal
phalanx in the fifth toe is then cut and
taken away. If the toe is contracted or
curled, then the tendon in the bottom of the
fifth toe is released. Depending on the
situation, the doctor will also make a small
incision at the base of the fourth toe and
smooth the bone in this region. In rare
instances, the skin between the fourth and
fifth toes may be so severely damaged that
fixing the bone problem alone will not heal
the soft corn. When this happens, the
damaged skin between the toes must be
eliminated. This procedure called a
syndactylism requires taking out the
damaged skin between the toes and sewing the
fourth and fifth toes together. Although
this may seem drastic, the procedure shows
no loss of foot function and results in a
good cosmetic outcome.
Back to Top
Recovery
After surgery, the patient should refrain from using the foot
and maintain it at an elevated level higher
than the heart for at least three days.
Activities should be limited for the next 2
to 3 weeks. After about 10 to 14 days, the
stitches will be taken out. During this
period, the foot should be kept dry to
lessen the risk of infection. It is
recommended that the patient use a
post-operative shoe to accommodate the
bandage, and should be worn every time. Not
wearing the shoe might cause the bandage to
come loose, resulting in too much movement
at the surgical site, which may produce
swelling, delays in healing and possible
infection. The patient can bathe the foot as
soon as the stitches are taken away. But
barefoot walking should be restrained for
about 3 weeks from the time of surgery. The
patient is asked to wear the post-operative
shoe until they are capable to wear normal
shoes comfortably. This will probably take 3
to 4 weeks from the time of surgery.
Back to Top
Risks
There are hardly any complications with this surgery. The
most common problem associated with this
procedure is the excessive swelling which
may delay the healing process.
Post-operative infection rates are minimal,
but the risk escalates if the surgical site
is not kept dry. A reoccurrence of the
condition is probable if sufficient bone is
not eliminated or if the patient goes back
to wearing shoes that are too close-fitting.
If too much bone is taken out, then the toe
may be floppy. It is usual for the toe to
feel floppy for a few weeks following the
surgery. In general, the toe stiffens
eventually.
Back to Top
Frequently Asked
Questions
Q:
What
is a
corn?
A:
A corn is a localized thickening of the skin as a result of
pressure. Oftentimes, corns come about on the top of the
toes where there is pressure from the shoes. Nevertheless,
they also occur at the sole of the foot and in between toes.
Specific corns may become intertwined with the nerves of the
skin. These corns are remarkably painful. Frequently, corns
build up a core which is repeatedly referred to as the
"root" by patients. Corns can be extremely painful,
particularly if there is inflammation and swelling in the
region of the corn.
Q: What are
soft corns?
A:
Soft
corns are described as areas of white moist skin between the
toes. Generally, they appear between the fourth and fifth
toes. They can be very excruciating, and if left untreated
can develop small ulcerations or sinus tracts that can
become infected. Acute athlete's foot can imitate the soft
corn. The soft corn is caused by an abnormality in the shape
of the bone in the fourth or fifth toes. This condition is
more common in females as a consequence of wearing tight or
ill-fitting shoes.
Q: What are
the causes of corns?
A:
The
following are the causes of corns: Tight shoes, deformed
toes (hammer toes), seam or stitch inside the shoe which
rubs against the toe, abnormality of gait (walking), surgery
to the lower extremities and bunions.
Q: How can I
prevent corns and relieve discomfort?
A:
To prevent corns, you should not wear shoes that are too
tight or too loose. Wear well-padded shoes with open toes or
a deep toe box (the part of the shoe that surrounds the
toes). If needed, have a cobbler stretch the shoes in the
area where the corn or callus is situated. Also, wear thick
socks to absorb pressure, but do not wear tight socks or
stockings. Applying petroleum jelly or lanolin hand cream
will also help soften corns or calluses. using
doughnut-shaped pads that fit over a corn can decrease
pressure and friction on it.
Q: What are
the treatments for corns?
A:
Treatment may consist of applying pads around the corn area,
wearing larger shoes to comfortably fit your foot without
rubbing or surgery.
Back to Top |
