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Corns: What Are They And How Can You Prevent Them?

Summer's here! Time to get those feet out!

Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s time to put those feet on display. But what to do if you’ve got some corns mucking up your gorgeous paws? No problem. We’ve got you covered.

Corns are thickened skin that form on the top of or in-between toes. They often get confused with calluses. Calluses are also thickened skin but they form primarily on the bottoms of feet.

While corns can affect anyone, there are certain populations who are at higher risk of developing them. People with hammertoes (toes that are bent permanently downward) and bunions have a higher likelihood of forming them, Dr. Amandeep Randhawa of Metro Vancouver Podiatry told HuffPost Canada via email. As do the elderly, people with diabetes, athletes and those with partial foot amputations.

Corns are caused when parts of the foot suffer excessive friction and pressure. Because deformities change the areas of weight-bearing on the feet, they create new areas of friction and pressure, Randhawa said.

With corns, prevention is key. And prevention mainly comes down to wearing better fitting shoes.

Check out the slideshow below to find more tips on symptoms, prevention and treatment of corns — including Randhawa’s tips on finding the best fit for shoes.

What Are They?

Foot Corns

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