Plantar corns are one of the most common foot problems, in which one has a constant feeling of havinging a stone in the shoe. ‘Planter’ is the medical term for the sole of the foot, where usually the corns occur. Corns are hardened areas of skin, occurring on the specific areas of feet which suffer continual rubbing and pressure. They are usually found at the side of the toes and occasionally in between toes. When it occurs between the toes, the sweat makes the surface supple, this condition is termed as ‘Soft corn’. The Planter corns are often confused with another foot problem, Planter Warts.

The Plantar corns occur when a major bone pushes against the inside of the shoe, applying unnecessary pressure on the skin of the toes. This pressure causes the skin to thicken, leading to formation of corns. Corns do not spread on the surface but instead creep deep inside the flesh, acquiring a cone form with the peak facing inwards. This structure applies constant pressure on the nerves giving a ‘stone in the shoe’ feeling.

Following conditions develop friction on the toes leading to occurrence of corns:

• Wearing very tight foot wear or socks.
• Wearing high heel shoes which create pressure on the toes.
• Wearing very loose shoes in which the foot slides and rubs against the inside of the shoe.
• Deformed toes.
• Walking on hard surface for very long time