The discomfort caused by corns and calluses impacts everyday activities, as even the simple act of walking can be painful. For chronic corn sufferers, it might seem like the cycle will never be broken, but there are some easy ways to prevent and treat corns.

“Although not a serious medical condition, corns can be extremely uncomfortable,” explained Lynsey Hammond, MD for Kroko, manufacturers of leading South African footcare products. “Our corn treatment has been on the market for almost 90 years and is our flagship product. While this treatment is effective there are also a number of ways people can avoid developing corns in the first place.”

How to prevent corns

Corns generally have a small patch of thickened, dead skin that has a central core. They tend to occur at pressure points on the bottom of the feet and sides of the toes where the foot comes in contact with a shoe and friction is caused. Consider a few of these tips to reduce the risk of getting corns in the long run.

Tip 1: Wear the right shoes

Wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause corns to develop on the toes, particularly if the shoes you are wearing have a narrow toe box or are pointed.  If there is any pinching or rubbing when walking, then the shoes should be ditched.

Tip 2: Get the size right

It’s not just about trying on shoes, you really need to measure your feet before trying on new shoes.  There should be a half-inch between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. It’s also best to shop at the end of the day when feet are most swollen. When buying running shoes, buy a size bigger.

Tip 3: Replace shoes regularly

When shoes are worn regularly, the soles will wear down which means reduced protection from the shock of walking on hard surfaces. Worn linings on shoes can also chafe the skin, causing corns, calluses or blisters so replace shoes when needed.  

Tip 4: Wear socks

Socks provide a protective layer between your feet and your shoes, and good quality socks will prevent friction that leads to corns. If you’re wearing shoes that don’t suit socks, consider wearing no-show or ‘secret’ socks as this will help reduce friction. If you’re an athlete, then ensure you invest in quality socks that will provide the necessary cushioning.

Tip 5: Check your posture

People who walk with improper posture, walking too heavily on the inner or outer edge of the foot, can experience corns. Check your posture and if necessary, see a chiropractor to align your body and gait.

How do you treat corns?

While these tips might work for most, corns can still occur, particularly for those who compete in long-distance running. If a corn does form, they’re best treated with one of Kroko’s tried-and-tested products.

• Kroko Corn and Callus Remover: This tried and trusted remedy has been helping remove corns since 1936. This is a quick and painless cream ointment application for the removal of corns and calluses.
• Kroko CornFix: This a liquid corn removal treatment with an applicator and 6 corn plasters with foam doughnut-shaped rings. CornFix is painted onto the corn and it works by eating away hard, calloused skin and improves the renewal process for smoother, softer feet over time.
• Kroko Medicated Corn Plasters: These are soft foam rings filled with a dose of salicylic acid in an adhesive corn plaster for the symptomatic treatment of corns, warts and inter-digital corns and calluses.
• Kroko Corn Protectors: These are doughnut-shaped foam ring protective corn plasters which help reduce the pressure on painful corns and calluses when wearing shoes or socks

For more information, visit www.kroko.co.za or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Keep updated on all Kroko news by following Krokofootcare on Facebook or kroko_footcare on Instagram.