Dignity Health: Find Healing for Corns & Bunions in Arizona

A bunion is a bony bump that develops on the joint of the big toe. A corn occurs when the skin thickens on the top of the toe or foot (s)imilar to a callus. Bunions occur when the bones of the joint are pushed out of alignment, most often by wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. Corns are a reaction to pressure on the toe, caused when the toe rubs against the top of the shoe. In some cases, corns develop when two toes rub against each other. 

Dignity Health provides quality care for treating bunions and corns in Arizona, as part of our orthopedic services. To learn more about your options for treatment, Find a Doctor at Dignity Health. 

Corn & Bunion Symptoms

Symptoms of corns include:

• Hard, thick lesion on the top or side of a toe
• Rough and yellowish in color in center of the corn
• Sensitivity in the center of the corn
• Painful to touch as time goes on

Symptoms of bunions include:

• Deformity at the base of the big toe
• Pain and soreness
• Swelling and redness
• Hardening of the skin on the bottom of the foot
• Joint stiffness
• Difficulty walking

If you have one or more of these symptoms, meet with a skilled orthopedic doctor at Dignity Health for diagnosis and personalized treatment.

Corn and Bunion Causes

Corns are mainly caused by wearing shoes that don’t fit well. The shoe may be too tight or too loose. You can get a corn if you wear high heels and improperly fitting shoes and socks. 

Bunions may be a result of an inherited trait that causes the foot to develop abnormally. The most common cause of bunions is wearing high heels or shoes that have a very narrow, pointed, or tight toe box (the area where your toes meet at the front of the shoe). Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy can make you more likely to develop a bunion.

Corn and Bunion Treatment at Dignity Health

For treating larger corns, doctors usually trim the skin and may suggest prevention methods. If there is an underlying deformity that is causing the corn, surgery may needed. 

For bunions, treatment may include orthotics (s)hoe inserts and other protective options. Ice and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to help relieve discomfort. If nonsurgical therapy isn’t enough, foot surgery may be necessary. The best way to prevent corns and bunions is to wear comfortable shoes that fit properly and that don’t squeeze or rub tightly against your feet. 

Dignity Health offers personalized care for diagnosing and treating corns and bunions in Arizona.