Difference Between Corns & Bunions

Corns are thick, tough areas of skin caused by repeated friction. Bunions are bony bumps which occur on the inner side of the foot when the big toe slants in toward the second toe.

Corns

• Corns appear as a thickened area of skin or a hard bump on the top or side of a toe. They can be painful when pressure is applied to them. Corns can be caused by poorly fitting shoes and neglecting to wear socks.

Bunions

• Certain foot types are more susceptible to bunions than others. Tight shoes do not directly cause bunions, but they do contribute to and accelerate their development.

Complications

• Corns are not a health risk unless you suffer from a condition that affects circulation to your feet, such as diabetes. Consult your doctor for proper treatment advice. Bunions can become painful enough to interfere with daily life if bursitis (inflammation of the bursa) occurs.

Treatments

• Corns usually fade when the source of friction is eliminated, but further treatment options include trimming the corn (performed by a doctor), applying salicylic acid patches and, occasionally, surgery. Wearing comfortable shoes, using padded shoe inserts and aspirin may help reduce bunion symptoms and alleviate pain. Surgery may be performed to help straighten the toe and correct bone structure.

Prevention

• You can prevent or reduce the risk of corns and bunions by choosing comfortable, well-fitting shoes.