My mother is around 85 years old and suffering with problem of corn in her little toe, Can I treat it with natural remedies?
Corns are a common problem and generally occur either on the soles of the feet or between the joints of toes. A corn forms as a consequence of thickening of the skin that reaches even the subcutaneous tissue. The skin on our feet react to the pressure exerted on them by everyday walking, running and other friction to form a thick covering (a corn or callus). This covering protects the sensitive tissue of the feet from any further damage. Corns can be painful and uncomfortable and are sensitive to touch. Corns can be either hard or soft and are conical in shape. The base of the corn is what is visible on the surface of the skin, while the conical tip is what pierces the soft underlying tissue when pressure is applied on it. This causes immense pain and discomfort while walking or doing other activities. Corns generally form as a result of everyday friction caused by ill-fitting footwear, improper foot care or even walking barefoot. If you have been walking on hard surfaces or if you suffer from diabetes or have flat feet, you have a greater potential of suffering from corns. Ensure that your shoes fit you well. A size that is bigger or smaller than your foot size can lead to a corn by causing excessive friction while you walk. The kind of footwear you choose should also be comfortable, preferably flat (shoes with heels may sometimes lead to corns) and the right size.
Natural Remedies For Corn
You can apply a corn cap on the affected area for immediate relief. A corn cap also reduces pressure on the corn while walking thereby reducing pain. Padding in the form of insoles is another way to reduce pressure on the corn and therefore reduce pain while walking. There are several ways to ensure that unnecessary friction for your feet is minimized. One of these ways is to make sure your toenails are trimmed short. Long toenails exert pressure on the toe and may lead to the formation of a corn. Keeping your toenails short will help reduce pressure and friction on your feet. Do not attempt to cut the corn as this may lead to severe bleeding and infection. For temporary relief from the pain of a corn, soak your feet in warm water mixed with Epsom salts. Apply moisturizer liberally on your feet after soaking them for at least twenty minutes and leave it on for two hours before rubbing the corn gently with a pumice stone.
