Corn Removal - Remove Deep Foot Corn With Surgery

What Tests Are Performed Before Corn Treatment?

In most cases, tests are not necessary before corn treatment. Corns are a common condition that can usually be diagnosed based on their appearance and location on foot. However, if the corn is unusually large or there is any suspicion of an underlying condition such as a bone deformity or a nerve problem, the doctor may order imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI to evaluate the foot and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

Additionally, the doctor will perform a physical exam to evaluate your foot and determine the best course of treatment. He/she will gather the patient’s medical history, including any previous foot injuries or surgeries, and inquire about the footwear and any activities that may contribute to the corn’s development. Based on this information, the doctor may recommend a combination of self-care measures, over-the-counter treatments, or surgery.

Techniques Used for Corn Removal

There are several techniques used for corn removal, including:

• Shaving or Debriding: This is a non-invasive technique where the surgeon uses a special instrument to gently shave or grind down the corn or callus until it is completely removed. This quick and painless procedure can be performed in a clinical setting. 
• Chemical Removal: The doctor may apply a chemical solution to the corn or callus to soften and dissolve it. After several days, the dead skin can be easily removed with a gentle scrub or pumice stone.
• Surgery: In more severe cases, surgical removal may be necessary. This involves cutting out the corn or callus and any underlying bone that may be contributing to the problem. This technique may require a longer recovery time and may be performed under local or general anesthesia.
• Laser Surgery: Laser surgery or therapy is a relatively new technique that uses a laser to vaporize the corn or callus, leaving the surrounding healthy tissue untouched. This technique is minimally invasive and requires little to no downtime.

The technique used for corn removal will depend on the severity and location of the corn, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences. 

Risks & Complications of Corn Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with corn surgery. Some of the common risks and complications are- 

• Infection: Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection, which can cause pain, swelling, redness, and fever. To minimize the risk of infection, it is important to keep the surgical site clean and dry, and to follow any post-operative instructions provided by the doctor.
• Bleeding: Corn surgery can sometimes cause bleeding, particularly if the corn is near a blood vessel. Your healthcare provider will take steps to minimize bleeding during the procedure and may recommend avoiding certain medications or supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Scarring: Corn surgery can leave a scar, particularly if the incision is large or there are complications during the healing process. While scars typically fade over time, they may not fade away completely in some cases.
• Nerve Damage: The surgery can sometimes damage nerves in the foot, which can cause numbness, tingling, or pain. While nerve damage is rare, it is important to notify the doctor if any unusual sensations occur in the foot after the procedure.
• Recurrence: In some cases, corn can recur after surgery, particularly if the underlying cause of the corn is not addressed. To minimize the risk of recurrence, it is important to follow any post-operative instructions provided by the doctor and to take steps to address any contributing factors, such as footwear or foot abnormalities.

It’s important to choose an experienced and skilled surgeon for corn removal as he/she will identify the potential risks beforehand and take the necessary steps to mitigate them. 

What to Expect After Foot Corn Surgery?

Here are some general things the patient can expect after foot corn surgery:

• The patient may experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with pain medications prescribed by the doctor. Applying ice to the surgical site can also help to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Dressings or bandages will be applied to the surgical site to protect it and promote healing. 
• The patient may be instructed to avoid bearing weight on the affected foot for a period of time after the procedure, depending on the extent of the surgery and the location of the corn.
• If the condition is severe, the patient may be advised to get rehabilitation exercises to regain strength and flexibility in the foot. 

The patient is discharged and sent home after giving detailed post-op care instructions and a follow-up schedule.

Recovery After Foot Corn Treatment

The patient will generally require 3-4 weeks approximately to recover after foot corn treatment. The exact recovery period will differ for each patient depending on the extent of the problem and the method used for treatment. Here, we are listing some tips that will help the patient recover as quickly as possible. 

• It is important to rest the affected foot and elevate it above the level of your heart for several days after the procedure to minimize swelling and promote healing.
• The doctor may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the discomfort during recovery.
• Depending on the type of treatment performed, dressings or bandages may be applied to the affected area. Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully on how to care for the dressing and when to change it.
• The doctor may recommend avoiding weight-bearing activities or strenuous exercise for a period of time after the procedure to allow for proper healing.
• Take regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing. Notify the doctor and/or his/her team immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms or complications.
• Wear proper footwear that fits well and provides adequate support to prevent the development of new corns and promote proper healing of the affected area.

Stay in touch with the doctor or his/her team during the recovery and allow the body to heal properly before resuming all activities. Following the doctor’s instructions ensures a smoother and faster recovery. 

Benefits of Foot Corn Treatment

The benefits of foot corn treatment include:

• Pain Relief: Foot corns can be very painful, especially if they are located in areas where there is a lot of pressure or friction. Treatment can help relieve pain and discomfort associated with corn.
• Improved Mobility: Foot corns can make it difficult to walk or wear shoes comfortably. Treatment can help improve mobility and allow individuals to engage in their regular activities without discomfort.
• Prevent Infection: Corns can become infected if left untreated, which can lead to more serious health problems. Treatment can help prevent infection and promote proper healing.
• Prevent Formation of New Foot Corns: Treating foot corn can help prevent the development of new corn, especially if the underlying cause of the corn is addressed.
• Improved Foot Health: Foot corn can indicate underlying foot problems or issues with foot care. Once the condition develops and gets treated properly, the individual becomes more aware of foot care, which improves overall foot health and also prevents future problems. 

Foot Corn Removal Surgery Cost in India

On average, the cost of foot corn removal ranges from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 6,000. It is only an estimated cost range that varies for each patient due to the following factors-

• Severity of the condition
• Location of the treatment facility
• Hospital-related expenses
• Type of surgery performed
• Doctor’s fee
• Pre and post-operative tests
• Medications prescribed
• Post-surgery follow-up consultations

To get a closer estimate, it’s important to talk to the healthcare provider.

Types of Foot Corn

There are several types of foot corn that can develop on the feet. These include:

• Hard Corns: These are the most common type of foot corn and typically appear on the tops or sides of the toes or on the balls of the feet. They are small, circular, and have a hard center surrounded by a ring of inflamed skin.
• Soft Corns: These are similar to hard corns but have a softer, white appearance. They usually develop between the toes where the skin is moist and can easily get irritated by friction.
• Seed Corns: These are small, hard corns that usually develop on the bottom of the foot. They can be very painful and feel like small seeds or pebbles.
• Vascular Corns: These are rare but can be very painful. They develop in the blood vessels of the skin and can cause bleeding and ulceration.
• Fibrous Corns: These are rare and can develop deep in the skin. They are often associated with a nerve that has become trapped or damaged.

It is important to properly identify the type of foot corn in order to determine the most effective treatment approach.

What Happens if a Foot Corn is Not Removed on Time?

If foot corn is not removed or treated on time, it can lead to several complications, such as-

• Infection – If the skin surrounding the corn is broken or damaged, there are higher chances that it will get infected. Once the corn gets infected, it may also lead to pain, inflammation, and other complications.
• Ulceration – In some cases, if foot corns are not removed on time, they can become large and deep enough to cause ulceration, which can be very painful and difficult to treat.
• Pain & Discomfort in Walking – A foot corn makes the patient’s gait or manner of walking due to extreme pain and discomfort. Over time, the pain will get worse and may even cause issues with the knees, hips, or back.
• Worsening of Underlying Conditions – Foot corns can be a sign of underlying foot problems, such as a deformity or nerve damage. Leaving foot corn untreated can cause further damage to the nerves and lead to foot deformity.

To prevent these complications from arising and/or getting worse, it’s crucial to consult an expert doctor.