All About Deep Seed Corns

Updated on: January 10, 2024

If you have found a hard, well-defined, circular, and painful spot on your foot, you probably have a deep seed corn. The irritating bump that looks like a seed is caused by shoes that don’t fit well. In our article, you will learn all about deep seed corns and what needs to be done in case they need to be removed. Apart from home remedies, there is a corn removal surgery that can be the last option if nothing else works.

What Are Deep Seed Corns?

Deep seed corns are just like regular seed corns. They form as a result of friction and appear as dry, stiff bumps on a person’s foot. Usually, they are in the shape of a well-defined circle. Patients frequently get them on the most sensitive areas of the foot, such as the toes, and around the ankles on the toes. They are more painful than other types of seed corn since they are deeper and can irritate the nerves on the foot.

What Are Causes of Deep Seed Corns?

You cannot fix the problem entirely if you do not know the reason behind the seed formation. If you undergo treatment and you go back to your old lifestyle and poorly fitting shoes, the seed corns will come back. So, check out our list of the possible factors that influenced and led to deep seed corn formation.

Mechanical Factors

First and foremost, in the majority of cases, mechanical factors are detrimental the most. This means that the friction and pressure that the skin is under while you are walking or running in tight shoes or high heels leads to deep seed corns. The skin’s defensive mechanism is to develop hardened surfaces, which are sometimes painful.

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and neuropathy might be the causes of multiple deep seed corns on both feet. When there is poor blood flow to the feet, the skin might get dry, and the way the patient walks leads to deep seed corns. As a result of diabetes, neuropathy can develop, which again disrupts the way the person walks, stands, and runs. The same applies to arthritis.

Genetics and Age

It’s true that some people are more prone to developing seed corns than others. The accepted theory is that genetics play an important role. However, hereditary deformities have the biggest effect, such as hammer toes and noticeable bunions. If you have a hammer toe or Morton’s toe or flat feet, the skin will get irritated in some places when you walk improperly, leading to a problem.

Age is another important factor. The elderly usually have dry skin, and their underlying health conditions might affect the way they walk as well. This all can lead to multiple deep seed corns developing.

Lifestyle Factors

If your lifestyle includes a lot of physical activity and running, the strain is usually placed on the feet which results in deep seed corns formation. Athletes are prone to seed corns as well as anyone who exercises rigorously on a daily basis. With the change of lifestyle, the condition will disappear. For example, if you are a runner who has flat feet, wearing comfortable shoes is vital if you don’t want to develop corns.

Is There Medical Treatments for Deep Seed Corns?

Before corn removal surgery, there are other medical treatments that can be advised. Some patients can have the seed corn trimmed at the doctor’s office. Then, applying moisturizing lotions and creams would help dissolve the corn until it disappears. Another option is to use over-the-counter corn cushions, so the foot doesn’t get irritated.

Prescription Creams or Ointments and Orthotics

The creams and ointments that the doctor would describe are the ones that contain salicylic acid, urea, and ammonium lactate. If there is a risk of the area getting infected, an antibiotic ointment will be prescribed. When it comes to orthotics, professionals can make custom orthotics with padding that will help prevent the corn from appearing again.

Surgical Procedures

When there is a clear risk that the infection will develop and the patient cannot bear the pain while walking, a corn removal surgery will be recommended. This is a simple and straightforward procedure that involves only one incision on the top of the corn to remove the dead skin and the root. The patient will wear a surgical shoe for two weeks, and after a month and a half, you will have recovered completely.

If You Want to Get Rid of Deep Seed Corns, Visit Your Surgeon In Miami

Get corn removal surgery at Luxe Foot Surgery, where experienced doctors will examine you and make the best decisions regarding your condition. If you have any questions or dilemmas about the procedure, feel free to contact us from Monday to Friday and get professionals to walk you through the course of the surgery. You’ll see how quick and easy it is to remove deep seed corns.

FAQ

How Do You Get Rid of Deep Seed Corn?

There are home remedies that would help you get rid of deep seed corns or medical treatments that the doctor can recommend. The last option is to get a corn removal surgery which would eliminate the root of the seed.

What Is a Seed Corn on the Bottom of Your Foot?

A seed corn is basically a thickened skin that has formed as a result of friction, rubbing, and pressure while you walk or run.

Will a Seed Corn on Foot Go Away on Its Own?

It won’t go away until you eliminate the causes that led to its formation. If the uncomfortable shoes are creating the issue, you must first switch footwear, and the corn will disappear. That applies to all the factors that contribute to the issue.