February 23, 2009

Health Tip: Causes of Corns

(HealthDay News) -- Corns are small bumps that develop on the top or sides of the toes, often because you've worn shoes that rub those toes the wrong way.

Corns are not a serious condition, but they can be painful.

Here are common causes of corns, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

• Having a deformity of the toe, such as a hammer toe.
• Wearing high heels that pinch the toes or put pressure on the ball of the foot.
• A seam inside a shoe rubbing on the toes.
• Poorly fitting socks that allow pressure or friction on the toes.
• Shoes that are too tight or too loose.

-- Diana Kohnle

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