Painful Corns
Corns on Feet
Causes, Symptoms & Corn Treatment in Waterford & New Ross
If you have a painful hard spot on your foot that feels sharp when you walk, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a corn. Corns are extremely common and are usually caused by pressure or friction, often from footwear, foot shape, or how you walk.
At Step Right, we treat corns every week in our foot health clinics in Waterford and New Ross, helping people get relief fast and reduce the chances of them coming back.
👉 Book a corn appointment today and we’ll get you walking comfortably again.
What is a Corn?
A corn is a small area of thickened skin that forms when your body tries to protect itself from repeated rubbing or pressure.
Unlike a callus (which is usually flatter and spread out), a corn often has a hard central core that can press into the deeper layers of the skin — which is why it can be painful.
- Corns can form on:
- The tops of toes
- Between toes
- The ball of the foot
- The side of the foot
- Under pressure points caused by foot structure
What Causes Corns?
Corns don’t appear randomly — they’re almost always caused by repeated pressure or friction.
Common causes include:
- Tight shoes or narrow toe boxes
- High heels putting pressure on the forefoot
- Shoes that rub in the same spot
- Toe deformities (hammer toes, claw toes)
- Bunions changing pressure points
- High arches or flat feet
- Walking or standing for long periods
- Socks that bunch up or footwear that slips
In many cases, the corn is a symptom — the real issue is how pressure is being applied to your foot.
Corn Symptoms (How to Tell if You Have One)
You may have a corn if you notice:
- A small, hard, painful lump of skin
- Sharp pain when walking or standing
- Pain that gets worse in certain shoes
- A “pin-point” sore spot rather than general soreness
- A thickened patch with a visible centre/core
Corns are often painful when you press straight down on them.
Corn vs Verruca (Plantar Wart): What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most common questions we get.
A corn usually:
✅ Is caused by pressure and rubbing
✅ Has a central core
✅ Hurts more when pressed directly down
✅ Is not contagious
A verruca usually:
✅ Is caused by a virus (HPV)
✅ May have tiny black dots
✅ Hurts more when squeezed from the sides
✅ Can spread to other areas
Not sure which one you have? No problem — we can identify it quickly during your appointment.
Types of Corns
There are a few different types of corns, including:
Hard Corns
These are the most common and usually appear on the tops or sides of toes, or on weight-bearing parts of the foot.
Soft Corns (Between Toes)
These form between toes where the skin stays moist, often due to tight footwear or toes rubbing together.
Seed Corns
Tiny corns that can appear in clusters, usually on the sole of the foot, often linked to dry skin and pressure.
Corn Treatment at Step Right
Professional Corn Removal (Safe & Effective)
At Step Right, we provide professional corn treatment designed to:
- Relieve pain quickly
- Remove the painful hard core safely
- Reduce pressure on the area
- Help prevent the corn from returning
What to expect at your appointment:
- A full foot assessment
- Safe removal of the corn (no DIY cutting)
- Advice on footwear and pressure reduction
- Padding or offloading where needed
- Recommendations to prevent recurrence
Most people feel immediate relief after treatment, especially if the corn has been causing sharp pain.
Why Corns Keep Coming Back
Corns often return when the cause hasn’t been addressed.
Common reasons include:
- The same shoes are still rubbing
- Toe deformities still create pressure points
- Foot mechanics cause overload in one area
- Lack of cushioning or support
- High activity levels on hard surfaces
That’s why at Step Right we don’t just treat the corn — we help you reduce the pressure that caused it.
Best Shoes for Corns (Simple Advice That Helps)
Footwear makes a massive difference.
We usually recommend:
- A wide toe box (so toes aren’t squeezed)
- Soft uppers that don’t rub
- Cushioned soles to reduce pressure
- Supportive fit to stop sliding and friction
- Avoiding narrow dress shoes where possible
If you’re not sure what footwear suits your foot shape, we can advise you in-store.
Should You Use Corn Plasters?
Corn plasters can sometimes cause issues, especially if used incorrectly. Some contain strong acids that may irritate healthy skin and cause soreness.
If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, it’s best to get it checked first — especially if the area is very painful or inflamed.
⚠️ Important: If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation in your feet, avoid self-treating and seek professional advice.
When Should You Get a Corn Checked?
We recommend booking in if:
- It’s painful when walking
- It keeps coming back
- It’s affecting your daily life
- You’re unsure if it’s a corn or verruca
- The skin is broken or inflamed
- You have diabetes, circulation issues, or reduced sensation
Corn Treatment in Waterford & New Ross
At Step Right, we offer professional corn treatment and foot care advice in:
📍 Waterford
📍 New Ross
We’re known for being thorough, friendly, and focused on long-term solutions — not just quick fixes.
👉 Book your corn appointment today and let’s get you walking comfortably again.
FAQ: Corns on Feet
Are corns serious?
Corns aren’t usually dangerous, but they can become extremely painful and affect your walking if left untreated.
Why does my corn hurt so much?
Corns can develop a hard central core that presses into deeper layers of skin, especially on weight-bearing areas.
Can I cut a corn out myself?
We don’t recommend it. Cutting can cause bleeding, infection, and make the area worse. Professional treatment is safer and more effective.
How long does it take for a corn to go away?
A corn can improve quickly after professional removal, but preventing it long-term depends on reducing the pressure that caused it.
Do corns spread like verrucas?
No — corns are caused by pressure and friction, not a virus, so they are not contagious.
