Will Corn Plasters Work on a Bunion?

Will Corn Plasters Work on a Bunion?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: My husband tells me that my corn plasters will never work on my big
bunion. I always thought they were the same thing. We have a bet on this
one. Will you clear this up for me and tell me what causes them?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: No, they are really quite different, although they both usually occur
on the feet, and they both stem from the same cause. A corn is an area of
thickened and hardened skin, usually occurring over the knuckle of a toe. A
bunion, however, is an enlargement of a joint of the big toe, and can be due
to excess fluid in the joint, or to changes in the bones that make up the
joint. They are both formed as a response to pressure on that area of the
foot, pressure which generally is created by poor fitting shoes. Women's'
shoe styles seem to create the problem more frequently for them than in men,
but some people inherit a tendency to form these annoying bumps. If you won't
or can't change your fashions, and those corn plasters fail to rid you of your
problem, you may have to consult a foot specialist for help. Depending upon
the cause of your bunion, any one of a number of devices may be placed inside
of your shoe to correct the problem. If this is not effective, surgery may
become necessary. I am sorry to have to say this, but it looks like you lost
your bet.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.