Corn Or Wart On Ball Of Foot
If you have a lump on the ball of your foot, it could be a corn or a wart. Although both conditions may have some similar symptoms, there are some notable differences. In this article, we'll delve into what causes corns and warts on the ball of the foot, their symptoms and how to treat them.
What is a Corn on the Ball of Foot?
A corn is a thickened layer of skin that usually forms on the feet due to repeated friction or pressure. It can appear on any part of the foot, including the ball of the foot. Corns can be either hard or soft, the hard corns tend to form on the tops or tips of toes, and soft corns normally develop between the toes where the skin is moist. Wearing tight shoes, high heels or shoes with a narrow toe box can increase the risk of developing corns.
Symptoms of Corn on the Ball of Foot
Corns on the ball of the foot can cause discomfort and pain when walking or standing. Here are some symptoms:
- Thick, rough patch of skin;
- Pain with pressure or squeezing;
- White or yellow hard bump;
- Flaky, dry or waxy skin.
How to Treat a Corn on the Ball of Foot
There are several treatments that can help alleviate the pain and discomfort of a corn on the ball of the foot. Here are some remedies:
- Wear comfortable shoes with a wide toe box to prevent friction;
- Use protective pads or shoe inserts to cushion the affected area;
- Soak the affected foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salts to soften the skin;
- Gently file the corn with a pumice stone or emery board after soaking the foot;
- Apply over-the-counter creams or ointments containing salicylic acid to break down and remove the thickened skin.
What is a Wart on the Ball of Foot?
A wart is a viral infection of the skin caused by a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). It can occur on any part of the body, including the ball of the foot. Warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact with broken skin or objects such as towels and shoes.
Symptoms of Wart on the Ball of Foot
Warts on the ball of the foot can be painful and uncomfortable. Here are some symptoms:
- Small, fleshy bump;
- Black dots on the surface;
- Pain or tenderness when walking or standing;
- Thick, callused skin around the wart.
How to Treat a Wart on the Ball of Foot
Warts on the ball of the foot can be treated using a variety of methods. Here are some remedies:
- Over-the-counter topical creams or gels containing salicylic acid can help remove the wart;
- Cryotherapy, a freezing technique that uses liquid nitrogen, can destroy the wart;
- Laser therapy, which uses a strong beam of light to cut off the blood supply to the wart, can be effective;
- Surgery to remove the wart is typically the last resort;
- Prevention by wearing shoes in public areas such as locker rooms and pools.
Conclusion
If you notice a lump on the ball of your foot, it is important to identify whether it is a corn or wart. Corns are thickened layers of skin caused by friction, which can be treated by wearing comfortable shoes and using protective pads. Warts are a viral infection caused by HPV and can be treated by over-the-counter or in-office treatments. If you have any doubts about the condition of your foot, it is best to consult a podiatrist.
