Corns: Javier’s Painful Toes 

Our Patient:

Patient: Javier, Age: 42 

Location: Bogotá, Colombia 🇨🇴

Diagnosis: Foot Pain – Corns

Background:

Javier, a street vendor in Bogotá, spends 12 hours a day walking on uneven pavement in worn-out shoes. He develops painful corns on the tops of his toes, making every step agonizing. Unable to afford new footwear, he uses over-the-counter corn pads that only provide temporary relief. A charity health clinic eventually treats him with proper debridement and educates him on foot care. Javier’s condition improves, but he remains at risk without supportive footwear.

Presentation of Symptoms:

Luis noticed thickened, painful skin on his toes months ago, which worsened due to repeated friction and pressure from his boots.

Key Symptoms:

– Painful thickened skin on the tops of toes. 

– Difficulty wearing shoes. 

– Chronic foot discomfort. 

Diagnosis & Treatment:

– Diagnosis: Corns caused by friction and poor footwear. 

– Treatment Plan: 

  – Corn removal via debridement. 

  – Better-fitting shoes recommended. 

  – Use of padding to reduce pressure points. 

Diagnosis & Treatment 

• Diagnosis: Corns caused by friction and poor footwear.

• Treatment Plan: 

• Corn removal via debridement. 
  • Better-fitting shoes recommended. 
  • Use of padding to reduce pressure points. 

Complications:

Recurring corns due to limited access to quality footwear. 

Cultural and Family Support:

Javier’s extended family pooled funds to help buy better shoes. 

Charity clinic provided free treatment. 

Today Possible Outcomes:

• Good Outcome: Javier follows the treatment plan, reducing the corns and improving his comfort at work.
• Bad Outcome: Persistent corns lead to infections and forced time off work, causing financial strain.