Corns of feet: Can homoeopathy be a better alternative? A narrative review

Abstract

Hyperkeratotic lesions of the foot (including corns and calluses) have been reported to affect 30-65% of people aged 65 or older. Modern medicine has no options other than surgical removal, which is invasive and painful and causes scarring and destruction of the surrounding normal tissue. Surgical removal also poses a high risk of recurrence. This article is an attempt to find a better and more gentle alternative for the treatment of corns and throw light on the scope of homoeopathy in this condition, as homoeopathy is known to have fewer side effects. Existing homoeopathic literature and published research studies on the subject were reviewed. The conventional treatment protocol was also reviewed to assess its efficacy and shortcomings, as was the scope of homoeopathic treatment in foot corns. Despite foot corn being a fairly common condition, very few options allow long-term resolution. While homoeopathic literature has numerous medicines for this condition, minimal documentation exists of successfully treated cases. Homoeopathy is a viable and effective option for gently treating corn using individualised medicines. Conducting clinical studies with larger sample sizes and well-drafted protocols are necessary to provide evidence supporting the efficacy of homoeopathy.