That tender, white patch of skin tucked between your fourth and fifth toes might seem minor, but every step can feel like a pebble is stuck in your shoe. Soft corns develop when bone presses against bone deep between the toes, and conservative care does not always solve the problem. When padding, footwear changes, and trimming no longer provide relief, surgery offers a lasting solution that restores comfort and confidence with every step.
At Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. D. Sean Sweeney, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Christy Leahey, DPM, FACFAS, bring more than 20 years of trusted podiatric surgical experience to The Woodlands and Magnolia communities. Voted Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands by Living Magazine every year since 2012, our team blends advanced surgical skill with the warm, patient-centered care that has earned us that reputation.
What Is a Soft Corn?
A soft corn forms when a small section of bone in the fifth toe presses against the bone at the base of the fourth toe. The constant pressure pinches the skin between the toes, and moisture in that space keeps the corn soft and white.
Left untreated, soft corns can lead to:
- Persistent pain and irritation while walking
- Open sores or small ulcerations between the toes
- Skin infections in the affected area
- Difficulty wearing closed-toe shoes comfortably
When Surgery Becomes the Right Choice
Surgical correction is recommended when padding, wider shoes, and routine trimming no longer control symptoms. Candidates are typically adults with chronic discomfort, recurring skin breakdown, or repeated infections between the toes.
How the Procedure Works
The surgery is most often performed in our office or at an outpatient surgery center using a local anesthetic. A small incision is placed on the top of the fifth toe to release the ligaments and expose the head of the proximal phalanx, which is the section of bone causing the pressure. The surgeon removes that piece of bone to eliminate the source of pinching.
If the toe is curled or contracted, the tendon on the bottom of the toe is released. In some cases, a small incision at the base of the fourth toe is used to smooth the opposing bone. When the skin between the toes is severely damaged, a procedure called syndactylism may be performed, which removes the damaged skin and gently joins the fourth and fifth toes for a comfortable, cosmetically pleasing result with no loss of foot function.
What to Expect During Recovery
- Keep the foot elevated above the heart for at least the first three days
- Limit activity for two to three weeks
- Wear the postoperative shoe whenever walking to protect the surgical site
- Keep the foot dry until stitches are removed at 10 to 14 days
- Avoid barefoot walking for three weeks after surgery
- Return to regular shoes in roughly three to four weeks, sometimes sooner
Complications are uncommon. Excessive swelling is the most common issue, and the risk of infection remains low as long as the dressing stays clean and dry.
Why Choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists for Surgical Correction of Soft Corns in The Woodlands, TX?
Our patients choose us because we combine seasoned surgical expertise with a warm, friendly approach that puts you at ease from the first visit. Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Leahey are both board-qualified Fellows of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and our practice has been recognized as Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands every year since 2012.
We offer coordinated, in-house recovery support, including MLS laser therapy, to help reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and prevent recurrence. With prompt appointments, two convenient locations, and a compassionate team that treats every patient like family, you receive complete foot and ankle care from diagnosis through full recovery.
Step Comfortably Again
Painful soft corns do not have to dictate your shoe choices or slow you down. A short, well-tolerated procedure can deliver lasting relief and let you get back to the activities you enjoy. Schedule your consultation with Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists today at our office in The Woodlands at (281) 292-4944 or our Magnolia office at (281) 789-4956.