Corns Callus & Hammertoes

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are sometimes painful thickenings (hyperkeratosis) that form in the epidermal layer of skin in areas of pressure or friction. A callus is a diffuse, flattened area of thick skin, while a corn is a thick, localized area that is often conical shape, with the point directed inward, causing pain.

Common locations for corns:

• On the sole, over the metatarsal arch (the "ball" of the foot)
• On the outside of the fifth (small or "pinky") toe
• Between the fourth and fifth toes
• On the tops or tips of hammertoes

What Is a Hammertoe?

Hammertoe is a contracture (bending) of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth (little) toes. This abnormal bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing problems to develop.



Hammertoes usually start out as mild deformities and get progressively worse over time. In the earlier stages, hammertoes are flexible and the symptoms can often be managed with noninvasive measures.

If left untreated, hammertoes can become more rigid and will not respond to non-surgical treatment. Because of the progressive nature of hammertoes, they should receive early attention.

Causes

The most common cause of hammertoes is a muscle/tendon imbalance. This imbalance, which leads to a bending of the toe, results from mechanical (structural) changes in the foot that occur over time in some people.

Hammertoes may be aggravated by shoes that don’t fit properly. A hammertoe may result if a toe is too long and is forced into a cramped position when a tight shoe is worn. In some people, hammertoes are inherited.

Symptoms

• Pain or irritation of the affected toe when wearing shoes.
• Corns and calluses (a buildup of skin) on the toe, between two toes, or on the ball of the foot.
• Inflammation, redness, or a burning sensation
• Contracture of the toe
• In more severe cases of hammertoe, open sores may form.

Non-surgical Treatments for hammertoes, corns and calluses:

• Padding: Appropriately constructed and placed pads and shields relieve pressure and friction on corns and calluses, reducing pain and discomfort.

• Change shoewear: Avoid shoes with pointed toes, shoes that are too short, or shoes with high heels – conditions that can force your toe against the front of the shoe. Instead, choose comfortable shoes with a deep, roomy toe box and heels no higher than two inches.

• Orthotic devices: A custom orthotic device placed in your shoe may control the muscle/tendon imbalance (often due to excessive pronation) and stop the progression of hammertoes.

• Splinting/strapping: Splints or small straps may be applied to realign hammertoes.

• Crest Pad/Buttress Pad: A buttress pad positioned under the toes (in the sulcus)offers comfort for hammertoes, mallet toes bent-under toes and toe tip corns. They also ease ball or foot pain.

• Keratolytic Creams: Corns, cracks and calluses can be successfully softened and reduced by daily application of strong hydrating creams that include moisturizers, emollients and keratolytics (ingredients that soften and dissolve the thickened epidermal layer, called keratin).

• Exfoliating Scrubs: Corns, cracks and calluses can be further reduced and maintained by massaging an exfoliating foot scrub into the affected areas of wet feet (in the tub or shower) on a weekly basis.