A corn is thickening of skin in the toe area, usually associated with an underlying bony prominence. A corn forms when there is friction and pressure applied to the skin over a prominent bone. Corns can also form over a hammertoe, which is a deformity that develops when the toe is actually bent at its joint level.

Treatment for this condition involves using protective pads, wearing shoes with a wider toe box, or surgical removal of the offending underlying bone spur.

Hammer toe is a condition that affects the second, third, or fourth toe. It affects the middle joint of the toe, which bends down and resembles a hammer.

The condition results from an imbalance in the structures surrounding the joint. A common cause is wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.

A hammer toe is flexible when it starts to develop. But if a person with the condition does not receive treatment, it may become rigid.

Causes of hammer toe

An imbalance in the muscles and tendons that surround the middle toe joint causes hammer toe. Several factors may contribute to this imbalance, including :

Footwear

Shoes that are too tight in the toe box or have a high heel can force toes into a bent or flexed position. When the toes stay in this position a long time, the muscles that allow the toes to straighten out become tight and less able to work. Eventually, they are unable to straighten out, even when wearing more spacious shoes.

Toe length and foot posture

Long toes may increase the likelihood that the toe will become bent or squashed by tight or heeled shoes. Hammer toe is also more common in people with other foot conditions, such as flatfoot or bunions.

Past injury

Hammer toe is not the direct result of an injury. But earlier trauma to the toe may contribute to its development later on.

Other health conditions

  • diabetes

  • neuromuscular conditions, which affect the muscles, nerves that control muscles, or the communication between the nerves and muscles

  • muscle imbalances that are unrelated to footwear

  • inflammatory joint diseases, such as arthritis

Symptoms and diagnosis

A person with hammer toe will have one toe that is consistently in a bent position. They may have difficulty straightening it or may not be able to straighten it at all.

Other symptoms of hammer toe include:

  • pain in the affected toe, especially when moving it or wearing shoes

  • a callus or corn on top of the middle joint of the hammer toe

  • swelling

  • difficulty walking

Diagnosis involves a physical examination to see if the toe can straighten out or is rigid

MANAGEMENT

In the early stages of hammer toe, the toe is still flexible. During this time, nonsurgical approaches can stop the toe from becoming stuck in a bent position :

Footwear changes

People with early stage hammer toe should avoid wearing narrow, tight, or high-heeled shoes. Instead, look for :

  • flat or low-heeled shoes

  • shoes with a wide and deep toe box to accommodate long or bent toes

  • open-toe shoes or sandals

Exercises

Exercises may also strengthen and stretch the muscles in the feet, which may reduce the imbalance that is causing hammer toe.

Foot aids

foot aids to hold toes in a comfortable position and reduce pressure on them. This may include cushioned straps, tubes, or cushions. Callus or corn pads can also reduce discomfort.

Splint

A splint is a type of orthotic device that may help reduce the symptoms of hammer toe, or help prevent it from getting worse. Placing splints in a shoe may help control imbalances in muscles, tendons, or both.

People can get an orthotic device that is custom-made for their feet from a doctor. Surgeons may also recommend using one after a person.

Surgical treatment

If nonsurgical treatment does not alleviate symptoms or the hammer toe becomes unmovable, surgery is an option.

The types of surgery available are:

  • Tendon lengthening :-
    This is a possible choice for people with a hammer toe that is still flexible rather than fixed. It lengthens the tendons that are causing the imbalance.
  • Tendon transfer :-
    Another surgery for individuals with a flexible hammer toe, this involves transferring tendons from the bottom to the top of the toe to pull the joint straight.
  • Arthrodesis :-
    This surgery is for rigid hammer toes and involves joint fusion. During the procedure, a surgeon removes a small part of a bone in the joint, allowing it to straighten fully.

After one of these procedures, a person must limit how much they use their feet while the toe heals. People can have pain or swelling for up to 4–6 weeks. A person may have to begin the recovery process with partial weight-bearing exercise in special shoes 2-6 weeks before moving onto a rigid athletic shoe after that.

CORN

Foot corns are hardened layers of skin that develop from your skin’s response to friction and pressure

SYMPTOMS

  • rough, tough, yellowing patch of lumpy or bumpy skin

  • skin that’s sensitive to touch

  • pain when wearing shoes

Corns can form in a variety of places on your feet, such as :

  • below your toenail bed

  • between your toes

  • on the sides of your feet

  • on the bottoms of your feet

Causes

One can develop foot corns from wearing shoes that are too snug on your feet. If you stand or walk for long periods of time, the weight of your body and the constant friction can also cause painful corns on the bottoms of your feet.

MANAGEMENT

File away the corn

It may be possible to remove the corn. Use these steps :

  • Soak your feet in a warm bath with SALT.

  • After the soak, put your feet dry with a clean towel and moisturize with a hydrating lotion or cocoa butter.

  • Continue this process daily until your corn has softened.

  • After it’s softened and not painful, try gently rubbing the corn with a stone

  • If the corn is between your toes, use nail file, to rub them.

  • Repeat these steps until your corn has disappeared, which may take a few weeks.

Apply castor oil and corn pads

You can soak your feet daily as described above and then follow these steps :

  • Pat dry your feet and apply castor oil. This is a vegetable-based oil.

  • After moisturizing your corn with castor oil, protect it with a pad. Corn pads help relieve the pressure from the area so that the corn can heal.