Corns and Calluses

Corns and Calluses are thickened layers of skin. They are caused by irritation. The corn is usually cone-shaped and has a knobby core that points in. This core can put pressure on the thin skin under it and cause sharp pain. Corns can develop on top of or between your toes. Soft corns develop between your toes. They are kept flexible by the moisture from sweat. Calluses develop on the bottom of your foot. Corns and calluses develop as a result of friction from the toes rubbing together or against the shoe. Calluses can also develop anywhere on the foot.

Corns

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Corns are a result of:

• Shoes, socks, or stockings that fit too tightly around the toes
• Pressure on the toes from high-heeled shoes
• Deformed and crooked toes

Calluses are a result of:

• Poorly fitting shoes
• Walking regularly on hard surfaces
• Flat feet

Note: If you have diabetes, having calluses is a strong sign of future ulceration, especially if you have a history of foot ulcers. Contact your doctor.

Bursitis of the Toe

Bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that protect your toe joints, particularly the big toe. It often occurs as a result of irritation from rubbing.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can occur on any toe. They are most common on the big toe. They can develop due to tight-fitting or narrow shoes. These put too much pressure on the outside of your big toe. This forces the nail to grow into the flesh of your toe. Incorrect toenail trimming can also add to the risk of developing an ingrown toenail. Other conditions that can lead to ingrown toenails include:

• Injury to the toe
• Abnormalities in the structure of the foot
• Repeated impact on the toenail from the shoe during high-impact exercise

Bunions

A bunion is a painful swelling. It is the result of the movement of the base of the big toe away from the smaller toes. At the same time, the end of the big toe moves toward the smaller toes. This may cause the head of the metatarsal bone to stick out and rub against the side of your shoe. The tissue under it becomes inflamed. A painful swelling forms. Bone growth may occur at the site of irritation.

Bunion

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Bunions can be caused by a number of conditions:

• Injury in the joint
• Genetics, which may play a role in some cases
• Narrow high-heeled shoes with pointed toes, which can put great pressure on the front of your foot

Hammertoes

A hammertoe is a permanent deformity of your toe joint. With hammertoe, your toe bends up slightly and then curls downward, resting on its tip. When forced into this position long enough, the tendons of your toe contract and it stiffens into a hammer, or claw-like, shape.

Hammertoe

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A hammertoe is most common in the second toe. However, it may develop in any or all of your 3 middle toes if they are pushed forward in a shoe and do not have enough room to lie flat.

Hammertoes are often caused by wearing shoes that are too short.