A hammertoe is the abnormal bending of one of the joints of any toe except the big toe. The symptoms of hammertoe include pain in the afflicted toe when wearing shoes, possible corns developing on the toe or calluses under the toe or ball of foot.

The pain from hammertoes alone can be very acute by themselves but adding corns and calluses can increase the pain even further. Treating the corns and/or calluses is considered a crucial part of the entire hammertoe treatment. Preventive measures should be taken because even if hammertoe is mild the condition will worsen over time.

Hammertoes usually start out with some degree of flexibility but not seeking treatment can allow the toes to stiffen. Even if the condition is not bothersome when discovered, the absence of treatment will set the stage for corns to eventually develop. And, contrary to common belief, corns never really heal. They can be trimmed and scaled down but they will continue to grow. The point here is simply to note that hammertoes will never reverse themselves. Some method of treatment will eventually be required.

Hammertoes are usually caused by muscle/tendon imbalance. Improper muscle to tendon ration will bend the toe. So the hammertoe is a structural issue and not the result of disease. Because hammertoe is a actual structural problem it is important to understand that improper fitting shoes and hosiery can aggravate the pain and difficulty associated with the condition. Wearing shoes with a tight toe box is never advised. In fact a custom foot orthotic or arch support can offer pain relief and additional support.

Other tips include trimming nails and treating calluses and/or corns. There are a lot of over the counter treatments for corns, calluses, etc. but self diagnosis and treatment is not a good idea if you suspect you are suffering from any serious foot condition. Let a podiatrist due your trimming, cleaning and snipping no matter how minor you may believe it may be.  Even padding corns should be instructed by a health care professional. Your physician will also be able to map out the preventative treatment needed to live comfortably with the condition.

Hammertoe can become serious enough that surgery becomes the best treatment option.  There are several surgical options and methods your foot and ankle surgeon can discuss with you but as with any foot surgery, recovery can be slow and painful. Surgical treatment of hammertoe is common but other remedies will most likely be ruled out before surgery is explored. The most important thing to do if you believe you have a hammertoe is to seek the treatment or advice of a physician. Our feet are far too important to ignore when pain and/or discomfort becomes a part of daily life.

A corn (or clavus, plural clavi) is a specially-shaped callus of dead skin that usually occurs on thin or glabrous (hairless and smooth) skin surfaces, especially on the dorsa of toes or fingers. They can sometimes occur on the thicker palmar or plantar skin surfaces. Corns form when the pressure point against the skin traces an elliptical or semi-elliptical path, the center of which is at the point of pressure, gradually widening. If there is constant stimulation of the tissues producing the corns, even after the corn is removed or the pressure surgically removed, the skin may continue to grow as a corn.

You ask a lot of your hands and feet. You cram your feet into shoes and walk around all day. And you may apply great force to your hands as you work with tools in your job or at home. These actions subject your skin to friction and pressure. Your skin often protects itself by building up corns and calluses — thick, hardened layers of skin.

Although corns and calluses can be unsightly, you need treatment only if they cause discomfort. For most people, eliminating the source of friction or pressure makes corns and calluses disappear. If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor circulation to your feet, you’re at greater risk of complications. Seek your doctor’s advice on caring for corns and calluses.

Corn Symptoms:

You may have a corn or callus if you notice:

• A thick, rough area of skin

• A hardened, raised bump

• Tenderness or pain under your skin

• Flaky, dry or waxy skin

Corns and calluses are often confused, but they’re not the same thing.

• Corns are smaller than calluses and have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. Corns usually develop on parts of your feet that don’t bear weight, such as the tops and sides of your toes. Corns can be painful when pushed or may cause a dull ache.

• Calluses usually develop on the soles of the feet, especially under the heels or balls, on the palms, or on the knees. Calluses are rarely painful and vary in size and shape. They can be more than an inch in diameter, making them larger than corns.

Causes of Corns

Pressure and friction from repetitive actions cause corns and calluses to develop and grow. Some causes include:

• Ill-fitting shoes. When shoes are too tight or have very high heels, they compress areas of your foot. When they’re too loose, your foot may repeatedly slide and rub against the shoe. Your foot may also rub against a poorly placed seam or stitch inside the shoe.

• Skipping socks. Wearing shoes and sandals without socks can lead to friction on your feet. Socks that don’t fit properly also can be a problem.

• Using hand tools. Calluses on your hands may result from the repeated pressure of using tools on the job, around the house or in the garden.

Risk Factors of Corns

These factors may increase your risk of corns and calluses:

• Bunions or hammertoe. A bunion is an abnormal, bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. A hammertoe is a toe deformity in which your toe becomes curled up like a claw. Both of these conditions can cause constant rubbing inside your shoe.

• Not protecting your hands. Using hand tools without wearing gloves exposes your skin to excessive friction.

• Foot deformities. A pre-existing foot deformity, such as a bone spur, may put extra pressure on certain parts of your foot.

Seek a Doctor about Corns

If a corn or callus becomes very painful or inflamed, see your doctor. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, call your doctor before self-treating corns or calluses. Even a relatively minor injury to your foot could lead to an infected open sore (foot ulcer) that’s difficult to heal.

Tests and diagnosis of Corns

Your doctor will examine your feet and rule out other causes of thickened skin, such as warts and cysts. Your doctor may also request an X-ray to see if a physical abnormality is causing the corn or callus.

Treatments and drugs for Corns

Treatment for corns and calluses usually involves avoiding the repetitive actions that causes them to develop. Wearing properly fitting shoes, using protective pads and other self-care measures can help resolve them.

If a corn or callus persists or becomes painful despite your self-care efforts, medical treatments can provide relief. Your doctor can pare down thickened skin or trim a large corn with a scalpel, usually during an office visit. Your doctor may also suggest applying an antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infection.

If you have an underlying foot deformity, your doctor may prescribe custom-made padded shoe inserts (orthotics) to prevent recurring corns or calluses. In rare instances, your doctor may also recommend surgery to correct the alignment of the bone causing the problem.

Prevention of Corns

These approaches may help you prevent corns and calluses from developing:

• Wear shoes that give your toes plenty of room. If you can’t wiggle your toes, your shoes are too tight. Have your shoe shop stretch your shoes at any point that rubs or pinches.

• Use protective coverings. Wear felt pads or bandages over areas that rub against footwear.

• Wear padded gloves when using hand tools. Or try padding your tool handles with cloth tape or covers.

• Martial artists and boxers build up calluses on their hands and fists to build up pain resistance and on their feet from performing high and spinning kicks.
• Fencing can cause calluses on the feet from the impact and pushing motion associated with lunging.
• Cyclists, in particular mountain bikers, can develop calluses similar to those of weight lifters, due to the strain applied to the petals of the bike.
• Shoes that fit tightly can often produce calluses on the feet.
• Dancers often develop calluses on the soles of their feet from dancing barefoot, which makes performing turns less difficult.
• Hockey players and figure skaters usually develop calluses on their palms and fingers from constantly tying their skates, the friction of the laces wears out their hands.
• Rock Climbers can develop many calluses on their hands, and also on their feet, due to the intense amount of force exerted on the hands and feet, and the constant sliding of abrasive rock against the skin of the hands.
• Just about any athlete may experiences calluses with improper foot wear or lack of proper foot orthotics.