Here’s a quick primer on the situation. Corns and calluses are patches of thickened skin that develop over time, as your body’s way of protecting that skin from constant pressure and friction damage. Calluses tend to be wider and flatter and appear where you bear weight, whereas corns are cone-shaped and more likely to show up on top of, and between, your toes.
Both are highly likely to occur on a hammertoe because of how the digit’s arcing bend brings it into contact with the inside of your shoe. The top knuckle of the hammertoe may rub up against the “roof” of the shoe, while the tip of the toe pushes downward into the insole. The resulting friction brings the corns and calluses into being.
So how do you deal with it? Some solutions include:
1.Opt for roomier shoes. Deep, wide toe boxes enough space in the toe box for toes to wiggle up, down, and side to side are what you need.
2.Make sure your insole is well padded and cushioned.
3.Thicker socks are often a good choice since they can further absorb the pressure.
4.Pick up some non-medicated corn pads and use them. These may have a donut-shaped hole in the middle.
5.Soak your feet regularly in warm, soapy water to soften hard patches of skin. Once soft, use a pumice stone, nail file, or emery board to gently thin the corn or callus.
6. See a podiatrist for a surgical consultation to correct the hammartoes if the corns and callouses persist.
Dr. Marc Fink
P.S. Do not treat corns or calluses on your own if you are diabetic. Seek the treament of a podiatrist for this.
