What is a Toe Corn?
A toe corn is a thickening of the skin at a boney area, such as on the knuckle of hammertoe or tip of the toe. When pressure and friction occur on the skin, the skin tries to protect itself by growing more skin. When this skin growth occurs on the top or tip of hammertoes is called a foot corn. If it happens in between toes, it is called a soft corn. Corns can cause foot pain and if left untreated, can develop into an infection.
Toe corns can be caused by ill-fitting shoes, hammertoes, and high heel shoes. To treat a hammertoe corn, wear shoes that have a wide and deep toe box. Corn pads can make a big difference. Corn pads will cushion and disburse the pressure on the toe's knuckle and help prevent the development of the corn. Toe corn pads can be manufactured from stick-on medical grade felt, foam or a reusable, self-sticking gel.
Teri Green
Atlas Biomechanics