Will Short Shoes Cause Corns on the Toes?

Corns form when there is constant pressure or friction on the skin. Corns can form from bone deformities in the foot. They can also be caused from walking abnormally such as on the inside or outside area of the foot. But, the most common cause of corns comes from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. In an effort to reduce pressure, the body starts building up layers of skin, which become dry and hard. This process is called hyperkeratosis. Once the pressure point has been layered with skin, it is possible for the area to ulcerate and cause infection if left untreated.

• Corns form on pressure points caused by ill-fitting shoes

Where do Corns Form?

• The sides of the foot are the most common areas where corns form.

  The areas on the foot that are most susceptible to corns are on the sides of the foot, near the pinky toe and the big toe, around the joint areas. The top of the foot, on the top portion of the toes near the joint areas, may also develop corns. Corns in this area are caused from friction to the top of the foot and by shoes that rub from either being too short or too big.

Corns between the Toes

• Pointy-toed shoes and boots can aggrivate corns.

  Corns that develop between the toes are called soft corns. Soft corns can develop when the ends of the toes are too wide and cause friction between the toes. Although friction occurs due to the abnormally wide toe bone, it is aggravated by wearing shoes that are too tight. The development of soft corns is more prevalent in women who wear high heeled shoes that are narrow on the sides, with pointy toes, and men who wear pointy toed shoes or boots.

Corns on the Bbottom of the Foot

• Corns on the ball of the foot are painful

  On the bottom of the foot, directly under each toe, is where the toe bone is connected to the metatarsal. This area of the foot may form a corn in response to wearing shoes that are too short. This could cause the length of the foot to be cramped in such a way that most of the pressure from walking or standing is distributed to the ball of the foot. This is especially true for women who wear high heels and men who wear shoes with an elevated heel or pointy toe.

Avoid corns

• Avoid corns by wearing shoes that fit properly.

  Avoid buying shoes that continually cause pressure to a certain area of the foot. Avoid shoes that are too small or too short for your foot. Avoid shoes that are too big, either in length or width, and may cause rubbing. Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes that force the body weight to be thrown forward or backward. Avoid pointy-toed shoes.

Reduce Friction

• Wear tennis shoes that fit well when walking.

  There are over-the-counter medications and cushions that can be purchased to temporarily reduce the pain caused by corns. If you must wear shoes that are prone to aggravate pressure points, change to a more comfortable shoe, such as tennis shoes or flip-flops, when walking or standing for long periods of time. If pain continues or ulcerations occur, seek medical attention.