Soft Corn Between 4th And 5th Toe
If you notice a painful area of thickened skin between your fourth and fifth toes, chances are, you have a soft corn. Also known as a heloma molle, this type of corn occurs when the bones in your toes rub against each other, causing friction that leads to the buildup of dead skin. Soft corns typically cause discomfort and pain when you walk or wear tight-fitting shoes.
Causes of Soft Corn Between 4th and 5th Toe
Soft corns can be caused by several factors, including:
- Wearing tight-fitting shoes: Shoes that are too tight can put pressure on your toes, causing them to rub against each other.
- Uneven toes: If your fourth toe is longer than your fifth toe, it can cause the two toes to rub against each other.
- Foot deformities: Bunions or other foot deformities can cause your toes to rub against each other.
- Footwear that doesn't fit properly: Shoes that are too narrow or have a pointed toe box can squeeze your toes, causing them to rub against each other.
- Foot injuries: Trauma to your feet, such as a stubbed toe or a broken bone, can cause your toes to rub against each other.
Symptoms of Soft Corn Between 4th and 5th Toe
The symptoms of a soft corn are usually easy to recognize. They include:
- Pain: A soft corn can be very painful, especially when you put pressure on it.
- Thickened skin: The skin between your fourth and fifth toes may be thicker than the skin on your other toes.
- Redness: The skin around the soft corn may be red and inflamed.
- Swelling: In some cases, the skin around the soft corn may be swollen.
Treatment for Soft Corn Between 4th and 5th Toe
If you have a soft corn, there are several things you can do to relieve the pain and discomfort:
- Wear comfortable shoes: Choose shoes with a wide toe box and a low heel. Avoid shoes that are too tight or have a pointed toe box.
- Use padding: You can buy special pads to place between your toes to reduce friction.
- Apply moisturizer: Moisturizing the affected area can help soften the skin and reduce pain.
- Trim your toenails: Keeping your toenails short can reduce the amount of pressure on your toes.
In severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct any foot deformities that are causing the soft corn. However, surgery is usually only necessary if other treatments have failed.
Preventing Soft Corn Between 4th and 5th Toe
The best way to prevent a soft corn is to take care of your feet. Here are a few tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes: Choose shoes that fit well and have a wide toe box.
- Avoid high heels: High heels can put pressure on your toes and cause friction.
- Keep your feet clean and dry: This can help prevent infections and other foot problems.
- Check your feet regularly: Look for any signs of blisters, corns, or other foot problems.
By taking good care of your feet, you can prevent many foot problems, including soft corns.