Corns and hammertoes Corns and hammertoes An inherited muscle imbalance or arthritis can cause toes to contract and buckle, forming hammertoes. When this happens, toe joints enlarge and stiffen and become deformed over a period of time. Shoes that are too tight or too small can worsen this problem.
Corns form when hammertoes rub against the top of the shoe.
Corns are patches of thick, hard skin. They can cause pain and make it difficult to wear shoes. Corns can also be formed because of underlying bone problems which can cause excessive irritation. Corns between the toes are called soft corns. They can be temporarily relieved by over the counter remedies.