Hard corns usually develop on the outer edge of the fifth toe, while they can also be found on top of the toes around the joints. They are hardened areas of the skin that can be rooted deep beneath the skin, causing pain. Sometimes heloma durum fifth toe needs to be treated surgically. The corn removal surgery is a quick and effective procedure. However, before this step, it’s important to try other treatments. If you’d like to know more about hard corns and how to remove them, keep reading.
What Causes Heloma Durum on Fifth Toe?
Heloma durum, also known as hard corn, can develop on any toe, but most frequently, it develops on the fifth toe. The fifth toe, or the pinky toe, is susceptible to hard corn since it is smaller in size and positioned at the edge of the foot. It is prone to friction and pressure from shoes.
The tight shoes are almost always at fault when it comes to heloma durum fifth toe formation. Apart from this, high heels cause pressure and friction on the toes, and the narrow toe box is detrimental to the little toe. Certain hereditary foot deformities like flat feet or hammer toes lead to corn development because of the pressure placed on the toes.
Other factors can lead to the development of heloma durum on the fifth toe, including genetics, medical conditions, and age-related changes in circulation and skin thickness.
What Are the Symptoms of Heloma Durum on the Fifth Toe?
Heloma durum forms on the fifth toe due to repeated pressure and friction. The sure sign that the heloma durum has developed is the occurrence of a small, raised bump on the pinky toe. Rough skin with a hardened center, pain, discomfort, and inflammation around the affected area are common symptoms. If you are wondering whether you have a hard corn, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
How to Diagnose and Treat Heloma Durum?
A doctor can generally diagnose heloma durum by examining the affected area and asking about the symptoms. In case of severe pain during walking or running, a healthcare professional might order imaging tests.
When it comes to treatment, the first thing that needs to be done is to relieve the friction and pressure that is caused. This means that you should change footwear and use protective padding.
Then, it would be best to soak your feet in warm water and help the skin soften up a bit. With over-the-counter medication, such as urea lotions and creams with salicylic acid, the thickened skin can dissolve. However, these methods might not be effective in severe cases, and surgery needs to be performed.
When Should You See the Doctor?
Healthcare professionals advise patients to seek an expert’s opinion in case the home remedies prove to be ineffective and the hard corn starts to be worse over time. The symptoms might be more severe, and many patients experience pain which forces them to stop carrying out daily activities like before. Another important reason to see a doctor is to prevent inflammation and infection. If the hard corn doesn’t get treated properly, the area might get infected.
How to Prevent Heloma Durum?
There are a couple of methods you can implement to prevent the issue from occurring. The first step is to wear comfortable shoes that provide enough space for your toes. If you are an athlete with foot deformities such as flat feet, opt for wearing running shoes that are designed for such conditions. Also, choose footwear that is made from a breathable material like mesh and leather.
Additionally, keep your feet clean and dry. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas such as swimming pools. Finally, seek medical attention for any underlying foot issues, such as hammer toes or bunions, which can lead to developing heloma durum on the fifth toe.
Schedule a Consultation With Your Doctor in Miami and Get Rid of Heloma Durum
If you’ve recognized the symptoms and you are in a dilemma about what to do with your heloma durum on the fifth toe, do not worry. Our doctors and professionals in Miami can examine and determine the best course of action in your case. If you need surgery, you will be in capable hands at Luxe Foot Surgery, but if you don’t, you can inquire with the doctor about great non-surgical treatment options. Don’t hesitate to contact us and get rid of the heloma durum.
FAQ
How Do You Treat Heloma Molle Between Your Toes?
Treating heloma molle is the same as treating heloma durum. The methods include soaking the feet in warm water, applying lotions and creams with urea and salicylic acid as well as changing footwear, and wearing properly fitting shoes.
What Causes Heloma Durum?
The main reasons why heloma durum develops are ill-fitting shoes, high-heeled shoes, foot deformities such as bunions, repetitive actions, dry skin, and calluses.
What Is a Heloma Molle Between Toes?
The soft corn or heloma molle is caused by friction and pressure between the toes, which leads to the formation of a painful lesion. The area is usually rubbery in texture and whitish in color. The most common place heloma molle forms is between the fourth and fifth toes.
What Is a Heloma Durum?
Heloma durum is a type of skin condition that forms on top of the toes or on the edge of the fifth toe. It is a hardened, raised area of skin that can be painful when pressure is applied or while the person is wearing shoes and walking. It needs to be treated before it grows worse over time.
References
- Luxe Foot Surgery. (n.d.). Corn Removal Surgery Miami. Retrieved from https://www.luxefootsurgery.com/corn-removal-surgery-miami/
- Bernbach, M.R. (1996). Heloma Molle. Podiatry Institute. Retrieved from http://www.podiatryinstitute.com/pdfs/Update_1996/1996_29.pdf
- Heloma Molle Marc R. Bernbach, D.P.M. Podiatry Institute http://www.podiatryinstitute.com/pdfs/Update_1996/1996_29.pdf
