What effects can friction have on the feet?

I am often asked the question, what has caused my corn/hammertoe/callus. The answer is usually friction. Friction and pressure can both have negative effects on foot health. 

Footwear

Tight footwear can adversely affect the feet as they squeeze the toes and bones of the foot together which increases the pressure. The fifth toe can also rub against the inside of the shoe causing redness and sometimes blisters. High heeled shoes can cause problems as they only provide a narrow space for the forefoot which can result in the formation of bunions. They also load the forefoot with most of the body’s weight which increases the pressure and can lead to corns forming. Oversize shoes can also cause problems with the foot as it has more room to slide/move around causing excessive friction. Oversized shoes can also lead to clawed toes as the toes try to grip the shoes to keep them on the foot.

Different shapes of feet

   Toe deformities such as hammertoe and clawed toes can rub against shoes which, in turn, can lead to blisters and corns from the pressure and friction.

   Individuals with flat feet are at greater risk of over pronating which means that the weight is not evenly distributed. When this happens, there is increased friction and pressure on the balls of the foot, side of the big toe and heel.  A high arched foot is not as flexible as a ‘normal’ arched foot. As a result of this it is poor at absorbing shock which can lead to plantar fasciitis and foot/ankle instability. 

Existing problems

Where patients already have footcare problems such as corns and calluses, this can lead to problems elsewhere in the foot because the patient may alter their gait to relieve the pressure of the corns/calluses. 

   The main effect or prolonged pressure on the foot is corn formation. This happens when pressure causes reduction in blood from the local area of skin meaning that the skills receive no nourishment, oxygen, repair or growth materials. If this continues the skin will die drying, hardening and forming a corn. The corn presses deeply into the tissues causing pain.