Corns on the toes are calluses that appear on the top of the joint or knuckle. Most people are under the misconception that corns on the toes are primarily a skin condition. Although the pain and unattractive appearance of the toe corn is associated with the skin, the true culprits are the bony structures which lie beneath.

Is a visual/physical exam enough to diagnose soft tissue issues in toes and feet? No pain, but 2nd toe is drifting over toward big toe, and it feels like there’s a visible thickness under the second toe. Podiatrist wants to go straight to surgery.Are there any tests that’d typically be run first?

The foot supports all of the weight of the body. It is the final end point of the body. Furthermore it is the furthest structure from the heart, which is the antecedent of all the blood vessels of the body. And then there’s gravity. Naturally, foot swelling is a daily physiologic occurrence.

To get a more complete answer to your question, more information about your pain is required. Information includes, but is not limited to, where is the pain, when does the pain occur (walking, sitting? etc.), what type of pain is it (dull aching, sharp shoot?), when did the pain first begin, how long does the pain last, is there any trauma associated with the pain when it first started, are there skin changes associated with the pain, what makes it better, what makes it worse?