A corn is caused due to a localised thickening of the skin due to pressure. Corns often occur on the top of the toes where there is pressure from the shoes. However, this is not always the case, they also occur on the ball of the feet and in-between toes. Certain corns may have become entwined with the nerves of the skin, these corns are particularly painful.
Corns can be very painful, especially if there is inflammation and swelling around the corn.
This condition is more prevalent in females as a result of wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. They are well circumscribed and may appear as large dots on the foot. Above is a picture of a corn on top of the 2nd toe. Pain on direct pressure. Increased discomfort in tight shoes.