Common Foot Problems

Arthritis of Foot & Ankle

“There are more than 30 joints in your feet and ankles, and arthritis can affect any of them. Natural wear and tear, health conditions and injuries can cause it. A healthcare provider will suggest ways to manage symptoms like pain, stiffness or reduced range of motion.”

Read more at the Cleveland Clinic.

Athlete's Foot

“Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal skin infection that usually begins between the toes. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes.”

Read more at the Mayo Clinic.

Bunions

“Bunions happen when something puts extra pressure on your big toe and pushes it out of its natural alignment and toward your other toes. Visit a healthcare provider if you notice a bump at the base of your big toe. Treating bunions is usually a combination of wearing properly fitting shoes and treating any symptoms like pain and stiffness.”

Read more at the Cleveland Clinic.

Calluses & Corns

“Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop when the skin tries to protect itself against friction or pressure. They often form on feet and toes or hands and fingers.”

Read more at the Mayo Clinic.

Custom Foot Orthotics

“If you have chronic foot pain, chances are it won’t stop there. Many people don’t realize that untreated foot issues can be the primary cause of pain in the knees, hips, or back. If you have foot pain that keeps coming back and is affecting other parts of your body, custom orthotics might be a solution.”

Diabetic Foot Care

“Taking care of your feet when you have diabetes is an important part of your self-care regimen. Diabetic nerve damage can lessen your ability to feel sensations like pain, heat, and cold. This means that you may not even realize that you have a foot injury like a cut or blister until it gets infected. Nerve damage can even cause the shape of your feet and toes to change, making regular shoes uncomfortable and possibly damaging to your feet.”

Foot Odor & Sweating

“Bromodosis, or smelly feet, is a very common medical condition. It’s due to a buildup of sweat, which results bacteria growth on the skin. These bacteria cause bad odors. Fungal infections like athlete’s foot can also lead to bromodosis.”

Foot Ulcers

“Ulcers, wounds in your skin that can get infected and take a long time to heal, are sometimes found on your feet and toes. People with diabetes who have neuropathy are most likely to get these ulcers. Ulcers can get infected and sometimes require amputation of your foot or toes. Healing the ulcer might include nonsurgical and surgical treatments.”

Read more at the Cleveland Clinic.

Geriatric Foot Care

“Feet require extra care as we age. Throughout the course of a lifetime, we stand, walk, and run our feet into extremely poor shape. Seniors’ feet are weaker and, consequently, more prone to injury. Simple geriatric foot care can mitigate some of those injuries. Geriatric foot care can include strategies like changing your footwear, cutting your toenails regularly, and/or adjusting your diet.”

Gout

“Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It’s characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in one or more joints, most often in the big toe.”

Read more at the Mayo Clinic.

Hammer Toe

“Hammertoes happen when something puts pressure on your toes and pushes them out of place. Over time, muscles and tendons in your toes tighten, freezing your toes in a curled shape. A podiatrist will suggest at-home treatments to straighten your toes. Only severe cases require surgery.”

Read more at the Cleveland Clinic.

Heel Spurs

“A heel spur is a bony growth that pokes out below your back heel bone inside your foot. Heel spurs happen when there’s stress on your foot ligaments. Most people don’t realize they have a heel spur until they seek help for heel pain. Heel spurs can’t be cured. Healthcare providers recommend non-surgical treatments to ease symptoms associated with heel spurs.”

Read more at the Cleveland Clinic.

Ingrown Toenails

“Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. The result is pain, inflamed skin, swelling and, sometimes, an infection. Ingrown toenails usually affect the big toe.”

Read more at the Mayo Clinic.

Injuries

“Your foot has 26 bones and 33 joints, and your ankle joint has three bones. These bones are held together throughout both your foot and ankle by numerous ligaments, tendons, nerves, and muscles. All of these structures together support your body and make movements such as running and jumping possible. That flexibility and strength also means that there are many opportunities for something to go wrong and cause problems.”

Laser Treatment for Fungal & Discolored Nails

“Cosmetic dermatologists have made great strides using laser treatment technology to treat nail fungus. Due to the risks associated with oral medications and the disappointing results from prescription creams and polishes to treat nail fungus, these therapies are quickly becoming treatments of the past.”

Metatarsalgia

“Metatarsalgia (met-uh-tahr-SAL-juh) is a condition in which the ball of your foot becomes painful and inflamed. You might develop it if you participate in activities that involve running and jumping. There are other causes as well, including foot deformities and shoes that are too tight or too loose.”

Read more at the Mayo Clinic.

Nail Fungal Infection

“Nail fungus is a common infection of the nail. It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails.”

Read more at the Mayo Clinic.

Nail Fungal Laser Treatment

Neuromas

“A neuroma is a painful condition, also referred to as a “pinched nerve” or a nerve tumor. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently found between the third and fourth toes. It brings on pain, a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot.”

Read more at the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Plantar Fasciitis

“Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, known as the plantar fascia.”

Read more at the Mayo Clinic.

Poor Circulation

“Plaque buildup, blood clots or narrowed blood vessels can lead to poor circulation. When obstacles or narrow paths slow down blood flow, it’s difficult for your body to send blood to every part of your body in an efficient way. Exercise and healthy food can help.”

Read more at the Cleveland Clinic.

Sesamoiditis

“Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoid bones in the ball of the foot and the tendons they are embedded in. It’s usually caused by overuse, especially by dancers, runners and athletes who frequently bear weight on the balls of their feet. It’s treated with rest and anti-inflammatory medication.”

Read more at the Cleveland Clinic.

Warts

“Warts are skin growths that develop due to strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are several types, like plantar warts, common warts and flat warts. Warts can be stubborn, but many treatment options can help get rid of them.”

Read more at the Cleveland Clinic.

Wounds

“Foot sores and wounds on the feet are among the most common symptoms of PAD (peripheral artery disease), a condition that can cause a number of problems in the lower extremities. So, if you are experiencing foot wounds coupled with any or all of the various risk factors listed below, see your doctor right away, to be tested for peripheral artery disease before symptoms worsen.”