Ouch! What’s Going on With My Feet? 17 Common Foot Problems and How to Treat Them!

 

Your feet carry you everywhere – no wonder they take a beating. From minor infections to structural aches, most of us will run into foot troubles at some point. The good news is that many common foot problems can be relieved with simple remedies or preventive care. Below, we’ll explore 17 of the most common foot issues – what causes them, and how you can treat them to get back on your feet comfortably.

 

1. Athlete’s Foot

What it is: Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes itchy, burning, stinging feelings on the feet. You might see redness, peeling, or cracked skin, especially between the toes. Often your feet may also smell unpleasant. It’s called athlete’s foot because it commonly spreads in warm, damp places like locker room floors, public showers, and pool areas – the fungus thrives there and can stick to your feet. Sharing shoes or not drying your feet well can invite this infection.

Treatment: Athlete’s foot can be stubborn, but it usually responds to antifungal products. Start with an over-the-counter antifungal cream or spray (look for ingredients like miconazole, clotrimazole, or terbinafine) and apply as directed for at least 2-4 weeks. Keep your feet clean and dry – wash daily, dry thoroughly (even between toes), and wear breathable cotton socks. Use shower sandals in public wet areas to prevent catching or spreading it. If it’s not clearing up or if you have diabetes (which can complicate foot infections), see a doctor for prescription-strength treatments.

2. Blisters

What it is: Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles that form on the skin, often on the feet. They are your body’s natural response to friction or pressure – for example, after walking long distances, wearing new or ill-fitting shoes, or doing a lot of exercise. A fresh blister looks like a raised pocket of clear fluid; it can be tender or painful to touch.

Treatment: Most blisters will heal on their own if you protect them. Don’t pop a blister unless necessary. The fluid-filled sac is a natural bandage that guards the new skin growing underneath. Cover the blister with a soft bandage or moleskin pad to cushion it, and keep it clean and dry. If a blister is very large or in a spot where it’s likely to burst on its own, you can carefully drain it: sterilize a needle with alcohol, poke a small hole at the edge, and let it drain, but leave the overlying skin intact. After draining, apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage. Watch for signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus); if those occur or if you have multiple painful blisters, seek medical advice.

3. Bunions

What it is: A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe. It forms when the big toe pushes inward toward the other toes, misaligning the joint and creating a bulge on the side of the foot. Bunions often run in families (due to inherited foot shape), but they can be aggravated by years of wearing tight, narrow shoes or high heels that squeeze the toes. They may start off mild but often get larger over time. A bunion can cause pain, swelling, or redness around the big toe joint, and make it hard to find comfortable shoes. Sometimes the big toe leans so far that it overlaps the second toe.

Treatment: Non-surgical measures can usually help relieve bunion pain. Wear roomy, well-fitting shoes – look for a wide toe box so your toes aren’t squeezed. Pads or orthotic inserts can cushion the bunion and redistribute pressure on the foot. Icing the area and taking over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen) can reduce soreness and inflammation, especially after being on your feet. If the bunion is severe and causes significant pain or interferes with walking, a podiatrist might recommend further interventions. In stubborn cases, bunion surgery is an option to realign the toe joint, but this is usually a last resort if conservative treatments don’t bring relief.

4. Corns

What it is: Corns are round, thickened layers of skin that often form on the tops or sides of toes (or even on the soles). They are usually smaller than calluses and have a hard centre surrounded by inflamed skin. Corns develop due to repeated friction or pressure – commonly from shoes that rub against your toes or from toe deformities like hammer toe or bunions that cause uneven pressure. While corns start as a protective mechanism (the skin thickens to prevent blisters), they can become painful over time, especially if they press on nerves.

Treatment: Relieving the pressure is key. First, wear shoes that don’t rub – a wider toe area or softer material can help. You can also buy over-the-counter corn pads to cushion the corn (these are little donut-shaped pads that offload pressure). After bathing, when skin is soft, gently rub the corn with a pumice stone to gradually thin the thickened skin (don’t overdo it). Never cut corns at home with a sharp object – that can lead to infection. Some OTC products have salicylic acid plasters that chemically soften the corn; use these with caution and according to instructions. If a corn is very painful or not improving, a podiatrist can safely shave it down or even correct any underlying toe deformity causing it. Also, do see a doctor before self-treating corns if you have diabetes or poor circulation, because foot injuries in those cases need professional care.

5. Plantar Fasciitis

What it is: Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia – a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot, from heel to toes – becomes inflamed or strained. You might feel a sharp or dull pain in the bottom of the heel or arch, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting for a while, when you take those first steps. The pain often eases after walking a bit, but can return after long periods on your feet. Plantar fasciitis can develop from things like wearing unsupportive footwear (flimsy flip-flops or unsupportive flats), an abrupt increase in activity or running, excessive standing, weight gain, or having very high or very low arches.

Treatment: Most cases improve with consistent, conservative care. Rest your feet when you can – avoid long periods of standing or high-impact activities that worsen pain. Do daily stretching exercises for your feet and calves; for example, stretching your calf and Achilles tendon or using your hands to pull your toes back toward your shin can help loosen the fascia. Roll the sole of your foot over a cold water bottle or ice pack for 10 minutes (ice reduces inflammation). Wear supportive footwear or inserts – good arch support and cushioning are crucial, even in the house (consider wearing supportive shoes or orthotic slippers instead of going barefoot on hard floors). Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) can reduce pain and inflammation. Many people find relief using a night splint, which keeps the foot flexed gently overnight to prevent that tightness in the morning. If pain persists, a doctor might recommend a steroid injection, physical therapy, or in rare cases, surgical release of the fascia. Thankfully, the majority of people get significant relief with non-surgical measures over a few months.

6. Heel Spur

What it is: A heel spur is a bony outgrowth on the heel bone. Often, heel spurs are associated with long-term plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendon issues pulling on the heel. Over time, calcium deposits can build up and form a pointed bony spur. You usually don’t see it from the outside; it’s often found on X-ray. On its own, a heel spur may not cause symptoms, but if it’s poking into soft tissue, it can hurt. People might feel pain at the front of the heel (where the spur forms) or general heel pain similar to plantar fasciitis. In fact, many of the symptoms overlap with plantar fasciitis, and the conditions often occur together.

Treatment: The approach is similar to plantar fasciitis care. Rest and ice the heel to calm inflammation. Make sure you have good supportive shoes or orthotic inserts that cushion the heel – gel heel cups can be very helpful. Stretching the plantar fascia and calves is important here too, since a tight fascia can tug on the heel where the spur is. If you’re overweight, gradual weight loss can lessen the pressure on your heels. Over-the-counter pain relievers can ease discomfort on painful days. Heel spurs typically improve with these conservative treatments (really, by treating the underlying plantar fasciitis). In persistent cases, doctors might use corticosteroid injections or, rarely, surgical removal of the spur, but that’s seldom needed. Most people can manage heel spurs without surgery by consistently supporting and caring for their feet.

7. Claw Toe

What it is: Claw toe, sometimes called claw foot, is a condition where the toes bend into an abnormal claw-like position. The first joint of the toe points upward and the middle and end joints bend downward, so the toe curls under, resembling a claw. This can happen to any of the small toes (usually not the big toe). Claw toe might be present at birth in rare cases, but more often it develops gradually due to muscle imbalances, nerve damage (like from diabetes or alcoholism), or diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or cerebral palsy. Ill-fitting shoes can worsen it. Claw toes can be painful, cause corns on the top of the toe, and make it hard to find comfortable shoes.

Treatment: If the toes are still flexible, non-surgical measures can help. Start with proper footwear – shoes with a wide, deep toe box to accommodate the curled toes without rubbing. Avoid high heels or tight shoes that force toes into a cramped position. Toe splints or braces can help hold a claw toe in a better position. Also, do simple toe exercises: use your hands to gently stretch and straighten the toes, pick up marbles with your toes, or practice scrunching a towel on the floor with your toes – these can strengthen foot muscles. Sometimes doctors recommend a toe crest pad (a pad that sits under the toes) to help position them. For pain or inflammation, anti-inflammatory meds or even steroid injections might be used. If the claw toe has become rigid and fixed or is very painful, a surgical correction to release tight tendons or joints may be considered. It’s important to address any underlying conditions (like blood sugar control in diabetics or nerve issues) as part of treatment.

8. Mallet Toe and Hammer Toe

What it is: Mallet toe and hammer toe are deformities where a toe bends abnormally. A hammer toe usually refers to an abnormal bend in the middle joint of the toe, while a mallet toe affects the joint nearest the tip of the toe. In both cases, the affected toe is curved downward instead of pointing straight forward. This often happens in the second, third, or fourth toes. Causes include genetics (some people have a foot structure prone to this), wearing shoes that crowd the toes (high heels or narrow shoes), or having another issue like a bunion or high arch that puts extra pressure on the toes. Injury or arthritis can also trigger a toe to deform. These conditions can make walking uncomfortable and lead to corns or calluses from the toe rubbing in shoes. You might also find you can’t wiggle the affected toe as freely.

Treatment: Early intervention can often prevent the need for surgery. Switch to comfortable shoes with plenty of toe room – no squeezing your piggies into tight points! Wearing shoes that fit well is one of the simplest and most effective steps. You can also use OTC foot cushions or pads to protect any areas that rub and to relieve pain. Toe stretches and exercises (similar to claw toe exercises) can keep the joints flexible – for example, gently straighten the toe by hand several times a day, or practice picking things up with your toes. If the toe is still flexible, your doctor might tape or splint it in a correct position to train it to stay straight. They may also recommend custom orthotics to address any underlying structural issues. For pain or inflammation, use cushions and take NSAIDs if needed. If a hammer or mallet toe becomes fixed in place and very painful – meaning you can’t straighten it even when pushing on it – then surgical correction (to release or realign the tendons/joints) might be an option. But with proper footwear and care, many people manage these toe issues without surgery.

9. Gout

What it is: Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in a joint. It often strikes the big toe joint in the foot (classic gout attack), though it can affect other joints too. A gout flare typically involves sudden, intense pain, redness, and swelling of the affected joint – patients often say the area feels like it’s on fire, and even the weight of a bedsheet can be excruciating. Gout attacks can come and go (with symptom-free periods in between) or become chronic over time, potentially damaging joints if uncontrolled. Triggers for gout attacks include eating purine-rich foods (red meat, shellfish, alcohol – which raise uric acid), dehydration, or other health stressors. Men in middle age and postmenopausal women are more prone to gout.

Treatment: If you suspect a gout attack in your foot, it’s wise to see a doctor for confirmation and treatment, because the pain can be effectively managed with medications. For an acute flare, doctors often prescribe NSAIDs, colchicine, or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain. Alongside meds, rest the foot and elevate it, and apply ice packs gently to ease swelling. Long-term management is crucial to prevent future attacks: this includes dietary changes (limiting high-purine foods and alcohol, staying well-hydrated) and sometimes medications that lower uric acid levels (like allopurinol). A doctor can guide you on lifestyle habits to reduce symptoms and may start you on daily uric acid-lowering medication if gout attacks are recurrent. Left untreated, gout can lead to joint damage or kidney stones, so proper management is key. The good news is with the right approach, gout is very controllable, and many people go long stretches without flare-ups.

10. Ingrown Toenail

What it is: An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, rather than over it normally. This most commonly affects the big toe. You’ll notice pain, redness, and swelling along one or both sides of the nail. In mild cases it’s just tender; in more severe cases, it can become infected – with increased redness, warmth, pus drainage, and significant pain. Causes include improper nail trimming (such as cutting nails too short or rounding the corners which encourages the skin to fold over the nail), wearing tight shoes that press the nail into the skin, injuring the toe, or sometimes just the way your nails are shaped genetically.

Treatment: For a mild ingrown nail without major infection, you can often treat it at home. Soak your foot in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes a few times a day – this softens the skin and can reduce swelling. After soaking, you might try to gently lift the corner of the nail that’s digging in and tuck a tiny bit of cotton or dental floss under it to encourage it to grow outward (this can be uncomfortable, so be gentle). Apply an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment and bandage the toe. Wear open-toed or roomy shoes to avoid pressure on the toe while it heals. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with soreness. Do not attempt to cut out the ingrown portion yourself if it’s severe – that can worsen the problem or lead to infection. If the area is very painful, looks infected, or isn’t improving in a couple of days, see a healthcare provider or podiatrist. They may need to trim or remove part of the nail (done under local anaesthesia, it’s a quick procedure) to allow it to heal properly. They’ll also clean out any infection and might prescribe antibiotics if needed. To prevent future ingrowns, trim your nails straight across (not too short) and avoid overly tight shoes.

11. Fungal Nail Infection (Onychomycosis)

What it is: This is a fungal infection of the toenail itself. It often starts at the tip of the nail and works its way under the nail plate. Infected nails can become thick, brittle, or crumbly, and often turn a yellow, brown, or cloudy white colour. You might see debris building up under the nail and the nail may lift or separate from the nail bed in places. Fungal nail infections frequently stem from untreated athlete’s foot that spread to the nails, or from exposure to fungus in warm, moist environments (showers, etc.). Risk factors include sweaty feet, wearing the same damp shoes often, and having a minor nail or skin injury that lets fungus in. People with diabetes or circulation issues are more prone to nail fungus too.

Treatment: Nail fungus can be persistent and tough to eliminate, because the infection is under and inside the nail. Over-the-counter antifungal nail creams or liquids may work for very mild cases or early infection – these typically need to be used daily for many weeks. For most cases, especially if multiple nails are involved or the nails are very thick, it’s best to see a doctor. They might prescribe an oral antifungal medication (like terbinafine or itraconazole) which is taken for several months and can effectively clear many nail infections. There are also prescription medicated nail lacquers or solutions that you paint on the nail (these also require many months of use). In stubborn cases, some podiatrists offer laser treatment to target the fungus. It’s important to be patient – toenails grow slowly, so it can take a long time (6-12 months) to see a clear nail replace the infected one. Keep nails trimmed and thinned (a podiatrist can painlessly file down a thick nail) to help treatments penetrate. And practice good foot hygiene: keep feet clean and dry, change socks daily, disinfect your nail clippers, and consider an antifungal spray or powder for your shoes to prevent re-infection.

12. Plantar Wart

What it is: A plantar wart is a wart on the bottom of the foot, caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts often develop on the weight-bearing parts of the foot (heel or ball), and they tend to be flatter due to the pressure of walking. A plantar wart can look like a small, grainy bump; it may have tiny black dots on the surface (those are clotted blood vessels). They can be tender – it might feel like there’s a pebble in your shoe when you stand on it. The virus is often contracted in moist, warm places like locker room floors or public showers (sound familiar? Many foot issues love those environments!). Plantar warts are not dangerous, but they can be bothersome or painful. They can also spread to other areas of the foot or even to other people by contact, although they usually stay relatively small.

Treatment: Warts sometimes go away on their own as your immune system fights the virus, but this can take a while, so treatment helps speed the process. Over-the-counter wart treatments containing salicylic acid are a common first-line option. You apply the acid (as a liquid or patch) regularly to gradually peel away the wart – be sure to follow instructions, protect surrounding healthy skin, and be patient, as it can take several weeks. Another home method is using freezing spray kits (cryotherapy) available in pharmacies, which attempt to freeze the wart off (professional freezing at a doctor’s office uses liquid nitrogen and is stronger). Before applying treatments, soaking the foot and gently filing the wart with a pumice or emery board can help the medicine penetrate. If OTC methods fail, a doctor can perform cryotherapy in-office every few weeks, which often works after a few sessions. They might also try other techniques like laser therapy, immunotherapy, or minor surgery to remove it. During treatment, wear flip-flops in communal showers to prevent spreading the virus. And don’t pick at the wart, to avoid giving it a path to spread. With persistence, most plantar warts can be cleared – and your foot will feel much better without that “stone bruise” sensation.

13. Stone Bruise (Metatarsalgia)

What it is: “Stone bruise” is a casual term for metatarsalgia, which is pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot – that area between your arch and toes. It’s called a stone bruise because it can feel like you’re stepping on a pebble or marble. Symptoms include a sharp or aching pain in the ball of the foot, sometimes accompanied by tingling or numbness in the toes. Often the pain gets worse with time on your feet and improves with rest. Common causes: high-impact sports (like running or jumping) that put stress on the forefoot, wearing high heels (which put weight on the ball of the foot), shoes with poor cushioning, or having foot issues like high arches, hammertoes, or excess weight – all of which can put extra pressure on the metatarsal bones.

Treatment: The primary approach is reducing stress on the forefoot. Rest your feet – avoid the activities that aggravate the pain, at least temporarily. Apply ice to the tender area for 15-20 minutes after activity or when in pain; this can reduce inflammation. Ensure you have good footwear with cushioning and support: a shoe with a slight rocker sole or extra padding under the ball of the foot can help, or you can add over-the-counter metatarsal pads/inserts to your shoes. These pads offload pressure from the painful area. If your pain started after using a particular pair of shoes (say, minimalist shoes or heels), switch to more cushioned, flat shoes for a while. Gentle stretching of the toes and arches might help if you have any tightness. Most stone bruises improve with conservative care over a few weeks. If pain persists or is severe, see a doctor or podiatrist – occasionally, what feels like a stone bruise could be a small stress fracture or a neuroma (nerve issue), which might need specific treatment. But in general, rest, padding, and good shoes will do the trick for metatarsalgia.

14. Flat Foot (Fallen Arches)

What it is: Flat foot means the arch of the foot is low or non-existent when you stand. In other words, your foot’s sole makes full or nearly full contact with the ground. Many people have flat feet as a normal variation (you might notice it runs in families). Others develop flatter arches over time due to aging, injury, or strain on the posterior tibial tendon (which supports the arch). Some folks never have any issues from flat feet. Others may experience foot pain, leg fatigue, or ankle strain, especially with prolonged standing or activity. If flat feet are very pronounced, they can sometimes contribute to problems like shin splints or knee pain due to altered alignment. However, if you have flat feet with no pain, usually no treatment is needed apart from choosing supportive shoes.

Treatment: If your flat feet don’t hurt or cause trouble, you don’t need to fix them. But if you do have discomfort, there are options. Supportive shoes and orthotics are the first line: look for shoes with good arch support, or get insoles made for flat arches. Custom orthotics (from a podiatrist) can be moulded to give your arch the lift and cushioning it needs. Doing exercises that strengthen the foot and lower leg muscles can also help – for example, heel raises, arch lifts (trying to shorten your foot by contracting the arch), or picking up objects with your toes. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce excess pressure on the arches. If flat feet cause ankle rolling or affect your gait, special braces or stability shoes might be recommended. Pain relievers or anti-inflammatories can be used if the feet are sore after a long day. In severe cases (for instance, a painful flat foot due to tendon rupture or arthritis), surgery might be considered to repair tendons or even create an arch, but this is quite rare and only for cases that don’t respond to any conservative measures. Most people will find that with the right support (literally), flat feet are quite manageable.

15. Morton’s Neuroma

What it is: Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around a nerve between the toes, most often between the third and fourth toes (counting from the big toe side). It’s not a visible lump, but it can cause a sharp, burning, or stinging pain in the ball of the foot, and sometimes you feel numbness or tingling in the toes. People often describe it as “feeling like I’m stepping on a pebble” or a bunched-up sock under the ball of the foot. A common cause is chronic pressure or irritation of the nerve – for example, from wearing tight shoes or high heels that squeeze the toes together. Athletes in sports that involve running and jumping may be prone to neuromas as well. It tends to occur more in middle-aged adults and, interestingly, is more common in women (likely due to footwear choices).

Treatment: The goal is to reduce the nerve irritation. Switch your shoes to ones with a roomy toe box; ditch high heels for a while and opt for flats or sneakers with good padding. Many people find relief by wearing metatarsal pads in their shoes – these are placed just behind the ball of the foot and help spread the bones, reducing pressure on the nerve. Resting the foot and massaging the affected area may help alleviate pain. If symptoms are bothersome, a podiatrist might recommend a corticosteroid injection around the nerve to reduce inflammation. This can shrink the neuroma and provide significant relief for many patients. In stubborn cases that don’t improve with conservative measures, there is a surgical option to remove the neuroma (or release the tight ligament trapping the nerve). Surgery is usually a last resort but has a high success rate for pain relief. The good news is that simple changes like better footwear and inserts often do help over a few weeks or months. So if you catch it early, you can likely avoid more invasive treatments.

16. Sesamoiditis

What it is: Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoid bones and the tendons around them. The sesamoids are two tiny pea-shaped bones embedded in the tendon beneath the big toe joint (think of them like the kneecap of the big toe – they help with leverage and weight-bearing). When these bones and surrounding tissues get overworked or injured, it leads to sesamoiditis, which causes pain under the base of the big toe (the ball of the foot, just behind the big toe). It’s often a dull, lingering pain, exacerbated by push-off motions (like running, jumping, or even walking in high heels). Activities that put a lot of pressure on the ball of the foot – like ballet dancing (where dancers are on their toes) or running sports – commonly lead to sesamoiditis. It can come on from a sudden increase in activity or from repetitive stress.

Treatment: The primary fix is to rest and reduce pressure on the ball of the foot so the sesamoids can calm down. Stop the activity that caused the pain and try to keep weight off the foot as much as practical for a couple of weeks. Ice the area, especially in the first few days, to reduce inflammation (10-15 minutes, a few times a day). You can alternate with heat after a few days if that feels soothing. Wear low-heeled, cushioned shoes – avoid high heels or thin soles. A sesamoid pad or dancer’s pad (a padding with a cut-out that offloads the area under the big toe joint) can make walking more comfortable and protect the sesamoids. Over-the-counter pain relievers or NSAIDs can help with pain and swelling. Gentle stretching of the big toe (pulling it upwards to stretch underneath) may prevent stiffness. If the pain is more severe, a doctor might recommend wearing a stiff-soled shoe or even a short-term boot to immobilize the foot and allow healing. In some cases, a steroid injection might be given to reduce inflammation. Sesamoiditis usually improves with conservative care, but it can take several weeks to fully subside if it was aggravated. Very rarely, if chronic sesamoiditis doesn’t resolve, surgery to remove a sesamoid bone could be considered, but that’s uncommon and only in persistent, hard-to-treat cases. Most people get back to activities with no issues after proper rest and footwear adjustments.

17. Diabetic Neuropathy (Nerve Damage from Diabetes)

What it is: Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by chronically high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It often affects the feet first, because the longest nerves in the body (which go to your toes) are usually the most vulnerable. Over time, diabetes can lead to reduced sensation, meaning you might experience numbness or tingling (“pins and needles”) in your feet, or a burning, sharp pain in the feet and legs. Some people also develop muscle weakness in the feet. Another big issue is loss of protective sensation – you might not feel a blister, cut, or sore on your foot, which can then worsen or become infected without you realizing. Neuropathy can also alter the way you walk and lead to foot deformities or ulcers if not managed. It’s a serious complication that needs attention, as it can lead to infections or even amputations in severe cases.

Treatment: While nerve damage can’t usually be fully reversed, you can prevent it from getting worse and manage the symptoms. The number one strategy is excellent blood sugar control – keeping glucose levels in your target range can slow or halt neuropathy progression. Always work with your doctor on this. To relieve pain, there are medications specifically for neuropathic pain (like duloxetine or pregabalin) that can be very helpful. Also, simple pain relievers or topical treatments (capsaicin cream, lidocaine patches) might provide some relief for mild symptoms. Foot care is absolutely crucial: inspect your feet daily for any cuts, redness, or problems (use a mirror or have someone help if you can’t see all areas). Keep feet clean and moisturized (but not between the toes, to avoid fungus), trim nails carefully, and never go barefoot in unsafe areas. Wear well-fitting, soft shoes – many diabetics get special shoes that reduce pressure points. Regular exercise can improve circulation and nerve health to some extent – just choose foot-friendly activities (walking, cycling, swimming). If neuropathy has led to foot deformities, podiatrists can recommend orthotics or devices to offload pressure. They’ll also treat any corns or calluses so they don’t become wounds. In short, manage your diabetes diligently and pamper your feet. With good care, many people with diabetic neuropathy can avoid serious complications and maintain an active life.

When to see a doctor

You should seek medical advice for foot problems that are severe, worsening, or not improving with basic home care. In particular, see a doctor if you have intense foot pain, signs of infection (like spreading redness, warmth, or pus), an injury that isn’t healing, or any foot issue when you have conditions like diabetes or poor circulation. Diabetics should have at least yearly foot exams even if everything seems fine. Essentially, if a foot problem is interfering with your daily life or you’re unsure how to handle it, a foot specialist (podiatrist) or your healthcare provider can help get you back on your feet safely. Our feet may be hardworking and sometimes problematic, but with a bit of TLC and proper care, you can address these common issues and keep on walking in comfort!

Sources:

• Healthline – 17 Common Foot Problems
• American Podiatric Medical Association – Foot Health Facts
• Mayo Clinic –  Common Foot Pain Causes