Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the skin. It isn’t serious, but it can keep coming back and it can spread to the toenails if it isn’t treated.
A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony lump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe, where the toe leans towards the others. Bunions can’t be reversed without surgery, but the pain and rubbing can often be eased a great deal.
Corns and calluses are areas of hard, thickened skin that build up where there’s repeated pressure or rubbing. They aren’t usually serious, but they can be very painful to walk on.
Cracked heels (heel fissures) happen when the skin around the heel becomes dry and thick and splits under pressure. Shallow cracks are mostly a nuisance; deep ones can hurt, bleed and become infected.
Diabetes can reduce the feeling and the blood supply in your feet. That means a small cut, blister or corn can go unnoticed and heal slowly. Regular checks and good daily care prevent most serious problems.
Many people have flat feet and never have a problem with them. Treatment is only needed if they cause pain, tire easily, or affect the knees or ankles.
Fungal nail infections are common and usually affect the toenails. They aren’t serious, but they can make nails thick, unsightly and painful in shoes, and they take a long time to clear.
The most common cause of pain under the heel is plantar heel pain (often called plantar fasciitis), where the thick band of tissue under the foot becomes irritated. It usually gets better with the right care, though it can take a few months.
An ingrown toenail happens when the side of the nail grows into the skin around it. It most often affects the big toe and is common in teenagers and young adults.
Pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia) is common in people who stand or run a lot, wear high heels, or have high arches or bunions. It usually gets better once the pressure is reduced.
Toenails often thicken with age, after an injury or through repeated pressure from shoes. Very thick nails can be impossible to cut at home and painful inside shoes.
Verrucas are warts on the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They’re harmless and many go away on their own, although this can take months or even years.
