25 Common Foot Problems and How to Treat Them

Common foot problems are furthest from your mind both physical and literally, but when you think about it the bits of your body that take the most pounding in your daily life are your feet, and if you look after them throughout your life, they will serve you better in older age when mobility is at a prime. Your feet are quite remarkable; one in four of the bones in your body are located in your feet, and in your lifetime the average person will walk the equivalent distance of four times round the earth.

There are some conditions that can occur at any age, and some that are problematic when we are very young, even in the womb. Causes, or susceptibility, can be an inherited factor, some can be brought on by other illnesses others can be by part of the ageing process, and some can just be simply from poorly fitting shoes.

So, to keep you foot-wise here are the 25 common foot problems you should be aware of:

1 . Athletes Foot

Fungi just love warm damp areas, and the one that causes Athletes Foot is no exception, loving the gaps between the toes. It is one of the most common foot problems as it is easily caught when you make contact with the fungal spores in damp environments such as changing rooms at gyms and swimming pools. So, if you experience itchy, damp and soggy skin, which can go on to crack, flake and bleed, this is one of the most probable causes.

Foot specialist will most likely prescribe special creams, ointments and powders. They will also check for the fungus spreading to other areas such as the toe and finger nails and will treat this as well.

2 . Blisters

Blisters, another common foot problem is caused by the feet rubbing against a sock or shoe or boot but can even occur when toes rub against each other. The rubbing causes fluid to form in pockets under the skin, and though painful they are not generally a serious concern.

However, if blisters appear when you experiencing flu-like symptoms seeking medical opinion is strongly advised.

As a rule, it is best not to burst blisters, letting them heal on their own, while cushioning them from further rubbing by applying sticking plasters or a bandage.

3 . Bunions

Bunions, and Bunionettes, are a deformity of the bone structure of the foot and occur at the base of the big or little toe. This common foot problem can have various causes, but genetics and poorly fitting shoes can both play a part in creating the bone growth that can cause pain and present issues with walking and posture.

A foot specialist will treat bunions in several ways, and we have other pages which discusses this in more detail – please click here for causes and complications and here for treatments.

4 . Chilblains

Before central heating was commonplace one of the most common things said to kids was “don’t wear socks to bed or you’ll get chilblains and then you’ll know about it”. But in reality, Chilblains (also known as Pernio) are a common foot problem where small itchy, red (and sometimes purple) swellings on the skin, which generally occur on areas of the feet exposed to pressure, for instance on a bunion or where the second toe is squeezed by tight shoes. They occur on the toes (particularly the smaller ones), but can also be found on the fingers, the face (especially the nose) and the lobes of the ears.

The itch when scratched can become increasingly painful, and the chilblain can swell and dry out leaving cracks in the skin that expose the foot to the risk of infection. The swelling can lead to blisters and in extreme cases can become a small ulcer prone to infection.

So, if you have chilblains do not scratch them, instead use a soothing lotion such as witch hazel or calamine on them. If they become ulcerated, apply an antiseptic dressing and if you are diabetic or are undergoing any other medical treatment get this checked by a medical professional.

5 . Claw Toes and Hammer Toes

Both these conditions are caused by toe joints malforming.

A Claw Toe can often affect the four smaller toes at the same time. This is where the toes bend up at the joint where the toes and the foot meet. They bend down at the middle joints and at the joints nearest the tip of the toes. This causes the toes to curl down toward the floor.

A Hammer Toe bends down toward the floor at the middle toe joint. This causes the middle toe joint to rise up. It usually affects the second toe.

A foot specialist will have to assess the extent of the condition, with possible treatments including splints, specialist footwear, exercises, medications, and possibly surgery.

6 . Corns and Calluses

Pressure and constant rubbing are the ideal recipe to develop the thickened areas of hard or soft skin that are known as Corns or Calluses, and poorly fitting shoes with a lot of running and/or walking are the most common reasons for this common foot problem appearing on the balls of the foot and the heel.

Relief can be achieved by using a pumice stone or foot file to gently rub off the superficial areas of hard skin. But a foot specialist will assess and tackle the root cause and may prescribe special padding, insoles and strapping to prevent rubbing and distribute pressure. If the corns and calluses, common foot problems do not respond to treatment, they may need to be removed with soft tissue surgery. We have another page which discusses corns in more detail – please click here.

7 . Diabetic Neuropathy

If you are diabetic you need to pay special attention to your feet as these are critical indicators for diabetic neuropathy, which is the damage to nerves caused by unregulated high blood sugar.

You should look out for your feet tingling like pins and needles, and/or a loss of feeling or sensitivity in your feet, or in you gate when walking. If you have diabetes and any of these occur you should see a medical specialist as soon as possible, as if untreated diabetic neuropathy can lead to complications such as infection and injury, which may result in amputation.

Managing your diabetes by maintaining your blood sugar levels helps reduce the risk of diabetic neuropathy.

8 . Dry and Cracked Heels

The skin on your foot and in particular your heel is thick. As it is so thick it can become too dry and this can lead to splits and cracking, which become uncomfortable and painful. In advanced cases, the cracks can be so deep that they can start to bleed.

A foot specialist will recommend balms or special creams that contain moisturisers to help moisturise the heels. They will also check for infections in open sores and treat accordingly. Information may also be given on footwear to prevent the condition from deteriorating or recurring.

9 . Flat Feet

Some people can have Flat Feet and experience no problems at all, others endure constant pain and discomfort. Flat feet are generally a hereditary condition where the foot has low, or no, arches.

For those who experience pain and discomfort this is because the flatter foot profile can put a strain on muscles and ligaments, causing pain from the foot to the back. A foot specialist can provide exercises and foot orthotics to ease the condition.

10 . Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal Nail Infections are a common foot problem caused by the same fungal infection responsible for athletes’ foot, with the nail becoming deformed, discoloured and fragile.

A foot specialist will treat fungal infections in several ways, and we have another page which discusses this in more detail – please click here.

11 . Gout

The symptoms of Gout are caused by having too much uric acid in the body, and this can cause a burning like pain in swollen toes, feet and ankles. If you experience these symptoms, then see a medical professional.

Gout is a fairly broad-spectrum condition and occurs in many forms. It can be cyclical or may develop into a chronic condition that damages joints. It can also be aggravated by several factors, such as certain foods.

Traditionally it is looked on as a disease of middle-age occurring most commonly in men between 40 and 50 years old and in women post menopause, but there are exceptions to this.

It is a treatable condition, but lifestyle management play’s a key role in managing symptoms.

12 . Heel Spurs

When a calcium bony growth develops between the heel bone and the arch of the foot it is called a Heel Spur. For many individuals, there are no symptoms but, for others, it can be painful and cause inflammation.

Heel spurs are caused by; long-term strain on muscles and ligaments, as a side effect of arthritis, excess body weight, or by wearing badly fitting footwear.

This is not an easy to diagnose condition and will require medical imaging to confirm diagnosis.

There are various treatments depending on the extent and cause of the condition, and may include; cold compresses, anti-inflammatory drugs injections, general painkillers, rest, and orthotic shoe inserts.

13 . Ingrown Toenail

When a nail grows off its normal path it can cut into the skin next to it pushing its way through the soft tissue. This common foot problem can result in a lot of pain and inflammation, which can become further infected and lead on to complications. This pain is amplified when walking as additional weight is put on the foot.

In most cases this can be treated by regular corrective nail trimming which will encourage the nail to return to its true path, and advice for ongoing self-care. A change in footwear may also be advised. However, in some severe or persistent cases, the nail may have to be removed by soft tissue surgery. We have another page which discusses Ingrown Toenails in more detail – please click here.

14 . Mallet Toes

Mallet Toes are caused when the last joint closest to the tip of the toe bulges in a painful manner and is often complicated by corns developing in the toenail area.

A foot specialist will assess the extent of the condition, with possible treatments including splints, specialist footwear, exercises, medications, and possibly surgery.

15 . Morton’s Neuroma

This is a condition where the tissue around a nerve thickens in the area of the ball of your foot. In many cases there are absolutely no pain or symptoms, in others this can be acutely painful.

Morton’s Neuroma most frequently occurs in middle-age and can be caused by high heels or shoes that are too tight. In other cases, this can be caused by situations that requiring repetitive movements, or by an abnormal gait or foot structure.

Initially changing footwear type or simply resting your feet may be a first treatment step. But, if there is no improvement a foot specialist should create a treatment plan that may include foot pads, physical therapy, and other non-invasive treatments.

16 . Osteoarthritis

Overtime the soft gasket that cushions the ends of bones at the joints can wear away, when this cartilage no longer cushions the bone, the bone can thicken by rubbing and cause pain, stiffness and swelling. This ‘wear and tear’ arthritis is called Osteoarthritis. The most affected joints are the knees, hips, hands and big toes.

If the cartilage deteriorates so that the bones completely rub together, the joint will have difficulty to move at all.

Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but pain can be eased by medication and assistive devices.

17 . Plantar Fasciitis

The Plantar Fascia is the thick connective tissue that holds the foot together under the arch from the heal to the ball of the foot, if this becomes affected by an inflammation (the “itis” part of the condition’s name), pain can be felt in the heal and the bottom of the foot.

Initially resting the foot and applying ice can reduce inflammation, and over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can help with pain management. Thoroughly stretching the foot before and after physical activity, and regularly during the day, may help to reduce pain as can supportive shoes.

If these methods are not effective then consulting a foot specialist for physical therapy, or further treatments which may include steroid injections and custom-made orthotics to provide extra support.

18 . Plantar Wart (Verrucas)

Simply put a Verruca is a wart on the bottom of your foot caused by human papillomavirus and is transmitted in moist environments like gym changing rooms and swimming pools.

These plantar warts can be painful, but they are relatively easy to treat. Salicylic acid painted on to the wart over the course of many weeks is the most common treatment, but there are many alternatives. A foot specialist will be able to advise you on these.

19 . Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation the hands, feet, wrists, ankles, knees and other joints. However, it has several other symptoms including muscle aches, anaemia (a low blood count leaving you feeling tired), and fever. For many people the joint issues are worse in the mornings.

Rheumatoid arthritis tends to occur symmetrically, so if one big toe is swollen and painful it is usually matched by the same condition in the other.

Self-treatment is not an option with Rheumatoid arthritis, and an early medical diagnosis is beneficial in managing the condition.

20 . Sesamoiditis

The sesamoids are small bones at the base of your big toe where tendons connect to help bend it up and down, when the bone becomes inflamed you have Sesamoiditis.

Sesamoiditis occurs usually due to injury, particularly with activities such as dance or where there is pressure on the toes.

Initially resting the feet, using heat or ice packs, taking pain killers, and/or compression bandage may be used. But you should consult a foot specialist for proper diagnosis and a treatment plan.

21 . Shin Splints or Shin Pain

Shin Splints is catch all term for pains that occur in the shin area during or after sport. It occurs at the point where muscle via a tendon attaches to bone at the front or inside of the shin. The source of the pain however can come from any related tendon, muscle, bone and/or ligament.

The root cause of the shin pain is due to the way your feet and legs move, and this can be by how your body moves, poor training techniques or over exerting your body. The surface you are exercising on can also contribute. A foot specialist will consider all these factors when assessing a remedy for your shin pain.

It is always good practice to warm up/down and stretch before and after exercise, and this can help with shin pain.

22 . Smelly Feet

Your feet have more sweat glands per inch than anywhere else in the body about 250,000 in total, and the moisture they produce lubricates the skin and cools the feet, but they can have the bi-product of producing an unpleasant smell.

Foot odour can be an occasional issue for most people, but for some, sweaty feet and the associated smell is a persistent common foot problem. The good news is that the condition is treatable, even though the cause of excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, is unknown. It may have a genetic factor, it may be due to stress on the foot or a structural problem, or because you and the foot is tired as you have been standing all day.

If you do suffer from smelly feet don’t be embarrassed to talk to a foot specialist, they will be able to help.

23 . Sports Injuries

Outside of the other sports related issues individually discussed on this page the demands made on your feet and lower limbs can lead to a range of injuries, such as sprained ankles, torn ligaments, knee pain, lower back pain and other joint or muscle problems.

For example, when we run, our body weight is multiplied by around three times, with our feet being the contact point with every stride. So, your running style, footwear choice and even minor limb length differences can lead to injuries. Therefore, if you have repetitive lower limb injuries it may be best to consult a foot specialist to assess your posture and lower limb function and provide advice.

This may be relating to stretching and strengthening exercises, devising treatment plans and/or recommend suitable footwear or orthotics (supportive insoles) as a long-term treatment.

24 . Stone Bruises

The area of the ball of your foot, between the toes and the arch of the foot, might feel like there is a stone in your shoe, that is numb with occasional sharp pains, which can worsen over time. This is also known as Metatarsalgia and this painful condition can be experienced by runners and other athletes.

Initial treatments are usually rest, applying ice packs, and changing footwear. If the pain persists, or gets worse, it is important to visit a foot specialist.

25 . Tendonitis

This is where the tendons that connect muscle to bones become inflamed either by damage or sometimes infection. This common foot problem can occur anywhere in the body, but in somewhere as critical as the foot can be very painful and problematic, and can take months to recover from if not treated promptly and effectively.

As with any soft tissue pain in the foot, consulting a foot or medical professional is advised for quick diagnosis and treatment.