Common foot problems

The foot is one of the most complex parts of the body, consisting of 26 bones connected by numerous joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The foot is susceptible to many stresses. Foot problems can cause pain, inflammation, or injury, resulting in limited movement and mobility. More than 66% of Americans have some sort of foot problems. Here's a partial list of common foot problems.

Heel Pain
Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis -- sometimes called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, or nerve irritation. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis are: Pain on the bottom of the heel: Pain that is usually worse upon arising: Pain that increases over a period of months.

Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when a sharp corner of the toenail digs into the skin at the end of or side of the toe. Most common signs and symptoms are pain, redness, and swelling at the corner of a toenail. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can progress to an infection or even an abscess that requires surgical treatment.

Bunions
The bony prominence at the big toe joint, called a bunion, can be caused by aging, inappropriate footwear, genetics or other factors. If you see a bony protrusion on your big or baby toe that feels pinched when wearing shoes, you most likely have a bunion or bunionette.

Corns
Corns are yellowish, callus growths that develop on top of the toes. Corns develop because of abuse or stress. Often, a corn develops where a toe rubs against a shoe or another toe. Corns can cause extreme discomfort and pain. Treatment may include: applying pads around the corn area; wearing larger shoes to comfortably fit your foot without rubbing; surgery.

Hammertoes
Hammertoes are a contracture of the toes as a result of a muscle imbalance between the tendons on the top and the tendons on the bottom of the toe. They can be flexible or rigid in nature. When they are rigid, it is not possible to straighten the toe out by manipulating it. Frequently, they develop corns as a result of rubbing on the shoe. They may also cause calluses.