Guide to Common Foot Problems: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
You’re on your feet all day, need them for every activity, & yet take them for granted.
But when these trusty parts of our body start to ache, the whole world slows down. It can be a stubborn corn callus on foot or a minor heel discomfort. Every single foot problem is enough to ruin your day and disrupt your routine.
Sometimes, you don’t even know the cause or even name of problem. There is just a severe pain in your feet & even cosiest slippers start to feel like hell.
We’ve prepared this guide for moments like those. When you are going mad figuring out “what is causing my feet to ache this much?” So, browse all the common foot problems with Main Street Medical Centre & find out which one is behind your painful foot & bad mood.
Common Foot Problems
Here are the common foot problems we’ve witnessed in patients, the causes behind them & treatment options that can help.
1. Toe Deformities
Toe deformities occur when the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around the toe become imbalanced. They include:
- Hammer toe (one of the smaller toes bend at middle joint)
- Claw toe (all the toes bend like a claw)
- Mallet toe (one or more toes bend at end joint)
Over time, this imbalance can result in changed foot anatomy & pain. Common causes include tight shoes, injuries, or genetic predisposition. For toe deformities, podiatrist will recommend exercises, proper footwear, or surgery to restore proper alignment.
2. Arch Problems
The arch of the foot distributes the body weight and absorbs shock during movement. Its malalignment can cause:
- High arches (slow walking)
- Flat feet or low arches (less stability)
They both cause pain, swelling, and increased risk of other foot issues. Flat feet also lead to overpronation, which can strain the ankles and knees. While high arches can cause pressure points and calluses. Orthotic insoles, stretching exercises, and physiotherapy can help support and realign the arches of your feet.
3. Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection affecting the skin on sole or between the toes.
Warm & moist environments are the culprits behind it like sweaty shoes or communal showers. It mostly occurs in athletes that’s why the name is so. Symptoms include redness, itching, burning, and cracked skin.
Mild athlete’s foot treatment is done by over-the-counter antifungal creams. But severe infections require professional care from a podiatrist Perth. You can prevent it by keeping feet dry, changing socks regularly, and wearing breathable footwear.
4. Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe (outer side) causing it to lean inward.
Over time, this misalignment becomes painful and inflammation can also occur. Tight shoes and genetic factors can cause it. Treatments include using bunion pads, wearing wide-toed shoes, and cryotherapy to reduce inflammation. Surgical correction is needed in severe cases to restore alignment and relieve pain.
5. Blisters
Blisters are small pockets of fluid formed by repetitive friction or pressure.
They’re mostly caused by poorly fitted shoes or excessive pressure on feet. But excessive moisture and intense activity can also contribute. Blisters are severely painful and cause more damage if they burst and become infected. To prevent them, wear absorbent socks, proper shoe fit, and cushioned pads for vulnerable areas.
6. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that affects the foot and ankle joints.
It develops gradually with cartilage breakdown, and cause joint pain, and stiffness. Ageing, repetitive stress, and injuries are some causes behind it. It is non-reversible & only be managed by a combination of lifestyle adjustments. E.g. weight management, supportive footwear, pain-relieving medications, exercise and physiotherapy.
7. Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the joints.
It affects the small joints in the feet first & gradually shifts toward larger ones. Joint swelling, pain, and deformities are its common signs. Early diagnosis and management can control inflammation and limit joint damage. Again, no definite treatment but a podiatrist alongside your GP can help manage symptoms and progression.
8. Gout
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by build-up of uric acid crystals in joints.
It starts from the big toe, and progress with time. It can cause sudden & severe pain, redness, and swelling. Diets high in red meat, alcohol, and sugary drinks can trigger gout attacks. It requires medications to reduce uric acid and lifestyle changes to avoid triggers.
9. Chilblains
The swollen red or purple patches that appear with exposure to cold.
Chilblains are extremely painful & itchy. They’re common in colder months and affect the toes, fingers, and heels. Managing techniques include:
- Keeping feet warm
- Avoiding rapid temperature changes
- Using soothing creams.
They usually resolve on their own in a few days. But if sores or infections develop, we recommend immediate medical attention.
10. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of feet from heel to toes. When it gets inflamed due to excessive pressure, plantar fasciitis is caused.
It is one of the most common causes of tenderness in heel of foot. Pain is worst during the day or after long periods of standing. Stretching exercises, orthotics, and rest can alleviate the symptoms initially. But severe cases need corticosteroid injections or shockwave therapy.
11. Foot Corn Disease
Foot corns are areas of thickened skin that develop in response to pressure or friction. It occurs on weightbearing areas with a painful core. Types include:
- Hard corn on foot pad
- Soft corn on toes
- Seeded corn on feet (look like a wart)
Foot corn medical treatment includes the trimming the corn & correcting the underlying cause. Protective pads & footwear can also help prevent recurrence. For more stubborn cases, you can use medicated pads or patches.
12. Callus
Calluses also form by repeated friction or pressure but are larger and more diffuse.
They appear on weight-bearing areas like the heels and balls of the feet. Reason is the natural protective mechanism of skin to shield itself from excessive pressure.
Calluses are unsightly and uncomfortable, but don’t cause much pain. Moisturising & soaking in warm water daily can help in their dissolution. A podiatrist can also remove excess callus and advise footwear to prevent recurrence.
13. Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are rough, grainy growths that appear on the soles of the feet.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes them & hence, they spread like any other viral disease. They are painful, especially when walking. Treatments include topical salicylic acid, cryotherapy, and laser therapy.
14. Ingrown Toenail
When the edge of the nail grows into surrounding skin, it is called ingrown.
Mostly it occurs to big toe, but other toes can also get affected. Symptoms include redness, pain, and even infection. Improper nail trimming, tight shoes, and injury can cause it. You can treat mild cases by soaking the feet and wearing comfortable footwear. While severe or infected ones require minor surgery.
15. Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating of the feet, without any apparent reason, is called foot hyperhidrosis.
Common culprits behind it are genetic alterations, stress or anxiety. It can lead to macerated skin, fungal infections, and unpleasant odours. Absorbent socks, foot powders, and antiperspirants can help manage this condition. For more severe cases, your doctor will consider iontophoresis or Botox injections.
Tips to Prevent Foot Problems
Here are a few practical & effective tips from our experienced professionals. Implement them today and make your feet happy.
- Choose footwear that supports your arches and gives your toes enough room. Tight & painful shoes are the fast-track to corns and bunions.
- Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly between the toes. Moisture and dirt are the fungus’s best friend.
- Keep your foot skin soft and smooth with daily moisturising. Because dry skin crack and lead to discomfort. You can use any moisturiser or foot cream.
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails. Use clean tools and don’t cut them too short.
- Stretch your toes, ankles, and calves gently and do regular exercise. It will reduce the risk of joint diseases, aches and injuries.
- Look for any new lumps, bumps, or painful areas in your feet. Early detection can lead to an effective treatment.
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