Ingrown Toenails Ingrown nails, the most common nail impairment, are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the soft tissue of nail grooves, often leading to irritation, redness, and swelling. Usually, toenails grow straight out. Sometimes, however, one or both corners or sides curve and grow into the flesh. The big toe is usually the victim of this condition but other toes can also become affected. More about nail problems	Heel pain The most common cause is abnormal motion in your foot which leads to too much stress on a thick ligament on the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia). It is commonly referred to as plantar fasicitis or heel spur syndrome. Inherited muscle imbalances, heel injury, improper shoes, excessive weight, nerve problems in the ankle. The treatment may consist of inserts, medications, cortisone injections and surgery. More about heel pain
Plantars Warts These are cause by a virus know as HPV or human papilloma virus. Children and teens are most commonly affected but adults can get warts too. The most common area on the foot is the bottom or plantar surface. Depending on where these are they can be very painful. It is usually not necessary to surgically remove them if they are an isolated wart. Most of the time these can be treated locally with topical medicine. More information on Plantar Warts	Corns and Calluses These are thickened areas of skin which can be soft (usually between toes or hard usually on the top of a toe. They are the body's response to too much pressure in an area. They usually occur over bony prominences or in areas where there is too much friction. The more common areas on the foot are outside part of the heel or the top of the small toe (seed corn). They can be associated with redness, pain, and swelling (bursitis). They can be disabling, and in a diabetic can lead to serious complications if left untreated. more information on general foot problems
Bunions An enlargement of the big toe joint. They can be mild, moderate, or severe. The most common cause is an abnormal motion of the foot called pronation and eventually in some people lead to a bunion deformity. They are hereditary, and can be prevented in some patients if caught early enough. It is very important that they be treated, if left untreated they will eventually interfere with the quality of life and will affect walking and standing, as well as back problems. More information on bunions	Hammertoes These are the results of abnormal contraction and a muscle imbalance that leaves your toe in a bent position. Once hammertoes stiffen they can rub against the shoe and cause pain from inflammation in the joint area. This is commonly known as bursitis. You may also notice a corn or callus on the top on the hammertoe. They can be aggravated by shoes or socks which do not fit properly. There are a variety of treatments for hammertoes which range from padding, shoe modifications and in some cases surgery is necessary for severe deformities. More information on hammertoes
Fungal Nails Fungal infection of the nail, or onychomycosis, is often ignored because the infection can be present for years without causing any pain. The disease is characterized by a progressive change in a toenail's quality and color, which is often ugly and embarrassing. In reality, the condition is an infection underneath the surface of the nail caused by fungi. When the tiny organisms take hold, the nail often becomes darker in color and foul smelling. Debris may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks frequently appear on the nail plate, and the infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails. If ignored, the infection can spread and possibly impair one's ability to work or even walk. More information on nail fungus	Diabetes and the feet People with diabetes can develop many different foot problems. Even ordinary problems can get worse and lead to serious complications. Foot problems most often happen when there is nerve damage, also called neuropathy, which results in loss of feeling in your feet. Poor blood flow or changes in the shape of your feet or toes may also cause problems. Inspect your feet every day, and seek care early if you do get a foot injury. Make sure your health care provider checks your feet at least once a year - more often if you have foot problems. Your health care provider should also give you a list and explain the do's and don'ts of foot care. Most people can prevent any serious foot problem by following some simple steps. So let's begin taking care of your feet today. more on diabetes and your feet