These are a few of the common foot ailments that most people may encounter sometime during their life. All are treatable through the use of proper diagnosis, medication, orthotics, physical therapy, and/or surgery.

Bunions
The big toe is the hardest working toe and is subject to this common problem. Bunions can be caused by improper foot mechanics or can also be inherited. This results in a painful and boney bulge near the big toe joint which make it difficult to wear shoes.

Calluses and Corns
Ill-fitting shoes and/or bone spurs can allow dead skin to build up, causing painful calluses on the bottom of the foot and corns on the toes. It is important for a podiatrist to evaluate these sites, since infection is not uncommon following the use of many 'home remedy' treatments.

Flat Feet
This condition is caused by the collapse of the arch which is the main support structure of the foot. The resulting excess strain can adversely affect other parts of the body causing fatigue, pain, or stiffness in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

Fungus
Itchy, red, and scaly skin are some of the symptoms of this type of infection which is spread in warm, moist areas such as shoes. Fungus can also infect toenails resulting in unsightly, thick, and crumbly nails.

Ganglions
This fluid-filled swelling of the lining of a joint or tendon will most often appear on the ankle or top of the foot and is usually caused by irritation from bone spurs or some types of footwear.

Hammer Toes
This painful buckling of any of the toe joints can be caused by a muscle imbalance, a tight tendon, or footwear that is too small. As the toe joint pushes up, and rubs against the shoe, the patient could experience pain and/or ulcers.

Ingrown Toenails
Incorrect cutting of the nails, ill-fitting shoes, or fungus can cause the nail to grow into the skin, causing pain and sometimes infection.

Neuroma
The thickening of the nerve's outer coating is the beginning of this ailment which is usually caused by ill-fitting shoes or an abnormal bone movement. Symptoms may include burning, tingling, cramping, or numbness which may start gradually and
become more severe when walking or standing for a prolonged period of time.

Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Spurs)
The plantar fascia, a ligament-like band which runs from the heel to the ball of the foot, can become strained by poor foot mechanics. This could cause swelling and fraying of its tiny fibers. Patients with this condition often complain of having severe pain when taking their first step upon arising in the morning.

Warts
Plantar warts grow into the bottom of the foot and can be quite painful. This is a virus caused condition and should not be treated by risky 'home remedy methods.

Peripheral Vascular Disease (Poor Circulation)
Anyone can be affected by this disease, particularly senior citizens. Aging and arterial plaque can cause blood vessels to lose effectiveness in circulating the blood in parts of the body. Since the feet are farthest removed from the heart, they are prone to suffer from poor circulation. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and palpable coldness.

Diabetes
People suffering from diabetes must be very careful and exercise proper concern and care for their feet. Of utmost importance: inform your podiatrist immediately at the first sign of infection.
Additionally, trimming of the nails and treatment of corns and calluses should not be performed by anyone other than a specialist or podiatrist.