The causes of foot problems vary from congenital deformities to fractures, infections, syndromes and diseases. The type of shoes worn and excessive standing on hard surfaces without proper sole support cause some of the foot problems people experience. Some problems resolve with the right fit and shoe type. Other problems require surgical intervention or the use of orthotic devices to improve or correct the condition. Varieties of orthotic devices are available over the counter and as custom orthoses.
Heel Pain
Heel pain is the most common problem of the foot, and walking a mile puts 60 tons of stress on each foot, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The two locations for heel pain are under and behind the heel. Causes for pain underneath the heel include stone bruises, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Pain from a stone bruise usually goes away with rest, but pain from plantar fasciitis or a heel spur may require medication for inflammation and heel pad inserts.
The causes for pain behind the heel include an inflamed Achilles tendon from too much running or wearing shoes that don't fit properly. Treatment for Achilles tendon pain includes discontinuing the activity associated with the pain, stretching the tendon, and medications for pain and swelling.
Foot Ulcer
Diabetic foot ulcers cause more lower extremity amputations than any other type of foot problem. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that diabetics are at a 15 to 46 percent higher risk for non-traumatic lower extremity amputation than people who are not diabetic.
Diabetes carries risk factors that lead to foot ulcers, according to the AAFP. Diabetic neuropathy reduces or removes the feeling in the feet, which makes it difficult to know when an injury or a break in the skin has occurred. Poor circulation due to the effects of diabetes on the blood vessels reduces the body's natural wound healing process.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is the most common tinea fungal infection, reports MedlinePlus. It is in the same fungal family as ringworm and jock itch. Symptoms of athlete's foot appear as peeling, cracked and flaking skin between the toes that itches. The fungus can advance to oozing or crusted blisters.
If left untreated, athlete's foot can spread to the toenails and cause a fungal nail infection. Over-the-counter antifungal powders or creams that help control the infection include miconazole, tolnaftate or clotrimazole, notes MedlinePlus. In cases where the fungus does not clear up, or if it recurs frequently, a health care provider may need to prescribe stronger medications.
