Bunions

A bunion is a painful bony bump that develops on the inside of the foot at the big toe joint. Over time, the normal structure of the bone changes, resulting in the bunion bump. This deformity will gradually increase and may make it painful to wear shoes or walk. In most cases, bunion pain is relieved by wearing wider shoes with adequate toe room and using other simple treatments to reduce pressure on the big toe.

Flat feet can begin in the early stages of growing if the foot arches don't develop, or after an injury has occured. They may also occur from the wear and tear of aging.

Many people have no symptoms that would be associated with flat feet - but, unfortunately - some people with flat feet experience foot pain, particularly in the heel or arch area.

Hammer Toes

A hammer toe typically occurs as a result of wearing shoes with narrow toe boxes or high heels. It most often affects the second, or index toe.

The affected toe could experience pain or be hard to move may, and may also develop corns or calluses.

Diabetes and Your Feet

Diabetic patients who have too much glucose (aka sugar) in their blood for too long can cause serious complications, including, but not limited to, foot problems.

Diabetic neuropathy (nerves) and Peripheral vascular disease (blood) are the two issues that can arise in the feet due to diabetes.

Heel Spurs

A heel spur is a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel bone caused by a calcium deposit. Using an X-ray, a heel spur can be seen extending forward by up to a half-inch.

While, oftentimes, spurs are painless, they can potentially cause pain in the heel. Heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis - a painful inflammation of the fibrous band of connective tissue (plantar fascia) which not only runs from the bottom of the foot, but also connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot.

Corn

Hardened, thick layers of foot skin that can be caused by friction and pressure.

While they are benign - corns oftentimes develop on the tops and sides of feet, but can also be found forming between the toes or in weight-bearing areas.