• Acquired from improper footwear, physical stress, or small mechanical changes within the foot.
• Arthritic foot problems, which typically involve one or more joint.
• Congenital foot problems, which occur at birth, are generally inherited.
• Infectious foot problems, which are caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal disorders.
• Neoplastic disorders, usually called tumors, which are the result of abnormal growth of tissue and may be benign or malignant.
• Traumatic foot problems, which are associated with foot and ankle injuries.

• Bunions - misaligned big toe joints that can become swollen and tender, causing the first joint of the big toe to slant outward, and the second joint to angle toward the other toes. Bunions tend to be hereditary, but can be aggravated by shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot and toe. Surgery is frequently performed to correct the problem.
  
  
• Hammertoe - a condition, usually stemming from muscle imbalance, in which the toe is bent in a claw-like position. It occurs most frequently with the second toe, often when a bunion slants the big toe toward and under it, but any of the other three smaller toes can be affected. Selecting shoes and socks that do not cramp the toes will alleviate aggravation.
  
  
• Heel spurs - growths of bone on the underside, forepart of the heel bone. Heel spurs occur when the plantar tendon pulls at its attachment to the heel bone. This area of the heel can later calcify to form a spur. With proper warm-up and the use of appropriate athletic shoes, strain to the ligament can be reduced.

• Corns and calluses are thick layers of skin caused by too much pressure on the same area of the foot.  Often found on the bottom (balls) of the feet.  Corns Video Link

• Blisters can form from excessive friction (very common for runners).  Wearing shoes that do not fit or wearing shoes without socks can cause blisters.   Blisters can become infected, diabetics beware.

 www.MyBadFeet.com

• Ingrown toenails happen when the edge of the nail grows into the skin.   Ingrown toenails can also be caused by cutting into the corners of your toenails when trimmed.  If toenail edges are sharp, smooth them with an emery board (if you are diabetic, see your podiatrist).  You can also get an ingrown toenail if your shoes are too tight.  These are very dangerous for diabetics.  If you suspect an ingrowing toenail see your podiatrist asap.  The area will be painful and often becomes red and infected.  Ingrowing Toenails Video Link

• A bunion forms when your big toe slants toward the small toes and the place between the bones near the base of your big toe grows big with excess bone. This area can get red, sore, and swollen.  Diabetics must be very careful, these areas can have excess friction, breaking the skin causing infection.  Bunions can form on one or both feet.  Pointy shoes may contribute to bunions.   Bunions often run in the family.  Surgery is usually in the treatment plan.  Bunions Video Link

"Ouch!!"

 www.MyBadFeet.com

• Plantar warts are caused by a virus.  Very common. The warts usually form on the bottoms of the feet.   Can be painful, and should be treated quickly as they can often spread.  This video link will better explain Plantar Warts Video Link

• Hammertoes often form when certain foot tendons become weak causing the toes to contract.  The weakness may be from diabetic nerve damage, tension, pressure, injury, over activity, shoes etc... Weakened muscles make the tendons in the foot shorter and then the toes curl under the feet.  You may get sores on the bottoms of your feet and on the tops of your toes.  Hammertoes can cause problems with walking and finding shoes that fit well. Yes, they can run in the family!  Hammertoe Video  

 www.MyBadFeet.com

• Dry and cracked skin can happen because the nerves in your legs and feet do not get the message to keep your skin soft and moist (autonomic neuropathy).  Dry skin can become cracked and allow germs to enter.  High blood sugar can feed the germs and make the infection worse.  Soy, Aloe & Vitamin E cream will help to prevent dangerous cracks in the skin.

• Athlete's foot is a fungus that typically causes redness, cracking, and itchiness of the skin. The cracks between the toes allow germs to get under the skin.  Fungus infection can spread to the toenails and make them thick, yellow, brittle and hard to cut (see your foot doctor!!).   (click here, skin and toenail anti-fungal treatment)