Help for Foot Infections
Athlete’s foot, plantar warts and other foot infections need prompt attention. Learn how to avoid and treat these common problems.
Make Your Pedicure Safe
Don’t let an at-home or salon pedicure lead to ingrown toenails or fungal infections. Practice preventive measures for healthy toes.
Care for Foot Bunions
An inflamed bunion can cause pain and instability. Learn how to prevent and treat bunions before they get worse.
Featured Articles

Help for Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Explore daily self-care measures and other treatments for heel pain.

Why You May Need Orthotics
When foot pain and discomfort persists, consider customized shoe inserts.

Care for Foot Bunions
Learn how to prevent and treat bunions before they get worse.
Ask an Expert
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
Do women wearing high heels experience/suffer from shortened Achilles tendons? Does wearing flat heels cause pain for high heel wearers? Are there any therapeutic exercises or stretches that can help?
Yes, women who wear high heels can develop a shortening of the Achilles tendon. The height of the heel and how long she has been wearing this type of shoe are contributing factors. As you note, many ladies who ... continue reading about Do women wearing high heels experience/suffer from shortened Achilles tendons? Does wearing flat heels cause pain for high heel wearers? Are there any therapeutic exercises or stretches that can help?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
I am 40 and I get cramps so severe in my toes that they stiffen up in different directions. What could be the cause of this and should I be concerned?
I am so sorry to hear that you are suffering from this painful, but common, condition. There are many possible causes of foot cramps. Be sure to drink plenty of water, especially if exercising, as dehydration c... continue reading about I am 40 and I get cramps so severe in my toes that they stiffen up in different directions. What could be the cause of this and should I be concerned?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
My doctor diagnosed an irritated nerve in my foot and told me to take anti-inflammatory medication and stay out of my high heels. I'm doing both, but I'm still in a lot of pain. Will anything else help?
I am sorry to hear about your foot pain. If you have an irritated nerve in your foot (neuroma), then it was excellent advice to change out of your high heels and take an anti-inflammatory, as it is important to... continue reading about My doctor diagnosed an irritated nerve in my foot and told me to take anti-inflammatory medication and stay out of my high heels. I'm doing both, but I'm still in a lot of pain. Will anything else help?
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
My 7-year-old daughter was diagnosed with flat feet by our regular doctor. She sometimes complains of pain in her legs. Our doctor said that she will probably outgrow it. If not, what are her treatment options? Is there anything I can do for her now?
The only treatment option for flat feet for a 7-year-old is to consider foot orthotics. Orthotics are a type of a shoe insert that is made from taking an impression cast of the foot. The idea behind using ortho... continue reading about My 7-year-old daughter was diagnosed with flat feet by our regular doctor. She sometimes complains of pain in her legs. Our doctor said that she will probably outgrow it. If not, what are her treatment options? Is there anything I can do for her now?
Mark Saleh, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I have neuropathy in both feet and legs. They feel heavy and at night they sometimes burn. My feet feel like I have a second skin, which makes it difficult to wiggle my toes and arch my feet.
Pain from neuropathy can be quite problematic. It is often described as a burning or a "pins and needles" sensation. This pain is often more noticeable at bedtime and can therefore disrupt sleep. The first step... continue reading about I have neuropathy in both feet and legs. They feel heavy and at night they sometimes burn. My feet feel like I have a second skin, which makes it difficult to wiggle my toes and arch my feet.
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
I have fractured my ankle multiple times. Do you have any suggestions for exercises that would strengthen this area?
I am so sorry to hear that you have experienced multiple ankle fractures. Even one is more than enough! Proper rehabilitation of the soft tissues of the ankle after a sprain can help recovery and decrease ... continue reading about I have fractured my ankle multiple times. Do you have any suggestions for exercises that would strengthen this area?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
I have a bunion on my large toe that becomes painful and swollen, especially when I wear high heels. What caused this, and how can I fix it?
Bunions are often described as a bump on the side of the big toe, but they are more than that. The visible bump is actually the result of the gradual drifting of the bones of the great toe. Bunions are most oft... continue reading about I have a bunion on my large toe that becomes painful and swollen, especially when I wear high heels. What caused this, and how can I fix it?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
What can I use for toe nail fungus without a prescription?
A toe nail infected with fungus is not only a cosmetic concern. Many people with fungal nail infections also have a fungal skin infection (commonly known as athlete's foot). This can often be the original sourc... continue reading about What can I use for toe nail fungus without a prescription?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
The arches of my feet can be really tight and achy now that I'm in my 40s. I love to wear high heels to work, but I'm also a long distance runner. Is my love for heels AND running mutually exclusive?
Perhaps not if you choose to pursue both in moderation. However, if you spend long hours in high heels, then you may continue to find long distance running difficult. Are you willing to drop down to two-inch he... continue reading about The arches of my feet can be really tight and achy now that I'm in my 40s. I love to wear high heels to work, but I'm also a long distance runner. Is my love for heels AND running mutually exclusive?
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