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
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 is the cause of numbness of toes and is there anything that will help this?
There are many causes of numb toes. There are treatments that can help once the correct diagnosis is made. Numbness is usually a symptom of an unhappy nerve. Some causes are reversible and some are not. There m... continue reading about What is the cause of numbness of toes and is there anything that will help this?
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?
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?
Arfan Din, D.O.
Sutter Medical Foundation
I have severe Achilles tendinitis and can't even go on long walks for exercise. What workouts would you recommend while I recover? It's been weeks since I've broken a good sweat.
Achilles tendonitis is a tough condition to treat since many aerobic activities can aggravate the condition and one of the treatment strategies is to avoid these activities.Aerobic conditioning is incredibly va... continue reading about I have severe Achilles tendinitis and can't even go on long walks for exercise. What workouts would you recommend while I recover? It's been weeks since I've broken a good sweat.
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
I have an ingrown toenail that is causing pain and swelling. How should I treat this? Also, is there anything I can do to prevent the other toenails from doing the same thing?
An ingrown toenail is a very painful problem, and if you're having redness and swelling, you should see a podiatrist.The treatment will almost always involve removing the offending nail border. It's a very simp... continue reading about I have an ingrown toenail that is causing pain and swelling. How should I treat this? Also, is there anything I can do to prevent the other toenails from doing the same thing?
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
For the past five to six years, the balls of my feet hurt and burn all the time. I've tried inserts, Dansko shoes, foot soaks, as well as pain and nerve medications. Any suggestions?
Pain on the ball of the foot has many possible causes. It's important to find the underlying cause. Is it a musculoskeletal problem (muscle, tendon, ligament, bone or local nerve entrapment)? Or is it a neurolo... continue reading about For the past five to six years, the balls of my feet hurt and burn all the time. I've tried inserts, Dansko shoes, foot soaks, as well as pain and nerve medications. Any suggestions?
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
SEBMF HMO Network
I have a yellow discoloration on most of my toenails. I've tried a few over-the-counter creams, but they did not work. Any suggestions? What is your opinion of laser treatments for this problem?
Assuming that your toenails have a fungal infection, you have several options:Topical treatmentOral medication treatmentLaser treatmentCombination of the above treatmentsEach has its pros and cons. Topical medi... continue reading about I have a yellow discoloration on most of my toenails. I've tried a few over-the-counter creams, but they did not work. Any suggestions? What is your opinion of laser treatments for this problem?
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?
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