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
Eden Medical Center
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
Eden Medical Center
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
Eden Medical Center
My feet smell pretty stinky at the end of the day. What causes this, and is there anything I can do to prevent it?
This is a very common foot problem, especially in the summertime. Foot odor is most commonly caused by bacteria or fungus and is often associated with sweaty feet. If you do suffer from athlete's foot or fungal... continue reading about My feet smell pretty stinky at the end of the day. What causes this, and is there anything I can do to prevent it?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
Eden Medical Center
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
Eden Medical Center
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?
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
Eden Medical Center
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
Eden Medical Center
I have pain across the ball of my right foot, making it tender to walk on. I've been doing a new type of activity - dancing Zumba in new shoes - but this pain showed up five days after the last class. Could it be related? If not, what are likely causes?
Zumba is fun, but this new activity can certainly be the cause of your foot pain. You are right to be concerned because foot pain is not normal. There are a number of common foot problems that can cause pain in... continue reading about I have pain across the ball of my right foot, making it tender to walk on. I've been doing a new type of activity - dancing Zumba in new shoes - but this pain showed up five days after the last class. Could it be related? If not, what are likely causes?
Mark Saleh, M.D.
Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group
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.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I have an ingrown toenail that I want to treat at home. How do I do it?
First, decide whether you should see your podiatrist. If you are diabetic or have poor circulation, there is a greater risk of infection and complications caused by an ingrown toenail or attempts to trim the na... continue reading about I have an ingrown toenail that I want to treat at home. How do I do it?