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
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.
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?
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
Eden Medical Center
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I find as I have gotten older (mid 40's), my feet get sore easily and in my workout shoes, I now need extra support. Is this typical? Do feet age like the rest of us, and is there anything I can do to better support my feet?
Our feet undergo changes throughout our lives. This is because the twenty six bones are supported and held together by a complex myriad of ligaments, tendons and muscles. As we age, and especially if we gain we... continue reading about I find as I have gotten older (mid 40's), my feet get sore easily and in my workout shoes, I now need extra support. Is this typical? Do feet age like the rest of us, and is there anything I can do to better support my feet?
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
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?
Arfan Din, D.O.
Sutter Medical Group
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.
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
Eden Medical Center
What tips should I follow when I'm shopping for shoes?
Here are my shoe buying tips:Have your feet measured while you're standing. As adults our bones don't grow longer, but as we mature our ligaments loosen and our feet splay, especially following pregnancy. So ou... continue reading about What tips should I follow when I'm shopping for shoes?
Carolyn E. McAloon, DPM
Eden Medical Center
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?
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