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Foot Health

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Foot health involves maintaining the well-being of your feet, treating diseases and injuries, and supporting mobility. You might encounter issues like blisters, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, and athlete’s foot, as well as conditions that affect the bones, ligaments, and tendons. Treatment varies based on the specific condition and may include orthotics, medication, physical therapy, and surgery. Maintaining proper foot hygiene, trimming toenails, and wearing well-fitted, supportive footwear are essential for foot health.

FAQ

What are some common foot problems?

Common foot problems include athlete’s foot, blisters, corns, calluses, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and ingrown toenails. Arthritis and gout often affect the feet. Toe problems like hammer, mallet, and claw toes are also common.

To prevent fungal infections on your feet, keep them dry, wear breathable shoes, and be sure to keep your socks and footwear clean and dry between uses. Talcum powder and moisture-wicking socks can help keep your feet dry.

Overuse and strain on the plantar fascia ligament can cause plantar fasciitis. Obesity, regular running, excessive heel pressure, the shape of your foot, how you walk, incorrect footwear, diabetes, and arthritis may contribute to plantar fasciitis risk.

Orthotics fit inside shoes to provide support and correct foot alignment. They can help relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent further injuries. Speak to a foot care specialist about the right type and fit of orthotic for you.

A balanced, nutritious diet supports bone and tissue health everywhere in the body, including the feet. If you have diabetes, consistently raised blood sugar can affect the feet, so avoiding dietary blood sugar spikes may reduce your foot complication risk.

Meet Our Experts In Foot Health
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Michelle Seguin, MD

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

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Justin Laube

Justin Laube, MD

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Justin Laube, MD, is a board-certified integrative and internal medicine physician, a teacher, and a consultant with extensive expertise in integrative health, medical education, a...

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Allison Buttarazzi, MD

Allison Buttarazzi, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Allison Buttarazzi, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and lifestyle medicine, and is a certified health and well-being coach. In her primary care practice, Dr. Buttarazzi...

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Susan Bard, MD

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Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sin...

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Jacquelyn Dosal

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

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Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments...

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Sanjai Sinha, MD

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Castle Connolly Top Doctor
Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine physician and an assistant professor of clinical medicine and the director of the care management program at Weill Cornell ...
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Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH

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Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH is an internal medicine specialist with extensive clinical experience in multiple practice settings. Dr. Marcellin is a past medical director of both fee...

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Vilayvanh Saysoukha

Vilayvanh Saysoukha, DPM, MSc

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Dr. Vilayvanh Saysoukha is first generation Lao American and triple board-certified podiatric foot and ankle surgeon. She's the CEO and founder of Premier Foot & Ankle Centers of T...

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Ross Radusky, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Ross Radusky, MD, is a practicing board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas. Originally from New York City, he graduated summa cum la...

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Resources
  1.  Foot Health. MedlinePlus. July 13, 2023.

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