What Are 7 Common Foot Problems?

What Are 7 Common Foot Problems

Know the 7 Foot Issues That Could Be Slowing You Down!

Your feet carry you through every step of life, yet they’re often the most overlooked part of your health, until pain or discomfort makes even simple movements difficult. From persistent heel aches to changes in the shape or texture of your feet, many people experience common foot problems that can affect mobility, confidence, and overall well-being.

The good news is that most of these issues, including conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, corns, calluses, flat feet, ingrown toenails, and fungal infections, can be effectively managed with timely care.

So, what are 7 common foot problems?

Be it any chronic foot problem, Dr KP Meda offers advanced, compassionate, and personalised foot treatments designed to relieve pain, correct underlying concerns, and help you return to comfortable, confident movement.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore some common foot problems, their causes, and the treatment options available.

1. Plantar Fasciitis

What it is

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot disorders involving inflammation of the tissue band (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot.

Causes

  • Overuse or excessive walking
  • Flat feet or high arches
  • Poor footwear with inadequate support
  • Sudden increase in physical activity

Symptoms

  • Sharp heel pain, especially in the morning
  • Pain that reduces with movement but worsens after rest

Treatment

  • Non-surgical: stretching exercises, orthotic insoles, anti-inflammatory medications, and shockwave therapy
  • Surgical: rarely required, but plantar fascia release surgery may be considered acute or chronic cases

2. Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

What it is

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing misalignment and pain.

Causes

  • Genetics (family history plays a major role)
  • Wearing tight, narrow, or pointed shoes
  • Arthritis
  • Flat feet

Symptoms

  • Visible bump on the big toe
  • Swelling and redness
  • Difficulty wearing regular footwear

Treatment

  • Non-surgical: bunion pads, custom footwear, toe spacers, pain relievers
  • Surgical: bunion correction surgery to realign the bone and restore function

3. Ingrown Toenails

What it is

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and infection.

Causes

  • Improper nail trimming
  • Tight footwear
  • Trauma to the toe
  • Excessive sweating

Symptoms

  • Redness, swelling
  • Sharp pain on the sides of the toenail
  • Pus or fluid (in case of infection)

Treatment

  • Non-surgical: warm water soaks, topical antibiotics, proper nail care
  • Surgical: partial nail removal or matrixectomy in recurring cases

4. Corns and Calluses

What it is

Corns and calluses are thickened layers of skin caused by repeated friction or pressure.

Causes

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes
  • Standing for long periods
  • Abnormal gait or foot shape

Symptoms

  • Hard, raised bumps (corns)
  • Rough, thick patches of skin (calluses)
  • Sensitivity or discomfort when walking

Treatment

  • Non-surgical: exfoliation, moisturisers, protective padding, footwear modification
  • Surgical: removal of underlying bone deformity if a structural issue is causing pressure

5. Flat Feet

What it is

Flat feet (fallen arches) occur when the foot has little or no arch, causing complete contact with the ground.

Causes

  • Genetics
  • Weak arches
  • Injury or tendon dysfunction
  • Age-related wear and tear

Symptoms

  • Arch pain
  • Foot fatigue
  • Knee, hip or back pain because of misalignment

Treatment

  • Non-surgical: arch support orthotics, physiotherapy, strengthening exercises
  • Surgical: tendon repair or arch reconstruction in advanced cases

6. Athlete’s Foot (Fungal Infection)

What it is

A contagious fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet, especially between the toes.

Causes

  • Moist environments (sweaty socks, damp shoes)
  • Walking barefoot in public areas
  • Sharing footwear or towels

Symptoms

  • Itching, burning sensation
  • Peeling or cracking skin
  • Odor

Treatment

  • Non-surgical: antifungal creams, hygiene measures, footwear disinfection
  • Surgical: not required

7. Hammertoe

What it is

A hammertoe is a deformity wherein the toe bends downward at the middle joint, often causing pain and difficulty walking.

Causes

  • Wearing narrow or tight shoes
  • Muscle imbalance
  • Trauma
  • Arthritis

Symptoms

  • Bent toe joint
  • Pain when wearing shoes
  • Corns formed on the affected toe

Treatment

  • Non-surgical: splints, toe exercises, footwear changes

Surgical: tendon release or bone correction for rigid hammertoes

Surgical & Non-Surgical Treatments Offered by Dr KP Meda

As a specialist in managing foot problems and complex foot deformities, Dr KP Meda provides comprehensive, personalised care designed to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. His approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, long-term relief, and functional recovery.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Dr KP Meda prioritises conservative care whenever possible, offering:

  • Custom orthotic devices for arch and gait support
  • Physiotherapy and guided exercises
  • Shockwave therapy for heel pain
  • Medications for inflammation and infection
  • Footwear assessment and modification
  • Wound care for diabetic foot conditions

These treatments are ideal for managing the majority of common foot disorders effectively without the need for surgery.

Surgical Treatments

For conditions that do not respond to conservative therapies, Dr KP Meda offers advanced surgical interventions such as:

  • Bunion correction surgery
  • Hammertoe repair
  • Plantar fascia release
  • Tendon repair or reconstruction
  • Deformity correction for flat feet
  • Nail matrix surgery for severe ingrown toenails

Using modern, minimally invasive techniques, Dr KP Meda ensures faster recovery, reduced pain, and improved long-term outcomes.

Troubleshoot the Common Foot Problems at Expert’s Hand - Dr KP Meda

Understanding the common foot problems as well as their causes and treatment can help you recognize early symptoms and take timely action. Whether it’s heel pain, deformities, fungal infections, or mobility issues, addressing foot problems promptly can prevent complications and restore your daily comfort.

With a patient-centered approach and expertise in both non-surgical and surgical care, Dr KP Meda provides comprehensive treatment options tailored to your unique needs, helping you walk confidently toward better foot health.

Book a consultation today.

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