Oh, My Aching Feet! Caring for Common Foot Problems

There are lots of different foot problems, some serious and some easy to treat at home. The main thing is to take care of them before they get worse.

These are some of the most common foot issues and what to do about them.

Arthritis

What is it: Arthritis is inflammation in your joints. Arthritis in the feet often feels like a dull ache in the middle of the foot or ankle. It’s different from the sudden pain of an injury.

How to treat it: Most cases can be managed with lifestyle changes, OTC medicine and possibly a brace. But sometimes physical therapy or surgery is needed. 

See your doctor if you are experiencing foot pain or swelling with no obvious cause. An X-ray can confirm arthritis.

Bunion

What is it: A bunion is a painful, bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. They are often caused by tight shoes and are aggravated by high heels. They tend to be hereditary.

How to treat it: Soak your feet in warm water, wear extra-wide shoes and avoid high heels. Sometimes surgery is needed.

If the pain persists and doesn’t improve with home treatment, see your doctor to talk about treatment options.

Corn or Callus

What is it: Corns and calluses are compacted layers of skin that form to protect an area on your feet from repeated rubbing and friction. Corns usually form on the toes, and calluses form on the soles of the feet.

How to treat it: You can relieve the burning pain of corns and calluses with moleskin or other padding to the affected area. Don’t cut corns or calluses with any instrument.

See your doctor if symptoms continue. 

Hammertoe

What is it: Hammertoes happen when something puts pressure on your toes. With time, muscles and tendons in your toes tighten, freezing them in a curled, claw-like position.

How to treat it: Wearing roomy socks and shoes that don’t cramp the toes can help lessen the pain. So can stretching the affected toes to improve flexibility and strengthen muscles. One trick is to try picking up a marble with your toes. Other options include shoe inserts to redistribute weight, OTC meds for pain, or medical tape or splints to stabilize the toes.

If you have pain, stiffness or trouble walking, see a podiatrist for non-surgical treatment options. Only severe cases require surgery.

Heel Spurs

What is it: Heel spurs are extra growths of bone on the heel that form when the plantar tendon pulls at its attachment to the heel bone (see plantar fasciitis below). The area calcifies over time, forming a spur.

How to treat it: Stretching and warming up your feet can reduce strain to the ligament as can wearing supportive athletic shoes. Heel cups or wedges can help relieve pain. 

If you have severe pain or swelling near the heel, pain with fever, numbness or tingling or aren’t able to rise up on your toes or walk as usual, see your doctor.

Ingrown Toenail

What is it: An ingrown toenail happens when the corner of the nail grows into the skin of the toe. It can be painful to the touch and lead to infection if not treated. Causes include heredity, tight shoes, trimming your toenails too short, curved nails or an injury to the toe. 

How to treat it: Many ingrown toenails can be treated at home. Soak your feet in warm water for 15 minutes three times a day. After soaking, put fresh bits of cotton or waxed dental floss under the ingrown edge. This helps the nail grow above that area. You also can put antibiotic ointment and a bandage on the sore spot. Wear shoes that won’t squeeze your toe. Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers as needed.

If your toe is very painful or the redness is spreading, see your doctor. There could be an infection that needs to be treated.

Plantar Fasciitis

What is it: Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of a thick band of tissue from the heel bone to the arch of the foot. It’s common in people who run, dance or even walk a lot on hard surfaces. The pain begins in the heel and often is worse first thing in the morning.

How to treat it: Rest, use a shoe insert that cushions the heel, and don’t try to “play through the pain.” Skip long walks on hard surfaces and impact activities such as jumping or running until the pain is gone. Ice the area and take ibuprofen or other OTC pain relievers as directed. When you can exercise comfortably again, wear shoes that are supportive. Take frequent stretch breaks.

If the pain does not get better with OTC pain medicine or if you still can’t get around like normal within a week, see your doctor.

Don’t Delay Getting Help for Foot Issues

Your feet play a big role in your health. Any small problem with your feet can put your body out of alignment and cause other injuries.

Long lasting foot pain could be causing problems in your ankles, back, knees and hips because they all work together, says the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. 

If foot problems are interfering with your daily life, don’t wait to get help. Taking care of problems quickly can do more than get you back on your feet. It could save you from developing other painful health issues.

Sources: Foot pain: When to see the doctor,  Mayo Clinic, 2025; Plantar fasciitis,  Mayo Clinic, 2023; Ingrown toenails,  Mayo Clinic, 2022; Bunions,  Mayo Clinic, 2021; Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle,  American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2024; That Pain in Your Back Could be Linked to Your Feet,  American College or Foot and Ankle Surgeons; Are Feet at Fault for Back, Hip, and Knee Woes?,  University of Rochester Medical Center; Hammertoes,  Cleveland Clinic, 2024; Common Foot Problems, Pain & Causes,  Penn Medicine

 Originally published 7/27/2015; Revised 2021, 2024, 2025