The Orthofeet Blog

Morton's neuroma is caused by the inflammation of a nerve in the foot. The nerve gets trapped beneath the bones in the ball of the foot, often between the third and fourth toes. Repeated injury is the main reason the nerve becomes enlarged. The entrapment typically occurs between the metatarsal heads, most often between the second and third or third and fourth toes. As a result, people may experience symptoms ranging from occasional pain to persistent discomfort. Luckily, there is a simple way to ease the pain and discomfort from Morton’s neuroma, and even prevent it: the right shoes. A 2020 research found that “Therapeutic footwear may improve patient gait and increase the level of ambulation; on the contrary, inadequate footwear can worsen the symptoms and be a contributing cause for the development of the pathology.” The report goes on to recommend shoes that: Distribute pressure evenly across the sole of the foot, Are well-sized, comfortable, Include a wide toe box and flat heel  Features a thick and non-flexible with a rocker bottom. Here are our top picks of the best shoes for Morton’s neuroma, all of which are designed with those features in mind. Best Sneakers for Morton's Neuroma  Women’s Kita | Men’s Yari [product-tile="/products/yari-hands-free-shoe-gray"] Why you’ll love it A fit that feels custom-made Innovative slip-on mechanism   Specs Sizes: women 5-12; men 7-14 Widths: women Standard (B) - Wide (D) | men Standard (D) - Extra Wide (4E) Upper materials: stretch knit   The Kita and Yari orthopedic sneakers are great choices for people with Morton's neuroma. Thanks to their innovative hands-free spring-back heel, the back of the shoe gently bends as you step in, then snaps back to hold your foot in place- no laces, no bending down. But that's not all.  These sneakers are all about comfort: The wide toe box and added depth relieve pressure on the forefoot Stretchable, water-repellent uppers mold to your feet for a custom fit  Multiple layers of cushioning and anatomical arch support absorb shock and reduce pain  Ergonomic soles with a mild rocker and minimal heel-to-toe drop ease strain and support smoother walking. These design details make every step easier and more supportive for sensitive feet. Best Sandals for Morton's Neuroma Women’s Venice | Men’s Gemini [product-tile="/products/venice-bone"] Why you’ll love it Two-way strap system + two additional adjustable straps Multiple foam layers in the insole Specs Sizes: women 5-12; men 7-14 Widths: women Standard (B) - Wide (D) | men Standard (D) - Extra Wide (4E) Upper materials: leather The women’s Venice and men’s Gemini orthopedic sandals have a two-way strap system designed for easy on-and-off wear. Opening the strap from the inner side creates a wide opening, making it easy to slip your feet in and out of these sandals. The outer strap allows for one-time fine-tuning of the fit when you first wear the sandals.  These sandals come with two more adjustable straps:  One at the back to securely hold your heel in place. One strap across the toe area for added forefoot support. These sandals come with premium orthotic insoles that conform to your foot’s shape. They distribute pressure evenly for custom support and feature arch support to promote better foot alignment. Multiple foam layers provide full-length cushioning and are paired with a mild rocker bottom (via heel-to-toe drop and toe spring). Best Casual Shoes for Morton's Neuroma Women’s Emily [product-tile="/products/emily-brown"] Why You’ll Love It Glove-like Fit Padded Interior, Cushioned Exterior Specs Sizes: 5-12 Widths: Medium, Wide, X-Wide Upper Material: Soft leather The Emily shoes are crafted with soft, premium leather that offers a stylish yet supportive fit, molding comfortably to the shape of your feet. The smooth leather ensures durability while reducing pressure points, making them a good choice for all-day wear. For women with Morton’s neuroma, these casual shoes provide relief with a wide and roomy toe box that allows toes to spread naturally. This design reduces pressure on the forefoot, alleviating discomfort and preventing the condition from worsening. The extra depth enhances the fit, offering additional space for sensitive feet or orthotics. Inside, the foam-padded interior provides exceptional comfort, cushioning every step to reduce strain on painful areas. The seam-free fabric lining further protects against irritation. The ergonomic sole features advanced cushioning and a mild rocker design that minimizes forefront impact. Men’s Tabor [product-tile="/products/tabor-blue"] Why you’ll love it Combination of style and comfort Breathable uppers adapt to any foot shape Specs Sizes: 7-14 Widths: Standard (D) - Extra Wide (4E) Upper materials:  stretch knit and soft leather    Tabor casual shoes are a great choice for Morton's neuroma because, unlike many other orthopedic options out there, they combine style with comfort. With the Tabor shoes’ contoured orthotic insole, ergonomic sole, and cushioned collar and tongue, your feet will feel like they're walking on a supportive cushion. The rocker bottom sole and minimal heel-to-toe drop evenly distribute pressure, easing stress on the forefoot. A standout feature is the stretch knit fabric, which promotes breathability and adapts to your foot for a secure, gentle fit. Ideal for feet with sensitivities or protrusions. The Tabor shoes also offer a wide toe box, letting your toes spread out freely without discomfort.  Best Dress Shoes for Morton's Neuroma Women’s Chelsea [product-tile="/products/chelsea-817-black"] Why you’ll love it Two adjustable straps Stylishly versatile   Specs Sizes: 5-12 Widths: Narrow (A) - Extra Wide (2E) Upper materials: leather   These dress shoes are a blend of comfort, style and functionality. The Chelsea shoes feature:  A premium orthotic support system,  A rocker bottom sole A minimal heel-to-toe drop,  Together, these features evenly distribute pressure and help relieve pain from Morton's neuroma. Comfort is key, and the Chelsea slip-ons excel.  Crafted with soft, supple leather, they offer a relaxed fit and full cushioning. The seamless padded lining ensures irritation-free wear all day. Convenience is a breeze with thanks to the slip-on design– no laces, no hassle. Plus, two adjustable straps, let you customize the fit while keeping your feet secure. As for style? The Chelsea shoes transition from casual to dressy. Pair them with jeans, dress pants, skirts, or trousers for all-day comfort and polish. Men’s Lincoln Center [product-tile="/products/lincoln-center-585-black"] Why you’ll love it Insole reduces pressure on forefoot Look great, feel even better   Specs Sizes: 7-14 Widths: Standard (D) - Extra Wide (4E) Upper materials: soft leather   These shoes are designed to make your feet feel fantastic while looking sharp and polished. The soft leather upper of these shoes offers a non-restrictive fit, which helps to reduce pressure on the forefoot. The anatomical insole helps align your foot and relieves pressure on the Morton's neuroma nerve.  The lightweight cushioning sole, featuring a mild rocker and minimal heel-to-toe drop, absorbs shock, relieves forefoot strain and propels your foot forward, helping to ease pain and prevent fatigue.  Customization is key: an adjustable strap across the top of the foot allows for a secure, personalized fit that avoids extra pressure on sensitive areas. The wide toe box that gives your toes room to move and spread naturally, no squeezing, no discomfort, just freedom and relief. Best Boots for Morton's Neuroma Women’s Dakota | Men’s Ridgewood [product-tile="/products/ridgewood-brown"] Why you’ll like it Rubber lug outsole for full stability Fully orthopedic, surprisingly lightweight   Specs Sizes: women 5-12; men 7-14 Widths: women Standard (B) - Extra Wide (2E); men Standard (D) - Extra Wide (4E) Upper materials: leather   These boots aren't just your ordinary footwear; they're equipped with advanced orthopedic features to provide support and relief for your feet. The Dakota and Ridgewood orthopedic boots have a deep heel cup that keeps your heel securely in place, preventing rolling inward. They also feature an extra-depth design that relieves the forefoot pressure and ensures a relaxed fit. These boots are built to withstand the elements. With a waterproof membrane, they keep water out while allowing moisture to escape. No more soggy and uncomfortable feet, even on the rainiest of days.  The rubber lug outsole provides exceptional traction and stability on various surfaces, so you can confidently navigate through any terrain.  Despite their advanced orthopedic features and rugged construction, the Dakota and Ridgewood boots are surprisingly lightweight. No more heavy, clunky boots that weigh you down.   Best Slippers for Morton's Neuroma Women’s Louise | Men’s Hudson [product-tile="/products/hudson-black"] Why you’ll like it So comfortable, you’ll forget to take them off Adjustable strap for extra stability   Specs Sizes: women 5-12; men 7-14 Widths: women Narrow (A) - Extra Wide (2E); men Standard (D) - Extra Wide (4E) Upper materials: stretch knit   Louise and Hudson slippers are the perfect way to relax and pamper your feet, offering easy on-off wear and all-day comfort. The stretch knit uppers promote constant ventilation, ensuring your feet stay cool at all times. While the slippers feature an open back, they come equipped with an adjustable strap. This nifty strap not only enhances the overall fit and grip, but also provides extra stability and support. The Louise and Hudson slippers prioritize a pressure-free environment with their extra depth design and wide and roomy toe box. Your forefoot won’t be crammed and your toes can wiggle without constraints. These slippers also have a cushioned insole that relieves foot pressure, and lightweight and comfortable design featuring a mild rocker bottom, to promote smooth, effortless walking.  Bonus: they're comfy enough for indoors and supportive to wear outside [product-group-tile]

All the shoes on our list have: a spacious and comfortable toe box (not including the open toe sandals, naturally) that provides extra space for swollen feet, ensuring that your toes are not cramped or restricted, reducing pressure and discomfort in the affected areas. added width and depth that provide a spacious fit for any foot size. a heel to toe cushioned outsole that provides excellent support and shock absorption, minimizing pressure on your feet and providing all day comfort. a contoured footbed with arch support that provides customized cushioning, as well as a cushioned heel for additional rear-foot support.  an orthotic-friendly design that allows you to easily insert custom orthotics if needed, and further customize the fit and support provided by the shoes. Best extra wide dress shoes for swollen feet   Women’s Emma Shop Emma These booties have a round and deep toe box that provides plenty of room for your toes to spread out. They also have a non-binding design that eliminates pressure points on your feet and accommodates swelling.  Additionally, they have a 2-inch heel that adds height without putting extra pressure on your forefoot, and are made of soft, flexible leather that is padded with foam for a comfortable fit. Plus, they have an adjustable strap that allows you to customize the fit.  Finally, the Emma booties have a medial side zipper that makes it easy to get in and out of them. Men’s Gramercy Shop Gramercy Finding dress shoes that fit well in wider widths without causing foot damage can be a challenge. Luckily, these oxford shoes boast a chic stitch detailing and a lace-up closure that exude both style and comfort and come in wide widths. The soft and non-binding leather upper material of these shoes offers a spacious fit that alleviates pressure on the feet, and the rubber outsole features an advanced grip, ensuring you remain stable on your feet. Best extra wide sandals for swollen feet  Women’s Sahara Shop Sahara With no less than three adjustable straps across the instep, the Sahara are one of the best orthopedic sandals for women on the market and are a great choice if you have wide feet. The soft microfiber uppers have foam padding that protects the feet and improves comfort, and the uppers are soft and can stretch to accommodate swollen feet. Available in gray, bone and red. Men’s Gemini Shop Gemini Similar to the women’s Sahara sandals, the Gemini also has three straps, although in this case they are placed in different locations, from heel to toe. The sandal features two straps that cross the instep and open on both sides, offering a customizable fit. Additionally, the ability to fasten the sandals on either side provides an alternative option for individuals who have difficulty bending down to reach the external part of the shoe. The straps are made with stretch material, allowing them to conform to the shape of your foot. The third strap is placed at the back of the sandal, allowing you to also adjust the fit in the heel area. And finally, there is a strap across the toes that opens up completely for anyone with swollen toes or bone deformities. Best extra wide slippers for swollen feet Women’s Louise | Men’s Hudson Shop Louise Shop Hudson Your swollen feet can expect to feel exceptionally comfortable in these clog slippers. With the adjustable closure across the instep you can easily customize the fit, as well as secure it for improved stability. The soft and flexible uppers hug your feet and conform to their shape and size, and their breathable quality allows airflow and keeps your feet dry and odor free. They also have an antimicrobial lining that promotes foot health and prevents infections.  Finally, the slippers’ durable soles and stylish design allow you to enjoy them even when you step out of the house. Best extra wide boots for swollen feet Women’s Dakota | Men’s Ridgewood Shop Dakota Shop Ridgewood If you’re looking for the best boots for men or women, the men’s Ridgewood and women’s Dakota could be the perfect fit, literally, as they are available in a wider than usual range of widths, which is exactly what you need if you have swollen feet. The high-quality leather uppers are water-sealed and keep your feet dry and allow moisture to escape. Additionally, with the rubber lug outsole, commonly found in sports and work shoes, you can enjoy superior traction and stability on any surface and terrain. Finally, although they have all the added orthopedic features and look just like regular boots, both boots actually feel surprisingly light on your feet. Wide Shoes For Swollen Feet Growing up and now as an adult, I always had trouble finding comfortable shoes.  When I was young, I had no idea shoes had different widths and no shoes ever felt good. Later on, I found shoes with wide width labels and that changed everything. My comfort level improved dramatically.  However, it wasn't until much later in the 1990's that I truly found extra comfortable shoes.  What made the difference? SHAPE, what I call the 3rd dimension in shoe fit.  This blog will explain this concept and why extra width and shape are critical to any large foot, and especially those with swelling or deformities. Edema causes swelling and can often swell the feet significantly. When feet swell, the entire foot can enlarge. I have seen cases in practice of toes that look like sausages from the swelling.  The main area of swelling is usually the top of the foot first, then the width is next, followed by the toes. Thus, fitting shoes becomes an issue. What used to fit before the edema no longer fits and can become impossible to wear.  The foot now requires a wider and deeper shoe with a rounder toe box. Dimensions of shoe sizing  Shoe sizing generally only includes 2 of the 4 dimensions. It includes length and width.  Some shoe companies still cling to 1 width (medium) fits all. Over the past few years, more companies have finally realized medium width doesn't fit most people, as our bodies have gotten bigger and so have our feet, including width.  I have seen this in my practice as most of my patients now require at least a wide shoe (some need extra wide or more). Very few companies go beyond wide to extra wide, or extra extra wide (6E). Despite this, most companies don't do well beyond these two dimensions. 3rd dimension: shape  A shoe is manufactured on a mold of a foot called the last. The last comes in all the sizes the shoe will be made in, including length and width numbers. The last is the shape of the shoe.  Unfortunately, most lasts just go with the same basic shape as they widen and lengthen the shoe. In many cases, as the foot widens at the arch and ball of the foot, where the width is measured, there is also an enlargement of the forefoot and toes that requires a larger toe box. Thus, in many cases, a wide shoe or even extra wide shoe may not fit well as the toe box is set to fit a narrower foot. In effect, the shoe needs a rounder wider toe box, which is the shape dimension. The same size 10 (Wide) men’s shoe found in many companies never fit comfortably for me. When I switched to a specialty footwear brand I suddenly felt like I had new feet. WHY? The shape.  The specialty shoes had a much rounder, boxier front or toe box. When I lined up several pairs of other brand shoes with the specialty shoes, I could clearly see the big difference in the shape.  Most other shoes had a narrower pointier toe box. They all felt too tight. My patients are often amazed to see the difference in toe box shape from many shoes to the specialty shoes I wear. They never thought about the shape when purchasing shoes. 4th dimension: depth  There is another aspect to shoe design and fit, and that is depth.  I have many patients with toe deformities who come in with pain from toes rubbing up against the top of the toe box of their shoes.  When I look at the height of the toe box of many shoes, it is quite low. My current pair measures 1 and 3/4 inches high at the toe box. That gives plenty of room for my toes to move and not rub. Many shoes I see in the office measure less than an inch high. There is barely room for the toes.  Extra depth shoes are important. The extra depth is the entire shoe. The heel is deeper, the center of the foot and arch is deeper and, of course, the toe box is wider and higher. This accommodates larger, thicker feet and edema. Also, it is perfect for orthotic insoles giving them room and better stability. Roomier shoes tend to be more comfortable. Problems with swollen feet Now that shoe sizing, shape and depth have been covered, we can discuss edema.  As the feet swell, the normal size a person wears will feel too tight. But aside from feeling too tight, other complications can arise. The skin will be irritated, potentially causing blisters that can become infected. Infections in feet with edema are dangerous and potentially limb threatening. Swollen feet don't heal well or quickly. Chronic ulcers or sores can develop. Deformities, such as bunions and bunionettes (little toe side bunions), rub in the shoe even more with swelling. Hammertoes or other toe deformities also swell and rub in the toe box of many shoes, causing blisters, ulcers or sores, painful corns and jamming of the toes, causing pain. Swollen feet tend to bulge out the sides of the normal shoe. The foot is wider so that the regular size can't contain the foot, and the foot pushes out over the sole becoming unstable. This can lead to falls and injuries. Another potential issue with swollen feet in poorly fitting shoes is nerve injury. The tight shoe compresses the very superficial nerves on the top of the foot, causing pain or even numbness. At the ball of the foot, between the metatarsals, the nerves going to the toes can be compressed, causing nerve pain, numbness and neuromas. These are thickened nerve coatings that compress the nerves, causing symptoms such as numb toes and pain. Shoes for swollen feet  What to look for in shoes for swollen feet? Length: Measure and fit shoes when feet are most swollen, which is later in day. Start with proper length, which is a thumb’s width longer than the longest toe on the largest foot when standing. If your feet are different, go with the larger foot. Also, make sure you are wearing the socks you usually wear, since thicker or thinner socks alter the space in the shoe and make the fit tighter or looser. Width and depth: When fitting the shoe, again to the larger foot, make sure the foot isn’t bulging at the ball of the foot. If the ball on either side bulges out over the outsole, it is too narrow. The shoe should be comfortable and not feel like it is jammed into the shoe squeezing it. Many people think the heel has to be tight and worry that if it slips up or down a bit when walking, it is too wide. Generally, shoes that fit the wide ball of the foot may be loose at the heel. That is not a major issue, as slightly loose heels are OK. The heel doesn't have to feel welded into the shoe.Fit the rest of the foot and don't worry as much about the heel.  Shape: As written above, the round shape of the toe box is superior for swollen feet and of course, for almost anyone looking for comfort.  Upper material: Another feature to be looking for in severe cases of swollen or very wide, thick feet is shoes with stretchable material. I have used such shoes in practice. In many cases, these were the only shoes that would fit the patient. The knit material stretches and conforms to the contours of your feet and doesn't rub. They are particularly useful with deformed toes and other bony protrusions on the feet.  Adjustability: Specialty shoes enable you to customize and adjust the fit to your particular foot shape. Straps or laces allow you to tighten or loosen the grip in several areas to create a pressure-free fit.  A forefoot strap can accommodate bunions, hammertoes and swollen feet. A heel strap accommodates a wider foot or heel, and laces or a strap across the instep can accommodate swollen, thick, or high instep feet.  Remember, as you age your foot changes. Even without edema, most feet stretch out over the years, becoming longer and wider.  Then, of course, there are the deformities that can occur with age and diseases that change the shape of the feet.  What fit once when younger, no longer fits. I have seen patients gain 1 to 2 whole sizes over the years in length and width.  Every year you should check the size and fit of your shoes. If you have swelling, then that should be accommodated immediately. Most people require at least wide shoes as they age and many need extra wide if there are issues.  Don't just go by number, test the shoes for fit and comfort. Shoes should be comfortable. Your feet and health depend on it.  

Foot problems are a natural part of the aging process. They arise from the normal daily wear and tear of joints as well as thinning skin that becomes more fragile due to dryness and a loss of elasticity. We typically begin to see foot problems in our 40s and 50s, with some of the problems getting more severe or numerous as we age. Below is a list of the most common foot issues affected by age, as well as a look at some treatment options to reduce foot pain for each condition. 1. Arthritis Arthritis is often a reality of aging. Osteoarthritis is what we think of as wear-and- tear arthritis: that inevitable consequence of years of stress on the joints. The ankle joint, subtalar joint, and the big toe joint (first MTPJ) are three joints that frequently develop arthritis, which can significantly impact mobility in older people. Symptoms associated with hammer toes and bunions may worsen over time due to the progression of arthritis within those toe joints. Another joint problem that can develop in older adults is gouty arthritis. Gout is a metabolic disease that often manifests as intense arthritis symptoms at the big toe joint. As these conditions advance, they can contribute to pain and swelling, further affecting overall foot health. The effects of arthritis tend to increase with age, making it even more important for seniors to prioritize proper foot care and supportive arthritis footwear. 2. Circulatory Changes and Foot and Ankle Swelling One of the most common foot and ankle problems associated with aging is swelling. The cause of the swelling can be elusive, especially if it's not associated with an injury. Leg vein problems are a common cause of swelling and usually occur in a single limb at a time. Cardiovascular disease, certain medications, and hormonal changes are possible causes of swelling that occur in both limbs. One solution to swelling can be wearing footwear that provides extra depth and a wide toe box, such as our women’s shoes for swollen feet and our swollen shoes for men. 3. Bunions Bunions are a result of years of added pressure on the balls of the feet that force the toes out of alignment and eventually cause the big toe joint to stick out. This creates not only an unattractive bump, but a painful one as well. Women who wear pointy-toed shoes frequently and for a long period of time commonly suffer from this condition. Treatment options  to prevent bunions from getting worse vary depending upon the severity of the bunion and the amount of pain it causes, but include switching to roomy shoes with a wide toe box. Wide-toe box shoes help alleviate pressure on bunions. Other ways to help improve this foot condition include:    Using OTC non-medicated bunion pads Taking pain medication Applying ice to the bunions after a long day of standing  Wearing supportive orthopedic insoles or buying specifically designed shoes for bunions 4. Hammertoes Hammertoes are a deformity of the toe in which the muscle or ligament surrounding the toe joint is imbalanced. This causes the middle joint of the toe to bend and get stuck in a claw-like position. The bad news is that without proper treatment, hammertoe will get progressively worse and might require surgery to fix it. The good news is that discomfort can be treated with simple exercises such as picking up marbles with the afflicted toe, stretching the toe manually several times a day, and wearing hammer-toe shoes. This footwear is designed with a unique combination of comfort, support, and functionality to address the challenges of bent toe joints for pain relief. If the pain gets very sever, your podiatrist can use a cortisone injection for pain relief. Surgery is the last option and is only considered when the hammertoe cannot be corrected non-surgically. 5. Morton’s Neuroma Morton’s neuroma is caused by a thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes. Neuromas most often appear between the 3rd and 4th toes and can be extremely painful. The severity of the symptoms determine the treatment needed.  A possible treatment option is shoes for Morton’s neuroma, which are designed to alleviate pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot, providing support and advanced cushioning to help reduce pressure on the nerve. 6. Heel Pain Heel pain is another common foot problem that generally begins in the 40s and 50s. One of the most common causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, results from inflammation of the thick strand of tissue running along the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. If left untreated, the pain can worsen over time, increasing the risk of altered gait and discomfort in other parts of the body. It may also correspond with an increase in physical activity or a change in footwear.  Initially, the pain starts off in the morning but then passes fairly easily. However, as the condition worsens, every step can become painful, potentially leading to balance issues that could contribute to falls in older adults. The quality of life can be significantly affected if proper treatment is not implemented. Treatment options include:   Taking anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling Applying ice and performing heel stretches to alleviate discomfort Undergoing physical therapy to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon Receiving steroid injections for severe inflammation and pain relief Wearing men's heel pain shoes and women's heel pain shoes or even orthopedic shoes for stability, for that provide better support and pressure distribution 7. Calluses Calluses, which are not to be confused with corns, are a result of too much pressure or friction on the bottom of the foot. Ill-fitting shoes are a common culprit for this foot problem. Frequently wearing shoes or sandals without socks can also cause calluses. If left untreated, calluses can lead to cracked skin, increasing discomfort and the potential for infection. Generally, calluses are treated by gently scraping and/or trimming the build-up of hard tissue. Wearing properly fitted, supportive shoes with good shock absorbing soles can also help alleviate pressure on the calluses and prevent future build-up. For optimal care, consider investing in the best shoes for calluses and corns.     8. Corns  Unlike calluses, corns usually form on the top of the feet or toes over a bone or joint. Corns are typically dense and have even greater thickness at their center. They can cause discomfort and make walking or running with shoes uncomfortable. There are several different types of corns, but most can be treated in the same way.  Treatment options include: Wearing wide-toe box shoes to reduce pressure on toe joints Using moleskin pads to cushion the sore and minimize friction on the skin Wearing orthotics that, when paired with supportive orthopedic shoes, help redistribute weight and relieve pressure Having a professional trim thickened areas of the corn (this should not be done at home) Considering surgery as a last resort if other treatments fail 9. Degenerative Diseases   Certain degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis, can start to manifest in your 40s. Symptoms include pain, stiffness and tenderness in the joints accompanied by loss of flexibility and possibly a grinding sensation during movement. Osteoarthritis requires special treatment, so a doctor should be contacted for care as soon as possible.  10. Achilles Tendinitis   Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury and most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly started running longer distances and/or more frequently. “Weekend Warriors” (middle-aged people who run, play tennis or basketball only on the weekends) also frequently get this foot problem. The pain is due to an injury of the Achilles tendon – the band of tissue connecting the calf muscles of the lower, back leg to the heel bone. In addition, this condition can cause muscular imbalance issues. The good news is that it’s fairly easy to treat. Anyone suffering from Achilles tendinitis should begin by reducing the activity levels and stretching and strengthening the calf muscles. Additional treatments include: Wearing specially designed Achilles tendinitis shoes Icing the area after exercising or when experiencing pain  Elevating the foot to reduce swelling  Taking anti-inflammatory medication Choosing shoes with arch support and a soft padded collar to relieve pressure on the back of the heel 11. Diabetes   With diabetes, risk increases with age and patients who have diabetes often experience neuropathy, or decreased sensitivity to pain. Consequently, injuries can go undetected and result in infection and a diabetic ulcer. In addition, poor blood flow and oxygenation to the legs can affect the healing process. It is critical that diabetics receive proper care for all aspects of their illness including diabetic neuropathy. The doctor may suggest shoes designed specifically for the diabetic foot. 12. Nail Fungus   Fungal infections occur as a result of too much fungi under, in, or on the toenails. Moist, warm environments are where fungi thrive. Fungal infections are most effectively treated with oral medication prescribed by a doctor. Topical creams are not usually recommended simply because they are rarely effective. For diabetics who have a nail fungus, it’s especially important to see a doctor, as a nail fungus can cause serious complications later on if not treated. 13. Clogged Sweat Glands or Parakeratosis   While perspiration is an important skin function that helps regulate body temperature, sweat glands that become clogged can cause health problems. Parakeratosis is a general term applied to different skin conditions that block sweat glands. The bumps parakeratosis cause can sometimes be confused with corns, but they are two entirely different problems. The bumps created by this skin condition can make walking and even wearing shoes very painful. In addition, the lesions can later become cancerous if not treated. To treat parakeratosis, certain medications might be prescribed and the lesions excised. Managing the problem includes limiting sun exposure, washing your feet thoroughly and regularly and wearing soft, breathable shoes.