Highlights:

Overview

• About 75% of people in the United States have foot pain at some time in their lives.
• Most foot pain is caused by shoes that do not fit properly or that force the feet into unnatural shapes (such as pointed-toe, high-heeled shoes).
• Foot pain generally starts in one of three places: the toes, the forefoot, or the hindfoot.
• Nearly all causes of foot pain can be grouped under one of the following:
  • Ill-fitting shoes
  • Certain medical conditions
  • High-impact exercise

Treatment

• The acronym RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation -- the four basic elements of immediate treatment for an injured foot.
• Orthonyxia, a newer surgical technique that implants a small metal brace into the top of the nail, may be as effective as traditional surgical techniques for preventing ingrown toenails from recurring.
• The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) suggests shoe inserts, medications, and stretching as a first line of therapy for heel pain.

Prevention

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers the following tips for preventing foot pain:

• Don't ignore foot pain -- it's not normal.
• Inspect feet regularly.
• Wash feet regularly, especially between the toes, and dry them completely.
• Trim toenails straight across, but not too short.
• Make sure shoes fit properly.
• Wear the right shoe for specific activities (such as running shoes for running).
• Don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.
• Avoid walking barefoot, which increases the risk for injury and infection.
• It is critical that people with diabetes see a podiatric physician at least once a year for a checkup.