Between walking, running, jumping, and exercising, our feet take on a lot of stress. This can easily lead to a foot ailment if you don’t take good care of your feet. We want to raise awareness of some of the top problems you could face if you’re not careful. Keep reading to learn more!

• Bunions

A bunion is a bumpy growth on the side of your big toe. They usually develop because of uncomfortable footwear, like high heels or point shoes. These tight shoes put extra pressure on your toe joint, which leads to a bunion. You may notice your big toe turning slightly inward or have difficulty moving the toe. Wear comfortable shoes with a spacious toe box to prevent bunions.

• Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when your nail starts growing into the soft skin of your toe. It can create significant pain and discomfort if left untreated. Wearing poorly fitted shoes can aggravate your ingrown toenail, as it can put extra pressure on the affected toe. Trimming your toenails daily, cutting straight across, can help alleviate some of the pain and lessen your risk of an ingrown nail.

• Blisters

Most people will experience a blister at some point in their life. They’re common in runners or athletes, who typically have sweaty feet after a workout and might not be wearing proper footwear. Blisters aren’t normally something to worry about unless it becomes infected. To avoid a disaster, don’t treat or pop your blister at home. Instead, cover it with a band-aid and let it heal on its own.

• Athlete’s Foot

As the name suggests, this condition usually shows up in athletes, who are in gyms and use public showers. But it can happen to anyone! Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection, usually occurring between the toes. It is highly contagious, which means it’s best to treat your fungal infection quickly to avoid spreading it to others.

• Claw Toe

Claw toe or claw foot affects the joints in your toes. Usually, your first toe joint will point up while your second toe joint will point down. Some people are born with this condition, while others develop it over time because of diabetes or arthritis. When it comes to claw toe, it’s best to see a podiatrist for treatment. Splints, orthotics, and certain medications can significantly help claw toe.

Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, Dr. Anne-Louise Smith, Dr. Justin Muser, and the rest of the staff at Syracuse Podiatry in East Syracuse, New York, can help treat and care for your feet. Call us at 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online to get help today.