Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that begins usually between the toes and causes itching, burning and stinging in the infected area. Athlete’s foot is a contagious infection and can be spread through floors, clothing or towels that are contaminated. This infection is an uncomfortable and disruptive foot condition that can easily spread if not treated.

Your diet affects more than your weight or your general health. The nutrients you ingest every day, as well as the ones you don’t, can greatly influence foot health. Certain foods may lead to foot tissue inflammation, leading to issues such as plantar fasciitis (also called heel pain syndrome) and foot arthritis.

The shoes you wear have a major effect on foot pain and the developing foot related problems. With the increasing trend toward online shopping, it’s not uncommon for people to buy shoes that don’t fit properly, because there is no opportunity to try them on prior to purchase. If you are plagued by aching feet, calluses or bunions, online shopping may not be the best way to buy footwear.

If your second toe is bent downward in a claw-like position, you may have a condition called hammer toe. Although hammer toe can affect any of your toes, it’s most commonly seen in the second toe.

Bunions occur when a person’s big toe pushes up against the other toes, causing the joint to enlarge over time. This enlargement creates a bony bump that can be an irritant at best and debilitating at worst.

Foot pain is discomfort felt anywhere on the foot, including the arch, heel, toes and sole. It can even spread to the ankles. Foot pain can be caused by a number of conditions, such as calluses, corns, fallen arches, bunions and hammer toes. Poorly fitted shoes can also cause you to have a sore foot. People who are overweight often complain of foot pain, due to the excess weight placed on the foot.

Swelling in your feet, ankles or legs is not uncommon, particularly if you are overweight or you are getting older. The medical term for this condition is peripheral edema and it may occur for a number of different reasons, including:

Your feet are a marvel of nerves, bones and tissues that bear your weight every day, often carrying you over the course of tens of thousands of miles in your lifetime. Because of the literal burden they have to carry, human feet are protected by fat pads, technically known as plantar fat pads.