Feet Conditions & Diseases
Medical conditions affecting the feet area or system
Plantar Fasciitis
ModerateInflammation of the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that runs across the bottom of the foot, causing heel pain.
- Sharp heel pain with first steps in the morning
- Pain after prolonged standing or walking
- Tenderness at the bottom of the foot near the heel
Achilles Tendinitis
ModerateOveruse injury of the Achilles tendon that connects calf muscles to the heel bone.
- Stiffness and soreness in the back of the ankle
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Swelling or thickening of the tendon
Bunion (Hallux Valgus)
MildA bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, often causing misalignment of the toe.
- Visible bump on the inner side of the foot
- Pain or soreness when wearing shoes
- Swelling and redness around the joint
Hammertoe
MildA deformity causing one or more toes to bend downward at the middle joint, resembling a hammer.
- Toe appears bent or curled
- Pain when shoes rub against the toe
- Corn or callus formation on the top of the toe
Ingrown Toenail (Onychocryptosis)
MildThe side of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to inflammation and infection.
- Redness and swelling around the nail edge
- Pain or throbbing sensation
- Pus or drainage in severe cases
Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)
MildA common fungal infection that affects the skin between the toes and the soles of the feet.
- Itching and burning between the toes
- Red, scaly patches on the foot
- Cracking or peeling skin
Plantar Wart
MildA viral skin growth caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) that appears on the sole of the foot.
- Small, rough bump on the sole
- Pain when standing or walking
- Black dots (tiny blood vessels) within the wart
Corns and Calluses
MildThickened areas of skin that develop from repeated pressure or friction on the foot.
- Hard, raised skin patches
- Tenderness or pain when pressed
- Location often on toes or ball of the foot
Morton's Neuroma
ModerateThickening of tissue around a nerve between the third and fourth toes, causing forefoot pain.
- Sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot
- Feeling of a pebble or lump under the foot
- Numbness or tingling in the toes
Diabetic Foot Ulcer
SevereOpen sore or wound on the foot of a person with diabetes, often due to neuropathy and poor circulation.
- Open, non‑healing wound on the foot or toe
- Redness or swelling around the ulcer
- Possible foul odor or drainage
Peripheral Neuropathy (Foot)
VariableDamage to peripheral nerves causing loss of sensation, tingling, or pain in the feet.
- Numbness or reduced feeling
- Burning or tingling sensations
- Loss of balance or coordination
Gout (Podagra)
ModerateA form of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystal deposition, often affecting the big toe.
- Sudden, intense pain in the big toe joint
- Redness and swelling
- Warmth over the affected joint
Heel Spur
MildA bony outgrowth on the underside of the heel bone, frequently associated with plantar fasciitis.
- Sharp heel pain during weight‑bearing
- Pain that eases with rest
- Tenderness at the back of the foot
Metatarsal Stress Fracture
ModerateA tiny crack in one of the metatarsal bones caused by repetitive stress or overuse.
- Localized foot pain that worsens with activity
- Swelling over the metatarsal area
- Tenderness when pressing on the bone
Charcot Foot
SevereA serious condition where weakened bones in the foot fracture and dislocate, often seen in diabetics with neuropathy.
- Swollen, warm foot
- Deformity or abnormal shape
- Reduced pain despite severe injury
Flatfoot (Pes Planus)
MildA condition where the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to touch the ground.
- Pain in the arch or heel
- Foot fatigue after standing
- Visible flattening of the arch
High Arch (Pes Cavus)
MildAn abnormally high foot arch that can lead to instability and pressure points.
- Foot pain on the ball or heel
- Instability on uneven surfaces
- Callus formation under the forefoot
Clubfoot (Talipes Equinovarus)
SevereA congenital deformity where the foot points downward and inward, often corrected early in life.
- Foot turned inward and downward
- Limited ankle movement
- Visible calf muscle shortening
Claw Toe
MildA deformity causing the toe to bend upward at the base and downward at the middle and tip.
- Toe appears curled or claw‑like
- Pain when shoes rub the toe
- Callus formation on the toe tip
Fungal Nail Infection (Onychomycosis)
MildA fungal infection that affects the toenails, causing discoloration and thickening.
- Yellow or brown nail discoloration
- Thickened, brittle nail
- Crumbly nail edges
Foot Blister
MildA fluid‑filled pocket on the skin caused by friction or heat, commonly on the heel or ball of the foot.
- Raised, fluid‑filled bubble
- Tenderness or burning sensation
- Possible rupture and skin irritation
Cellulitis of the Foot
ModerateA bacterial skin infection that can spread rapidly, leading to redness, swelling, and pain.
- Red, warm, swollen skin
- Painful or tender area
- Fever or chills in severe cases
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) – Foot Ischemia
SevereReduced blood flow to the foot due to narrowed arteries, causing pain and delayed wound healing.
- Cramping pain during walking (claudication)
- Cold or pale foot
- Slow healing of cuts or sores
Sesamoiditis
ModerateInflammation of the sesamoid bones beneath the big toe joint, often from repetitive pressure.
- Pain under the ball of the foot
- Swelling near the big toe joint
- Pain worsens with push‑off during walking
Metatarsalgia
MildGeneralized pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, often due to overuse or improper footwear.
- Sharp or burning pain in the forefoot
- Pain when standing or walking
- Numbness or tingling in the toes
Toe Sprain
MildStretching or tearing of ligaments around a toe, usually from impact or twisting.
- Pain and tenderness at the toe joint
- Swelling or bruising
- Difficulty bending the toe
Ankle Sprain
ModerateInjury to the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint, often affecting foot stability.
- Pain on the outer or inner ankle
- Swelling and bruising
- Limited range of motion
Foot Drop
SevereWeakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the front part of the foot, causing a slapping gait.
- Difficulty lifting the foot
- Slapping sound when walking
- Numbness or tingling in the foot
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
ModerateCompression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle.
- Burning or tingling in the sole
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Numbness in the toes
Hard Corn
MildA thickened, cone‑shaped area of skin that forms on pressure points, usually on the tops of toes.
- Small, hard bump on the toe
- Pain when pressure is applied
- Redness surrounding the corn
When to Seek Medical Help
For feet conditions, consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening symptoms
- Sudden onset of severe symptoms
- Symptoms that interfere with daily activities
- Signs of infection (fever, swelling, redness)
- Unexplained changes or new symptoms
Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.