Foot and Toe Problems and Diseases

Feet are the site of many maladies, from athlete's foot, a fungal infection, to osteoarthritis, where wear and tear on the many joints in the feet causes constant pain even at rest.

The foot is a complex structure of 26 bones and 33 joints, layered with an intertwining web of 126 muscles, ligaments, and nerves.

Toe problems most often occur because of the pressure imposed by ill-fitting shoes. The height of arches and the shape of the toes vary from person to person. It is the deviation from normal arches and toe position that lead to foot problems.

During a typical day, the average person spends about four hours on their feet and takes between 8,000 and 10,000 steps. This means that the feet support a combined force equivalent to several hundred tons every day.

As more and more people become overweight, feet are subjected to increasing pressure and damage. Learn about these toe problems and what treatments are available.

• Bunion
• Ingrown toenail
• Gout

• Acetohexamide
• Renal hypertension
• Interstitial nephritis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Measles symptom
• Endometriosis
• Ruptured ovarian cyst
• Mitral valve prolapse
• Chest wounds
• Venous thrombosis

Health Tip

Brushing your teeth immediately after dinner can help resist the evening-snack urge. The minty toothpaste flavour signals that eating is over for the day.