What causes most foot problems? It is a combination of factors that wear out or overuse the feet. Contributing factors include:
* ill fitting shoes,
* overweight,
* too much standing or walking (especially on hard surfaces) ,
* not preparing for exercise by stretching and gradually building up activity over time, or
* something wrong with the way the bones line up in the ankle.

Some of the more common problems of the feet are:
* corns and calluses, thickened layers of skin at the tips or between the toes,
* bunions, a bony bump at the base of the big toe causing it to turn inward,
* hammer or claw toe that give the toe a claw bent look,
* ingrown toenails, where the cut end of the nail grows into the flesh of the toe, and
* neuromas, a pinched or swollen nerve between the toes at the base of the toe.

All these problems may be caused in part by poorly fitting shoes.Wearing good shoes is essential. A shoe should:
* be roomy with a wide toe box,
* have low heels,
* have a thick sole, and
* support the arch.

Most foot problems can be prevented. Sometimes custom inserts need to be made for your shoes to give you better support or correct bone problems. Some medical conditions lead to foot problems. If you have diabetes, other vascular problems or rheumatoid arthritis see your healthcare provider for special attention to your feet.

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