Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain: sharp pain under the heel, often worst with the first steps in the morning. Most people get better without surgery using stretching, supportive shoes or inserts, and time. It can take several months.
Bunions and big toe pain
A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe as the toe drifts toward the others. Wider shoes and padding often ease the pain. Surgery is for bunions that stay painful despite shoe changes; it isn't done just for looks.
Ankle sprains and weak ankles
Most ankle sprains heal with a short rest, compression and then balance and strengthening exercises, which also help prevent the next sprain. See a doctor if you can't walk four steps, or if there's pain right on the ankle bones.
Achilles tendon problems
Achilles tendinopathy causes pain and stiffness in the tendon above the heel, especially in runners. Slow, gradually harder calf exercises are the main treatment. A sudden snap or feeling of being kicked in the back of the leg can mean a rupture and needs prompt care.
Flat feet and arch pain
Many people with flat feet have no problems at all. When flat feet or high arches do cause pain, supportive shoes, inserts and foot and ankle strengthening often help.
Toenail problems
Ingrown toenails and nail fungus are among the most common foot problems. People with diabetes or poor circulation should have a foot doctor treat nail problems rather than cutting at home.
Numbness, neuropathy and diabetic feet
Neuropathy is nerve damage that causes numbness, tingling or burning, often from diabetes. Because you may not feel an injury, check your feet every day and see a doctor quickly about any sore, blister or color change.
Choosing shoes
The right shoe depends on your foot and activity. Foot doctors often review shoes in their videos; these are their personal opinions, and we don't endorse any brand.
When to get help quickly
Get help the same day for a foot that is red, hot and swollen, especially with diabetes; a wound that isn't healing; sudden severe pain after an injury; or a foot that turns pale, blue or cold.
Foot and ankle doctors (podiatrists)
Listed A to Z because they publish educational videos, not because we rank or recommend them.
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Sources
The main guidelines and studies behind this page. How we write our pages.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Heel Pain
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Sprains, Strains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Orthotics
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Care of the Diabetic Foot
Written by DoctorsVideos.video as a general guide, not by the doctors in the videos. For education only; it isn't medical advice. Last reviewed October 2026.