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Foot Injuries and Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Injuries Wounds

Foot Injuries and Disorders

With 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 soft tissue structures, the feet are susceptible to various common disorders often exacerbated by lifestyle factors.

Overview

Each of your feet has 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. No wonder a lot of things can go wrong.

Common Foot Problems

  • Bunions: Hard, painful bumps on the big toe joint
  • Corns and calluses: Thickened skin from friction or pressure
  • Plantar warts: Warts on the soles of your feet
  • Fallen arches: Also called flat feet

Causes and Risk Factors

Ill-fitting shoes often cause these problems. Aging and being overweight also increase your chances of having foot problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Over-the-counter salicylic acid treatments are common for plantar warts, requiring consistent application and gentle filing of dead skin. However, if the wart is painful, spreading, changing in appearance, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation, you should see a doctor immediately. Self-treatment in these cases can lead to serious skin damage or infection.
If changing to properly fitted, supportive shoes and taking breaks from standing or walking significantly reduces the pain, the issue is likely related to footwear or mechanical stress. However, if the pain persists despite proper footwear, or if you notice visible deformities like bunions, high arches, or flat feet, it may indicate a structural problem such as plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or arthritis that requires professional evaluation.
While flat feet cannot be structurally reversed in adulthood, symptoms can be managed with custom orthotics, supportive shoes, and strengthening exercises for the arch and calf muscles. Ignoring flat feet can lead to chronic pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and hips due to altered biomechanics, and may increase the risk of developing conditions like plantar fasciitis or shin splints.
Early signs include localized, pinpoint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest, often accompanied by swelling over a specific bone. Unlike general fatigue, the pain is usually consistent in the same spot and may become tender to touch. If the pain persists for more than a few days despite rest, it is important to see a provider, as continuing to walk on a stress fracture can lead to a complete break.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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