Do your feet hurt? Foot problems can interfere with both work and leisure time activities. You won’t want to walk the dog or go dancing, not to mention stand at a cash register or move about a clinic with foot pain. What can you do about it?

A pedicure is supposed to be a relaxing treat, with the reward of beautifully polished toenails. But if tools are not properly disinfected between customers, the pedicure could become a nightmare. If the previous person had nail fungus or a staph infection, you could catch it. Doctors have reported that some such infections are serious, possibly even lethal.

Blisters and bunions are extremely common. So are corns and calluses. What do these names mean, and how can you minimize the trouble? Problems with toes, like hammertoes or mallet toes, will also need attention. Plantar fasciitis is a very common cause of foot pain. What is the best treatment? And how do you prevent or treat ingrown toenails effectively?

Experts in the UK are urging people to get an annual foot examination. This is especially important for people with diabetes. Even if you don’t have foot problems, though, the annual check-up could help identify other problems such as atrial fibrillation. This irregular heart rhythm can be detected when podiatrists check the pulse in the feet.

Pain in the big toe may be the first sign of gout. How do podiatrists manage this joint inflammation?

Our lines are open for your questions and comments this week. Call 888-472-3366 between 7 and 8 am EDT on Saturday, October 5, 2019. You can also reach us by email: [email protected].

Dr. Jane Andersen, Board Certified, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, is in practice at InStride Chapel Hill Foot and Ankle in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Andersen specializes in foot and ankle care for children, adults, athletes and geriatric patients, including surgery and conservative care.

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