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Foot Pain & Problems

Sore feet are very common, and many everyday problems — bunions, hammertoes, corns, ingrown toenails and ball-of-foot pain — start with shoes that don’t fit. Most improve with simple care. A wound that won’t heal, signs of infection, a cold or pale foot, or a hot, swollen foot with diabetes needs care right away.

Get urgent or emergency care right away if:

Don’t wait for a chiropractic, acupuncture, massage or coaching appointment for any of these.

What causes foot pain?

Pain can be felt anywhere in the foot — the toes, the top of the foot, or the arch, ball or sole. The NHS lists common causes such as exercise (especially running, kicking or jumping), shoes that are too tight, a foot shape that puts extra pressure on part of the foot, and conditions such as arthritis or gout (NHS, NHS, NHS). In fact, AAOS says most foot problems can be blamed not on walking but on shoes (AAOS OrthoInfo).

How common is it? A review of population studies of adults aged 45 and over estimated that about 24% have frequent foot pain; it was more common in women, and the toes and forefoot were the most common sites (Thomas et al., 2011). A comparison of five large population studies found foot pain in 13% to 36% of people, depending on how the question was asked, and more often in women, older people and people with obesity (Gates et al., 2019).

Who treats feet?

Common foot problems at a glance

  • Bunions. A painful bony bump at the big toe joint, as the big toe drifts toward the smaller toes. Bunions develop slowly, often worsen, and are more common in women; narrow, pointed shoes and an inherited foot shape are major causes (AAOS OrthoInfo).
  • Hammertoes. A smaller toe bends at the middle joint, like a hammer. At first it is flexible, but untreated it can become fixed; tight or high-heeled shoes are a common cause, and corns often form on top (AAOS OrthoInfo).
  • Flat feet are common and usually cause no problems (NHS), and most children outgrow them (AAOS OrthoInfo). In adults, an arch that collapses over time — often from a failing tendon on the inside of the ankle — can progress and become painful (AAOS OrthoInfo).
  • High arches (cavus foot) put extra weight on the ball and heel of the foot and can cause pain and instability. A very high arch is often caused by a nerve (neurologic) disorder or other medical condition, so an accurate diagnosis matters (ACFAS FootHealthFacts).
  • Ball-of-foot pain (metatarsalgia) is often caused by exercise such as running, shoes that are too tight, or a condition such as arthritis; some people have a foot shape that puts extra pressure on the ball of the foot (NHS).
  • Stress fractures are small overuse cracks, most often in the metatarsals (the long bones behind the toes). Pain builds gradually, worsens with activity and eases with rest (AAOS OrthoInfo). X-rays often don’t show the crack at first; it may not be visible until several weeks later (AAOS OrthoInfo).
  • Corns, calluses and ingrown toenails are covered under Toenail and skin problems below; fungal infections of the skin and nails are in our athlete’s foot guide.

Diabetes, nerve damage and gout — in brief

Related guides: ankle sprains and ankle pain, bone spurs and circulation problems. Separate guides to plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and Morton’s neuroma are on the way.

See a provider soon (not an emergency) if foot pain hasn’t improved after 2 weeks of home care (NHS, NHS), if a bunion or hammertoe keeps hurting (APMA, APMA), if you might have a stress fracture — ignoring it can let the bone break completely (AAOS OrthoInfo) — or if your or your child’s flat feet are painful, stiff, weak or numb, or cause problems with walking or balance (NHS).

Side by side

Six approaches compared

For every condition we look at the same six approaches: what each involves, what it typically costs, and what a patient can realistically expect.

ApproachWhat it involves Estimated costWhat to expect
Conventional medicine (AMA) Better-fitting shoes, pads, spacers and shoe inserts, ice and pain relievers, stretching and physical therapy; in-office care for corns and ingrown nails; surgery for bunions or hammertoes only when other care fails; regular foot exams with diabetes. Medicare Part B covers medically necessary PT and, for severe diabetes-related foot disease, therapeutic shoes or inserts (20% after the deductible). Self-pay PT and other costs: cost estimate being researched. Most common foot problems improve without surgery, though deformities such as bunions don’t reverse. Custom orthotics have some evidence for painful high arches and bunions.
Chiropractic Some chiropractors mobilize or manipulate the small joints of the foot and ankle, usually with exercises — never on a possible fracture, an infected foot or a Charcot foot. Without insurance, a first appointment commonly about $90–$200 and a follow-up visit about $55–$100. Reviews by chiropractic researchers found limited evidence for ball-of-foot pain and a stiff big toe, and insufficient evidence for bunions.
Acupuncture Fine needles for foot pain, sometimes used for heel pain or for diabetic nerve pain alongside standard care. About $125–$230 for a first private visit and $90–$185 for follow-ups; community clinics about $50–$90. Little research for most foot problems; low-certainty evidence of short-term relief for heel pain and diabetic nerve pain. Extra caution with diabetes or poor circulation.
Herbal medicine No herb fixes a bunion, hammertoe or fallen arch. Tea tree oil is tried for fungus; arnica gels for aches. Cost estimate being researched. Evidence is limited. Never use acid corn removers or do “home surgery” on corns or nails if you have diabetes or poor circulation, and check herbs for drug interactions.
Massage therapy Foot massage and reflexology for relaxation and comfort — gentle, and never over wounds or a leg with a possible blood clot. One national chain’s franchises list about $125–$160 for a 60-minute massage for non-members; memberships about $70–$90 a month. May feel good, but reflexology’s health claims are unproven and it doesn’t treat foot deformities.
MBHA Wellness Coach Shoe fit and shopping habits, daily foot checks with diabetes, healthy weight and activity, stretches from your physical therapist, safe nail trimming and building up running gradually. Cost estimate being researched. Supports — never replaces — medical care. These habits lower pressure on the feet and help catch problems early.

Approach 1 of 6

Conventional medicine (AMA)

Treatment depends on the cause. A provider will look at your feet and ask about your symptoms (NHS), and may order X-rays or, if needed, an MRI or bone scan (AAOS OrthoInfo). For bunions, X-rays are taken while you stand to show the true alignment (AAOS OrthoInfo).

1. Shoes, pads and shoe inserts (orthotics)

2. Ice, rest and pain relievers (by class)

Resting and raising the foot and using an ice pack wrapped in a towel can ease many kinds of foot pain (NHS, NHS). NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen) can relieve bunion pain and swelling (AAOS OrthoInfo). Ibuprofen may not be suitable if you have a heart, liver or kidney condition, a stomach ulcer now or in the past, problems with blood clotting, or asthma, and it may not mix well with blood thinners such as warfarin or with blood pressure medicines — check with a pharmacist or doctor first (NHS). Podiatrists sometimes use cortisone injections for painful bunions or hammertoes (APMA). We don’t list doses.

3. Physical therapy and stretching

A physical therapist or podiatrist can advise on foot stretches and exercises for painful flat feet (NHS). Regular, gentle foot and ankle stretches are among the NHS’s self-care tips for ball-of-foot pain (NHS), and toe stretches and “towel curls” (scrunching a towel with your toes) can help a flexible hammertoe (AAOS OrthoInfo).

4. Stress fractures: rest and protection

Most stress fractures heal without surgery in about 6 to 8 weeks, with rest, a stiff-soled shoe, boot or cast and sometimes crutches. Going back too soon can delay healing or turn the crack into a complete break that needs surgery (AAOS OrthoInfo).

5. Corn, callus and toenail procedures

A podiatrist can painlessly shave thick corns and calluses in the office (APMA). For an ingrown toenail, a podiatrist can numb the toe with a local anesthetic injection and cut away part of the nail, or remove the whole nail (NHS); for nails that keep growing in, a procedure can permanently stop that edge from ingrowing (APMA).

6. Surgery for bunions and hammertoes — only when other care fails

Most bunions can be treated without surgery; nonsurgical care can’t reverse a bunion but can ease pain and slow it down. Surgery is considered only for a painful bunion, when pain and trouble walking continue despite shoe changes and other measures; it is usually a same-day procedure, but recovery is long (AAOS OrthoInfo). For hammertoes, surgery is considered when the toe has become rigid or nonsurgical care hasn’t helped (AAOS OrthoInfo).

7. Diabetic foot exams

If you have diabetes, have your feet checked at every visit and get a thorough exam — including feeling and pulses — at least once a year (NIDDK). APMA says including a podiatrist in diabetes care can lower the risk of amputation (APMA).

What it costs

  • Physical therapy: Medicare Part B covers medically necessary outpatient PT when your provider certifies you need it; you pay 20% of the approved amount after the deductible (Medicare.gov). Self-pay session prices: cost estimate being researched.
  • Therapeutic shoes with diabetes: with severe diabetes-related foot disease, Medicare Part B covers one pair of custom-molded or extra-depth shoes, plus inserts, each calendar year, when the doctor treating your diabetes certifies the need; you pay 20% of the approved amount after the deductible (Medicare.gov).
  • Office visits, orthotics, imaging, nail procedures and surgery: MBHA cost estimate being researched.

Find a medical doctor in our directory

Approach 2 of 6

Chiropractic

Some chiropractors treat foot and ankle problems with hands-on mobilization (gentle, repeated movement) or manipulation (a quick thrust) of the small foot joints, usually alongside exercises. The research is limited, and most of it focuses on heel pain rather than the problems in this guide.

What the research says

  • 2009 review: written for a chiropractic guidelines group, it found limited evidence for manipulating the ankle or foot, combined with exercise or other care, for plantar fasciitis, ball-of-foot pain (metatarsalgia) and hallux limitus or rigidus (a stiff big toe joint), and insufficient evidence for bunions (hallux abducto valgus) (Brantingham et al., 2009).
  • 2012 update: rated the evidence “fair” for short-term treatment of plantar fasciitis, “limited” for short-term treatment of metatarsalgia and a stiff big toe, and “insufficient” for bunions, and called for larger, better-designed trials (Brantingham et al., 2012).
  • Ask any practitioner what results to expect and over what time frame.

Safety

  • The NHS says chiropractic may not be safe if you take blood thinners or have a higher risk of bleeding or stroke, have very weak or seriously damaged bones or joints, or have a nerve condition such as peripheral neuropathy (NHS) — which includes many people with diabetes.
  • A suspected stress fracture should be checked by a doctor first; continuing to load it can lead to a complete break (AAOS OrthoInfo). MBHA also advises against any manipulation of a red, hot or swollen foot, an infected foot, or a foot with Charcot changes, where the bones are already weakened (AAOS OrthoInfo).
  • Mild soreness or stiffness after manipulation is common and usually passes within 24 hours; serious problems are very rare (NCCIH).

What it costs

Without insurance, a first appointment commonly runs about $90–$200 and a follow-up visit about $55–$100 (The Pricer).

Find a chiropractor in our directory

Approach 3 of 6

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is sometimes used for foot pain, but research on the everyday problems in this guide is thin.

What the research says

  • Bunions, hammertoes, corns and ball-of-foot pain: we found little research on acupuncture for these problems.
  • Heel pain (plantar fasciitis): a 2017 review of four trials found acupuncture may reduce pain in the short term (between four and eight weeks of treatment), with few side effects, but not enough evidence to judge longer-term benefit (Thiagarajah, 2017). A separate MBHA plantar fasciitis guide is on the way.
  • Diabetic nerve pain: a 2025 review of 14 trials found low-certainty evidence that acupuncture may reduce pain compared with sham (pretend) acupuncture, with little or no difference in physical functioning or side effects (Lan et al., 2025).
  • Part of acupuncture’s effect on pain appears to come from nonspecific (placebo) effects (NCCIH).

Safety — especially with diabetes or poor circulation

  • Complications have come from non-sterile needles and poor technique; the FDA requires needles to be sterile and single-use (NCCIH).
  • The NHS says acupuncture may not be safe if you take blood thinners, have a higher risk of bleeding, or have a skin condition or skin infection (NHS).
  • With diabetes or poor circulation, wounds heal more slowly and infections take hold more easily (APMA, NIDDK). As a precaution, MBHA suggests telling your acupuncturist about these conditions, avoiding needles in or near a numb, broken or infected area of the foot, and checking your feet afterward.

What it costs

About $125–$230 for a first private visit and $90–$185 for follow-ups; community clinics about $50–$90 a visit (The Pricer).

Find an acupuncturist in our directory

Approach 4 of 6

Herbal medicine

Herbs can’t straighten a bunion, flatten a hammertoe or rebuild an arch. Even conventional nonsurgical care can’t reverse a bunion (AAOS OrthoInfo). What follows is about comfort, skin and safety.

Tea tree oil for fungus

A small amount of research suggests tea tree oil on the skin may help athlete’s foot, though perhaps not as well as standard treatments; for nail fungus there is too little good research to say. It must never be swallowed, and it can irritate the skin (NCCIH). See our athlete’s foot guide for more.

Arnica gel

A few trials suggest topical arnica may help osteoarthritis, but one small study found it increased pain after calf exercises, and foot problems aren’t among its studied uses. It can irritate the skin, shouldn’t be used if you’re allergic to sunflowers, marigolds or ragweed, may raise bleeding risk with blood thinners such as warfarin, and has caused serious harm when taken by mouth (Memorial Sloan Kettering).

No acid corn removers or “home surgery” if you have diabetes or poor circulation. FDA labeling rules require corn and callus removers to warn: do not use on irritated, infected or reddened skin, if you are a diabetic, or if you have poor blood circulation (FDA labeling rule, 21 CFR 358.550). Some over-the-counter treatments contain harsh chemicals that can cause burns or foot ulcers (APMA), and cutting corns or using corn-removal products can damage skin and cause infection (NIDDK). Don’t cut or pick at an ingrown nail yourself (NHS); with diabetes or circulation problems, skip all self-treatment and see a podiatrist (APMA).

Herbs and your other medicines

The NHS warns that herbal medicines may not mix well with diabetes medicines such as metformin, blood pressure medicines and blood thinners such as warfarin, and advises checking with a pharmacist first (NHS). Ginkgo taken with warfarin is linked to a higher risk of major bleeding (NCCIH). Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every herb or supplement you use. We don’t list doses here.

Approach 5 of 6

Massage therapy

A foot massage can feel wonderful at the end of a long day, but it won’t correct a bunion, hammertoe or fallen arch.

Reflexology

Reflexology applies pressure to points on the feet or hands that are believed to match other parts of the body. It is claimed to bring relaxation and healing, but this has not been proven; research suggests possible help for only a few symptoms in a few conditions (NCCIH). A review of 23 trials found that most were of poor quality and that the best evidence does not convincingly show reflexology works for any medical condition (Ernst et al., 2011). If you enjoy it, think of it as relaxation rather than treatment.

Safety

  • The risk of harm from massage appears low, but rare serious problems — a blood clot, nerve injury or broken bone — have been reported, sometimes with vigorous deep-tissue work or in older adults (NCCIH).
  • Blood clots: never massage a leg or foot with a known or possible deep vein clot. In a published case, a leg and foot massage was followed by a life-threatening clot in the lungs; the authors concluded that leg massage should be avoided with a deep vein clot (case report, 2020).
  • Diabetes, numbness and wounds: if your feet are numb, you may not feel an injury (NIDDK). MBHA suggests gentle pressure only, no massage over sores, cracks or broken skin, and checking your feet afterward. Skip massage on a red, hot or swollen foot and get it checked instead.

What it costs

Prices vary by location. At one national chain, franchise price lists show about $125–$160 for a 60-minute massage for non-members and about $65–$90 for members, whose memberships run about $70–$90 a month (The Pricer). Tips are extra.

Find a massage therapist in our directory

Approach 6 of 6

MBHA Wellness Coach

Many foot problems grow out of everyday habits — especially shoes. An MBHA Wellness Coach can help you change them, alongside — never instead of — your medical care.

Shoe shopping that protects your feet

Shop toward the end of the day, when feet are largest; leave about half an inch beyond your longest toe; and if a shoe is too narrow, try a wider width or another brand rather than a bigger size (AAOS OrthoInfo). Keep heels under 2 inches (AAOS OrthoInfo, APMA). More tips are in Choosing shoes that fit.

Daily foot checks if you have diabetes

Check your feet every day, even if they feel fine, for cuts, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, corns, calluses or other changes, using a mirror or a helper if needed (CDC). A coach can help you make this a nightly habit.

Weight and activity

Foot pain is more common with obesity (Gates et al., 2019), and trying to lose weight if you’re overweight is one of the NHS’s self-care tips for foot pain (NHS). Walking, dancing, yoga, swimming and cycling are easy on the feet (NIDDK).

Stretches, guided by your physical therapist

The NHS suggests regular, gentle stretching exercises for the foot and ankle for pain in the bottom of the foot (NHS). Your physical therapist can tailor the routine; a coach can help you keep it up.

Trim nails straight across

Cut toenails straight across, no shorter than the end of the toe, without rounding the corners (AAOS OrthoInfo). If you can’t see or reach your feet, have a podiatrist trim them (CDC).

Build up running and walking gradually

“Too much, too soon” is a common cause of stress fractures. Increase time, speed and distance slowly — in most cases about 10% a week — cross-train with lower-impact activities, and replace worn-out running shoes (AAOS OrthoInfo); APMA suggests about every 300–400 miles (APMA).

Another approach

Choosing shoes that fit

Shoes that are too tight, too loose or unsupportive can stress the feet, ankles, legs, hips and spine — and many foot problems can be prevented with shoes that suit your feet and activities (AAOS OrthoInfo). Women especially are more likely to buy shoes that are too small, raising the risk of corns and bunions (AAOS OrthoInfo).

What to look for

  • A roomy toe box. A deeper toe box makes room for bunions and hammertoes; a square shape is best, round is next, and pointed is worst (AAOS OrthoInfo).
  • Support where it counts. The shoe should bend at the toes, not in the arch, and a firm heel counter adds stability. Laces, buckles or straps support the arch, and a removable insole leaves room for an orthotic (AAOS OrthoInfo).
  • Lower heels. The higher the heel, the more pressure on the ball of the foot; a pointed toe adds even more. If you wear heels, a platform under the toes reduces the stress (AAOS OrthoInfo).
  • A true fit in the store. Have both feet measured standing, fit the larger one, and wear the socks you’ll use (AAOS OrthoInfo). There is no “break-in period” — don’t buy shoes that don’t fit (AAOS OrthoInfo).

Flip-flops give little support, because toes must grip to keep them on (AAOS OrthoInfo). Athletic shoes are designed for each sport; buy them at the end of the day or after a workout (AAOS OrthoInfo).

Another approach

Diabetes and your feet

Diabetes can damage nerves so you lose feeling in your feet and don’t notice a pebble in your sock or a blister; it can also reduce blood flow, so sores and infections heal poorly. Foot ulcers that don’t heal can lead to amputation (NIDDK). Most of this can be prevented with daily care. For the bigger picture, see our diabetes guide and our circulation guide.

Everyday foot care

Charcot foot

In Charcot foot, nerve damage lets the bones of the foot break and shift, often without much pain; early signs are swelling, redness and warmth, and later the foot can take on an odd shape such as a “rocker bottom” (NIDDK, AAOS OrthoInfo). Early stages are usually treated with a cast or special boot, keeping weight off the foot until the bones begin to heal. Obesity is the biggest risk factor, and catching it early matters (AAOS OrthoInfo).

Another approach

Toenail and skin problems

Ingrown toenails

An ingrown toenail is one whose edge grows into the skin, causing pain, redness and swelling, often on the big toe. The most common causes are shoes that are too tight and nails trimmed too short or rounded at the corners (NHS, AAOS OrthoInfo).

  • Early home care (only if you don’t have diabetes, nerve damage or poor circulation): soak the foot in warm water a few times a day, keep it dry in between, wear roomy shoes or sandals, and call your doctor if it isn’t better in 2 to 3 days (AAOS OrthoInfo).
  • Don’t dig it out yourself. The NHS advises not cutting the nail or picking at the toe or nail (NHS), and APMA warns against any attempt to remove part of an infected nail (APMA).
  • See a provider promptly if home care isn’t helping, the toe is painful and swollen with pus, or you have a very high temperature or feel hot, cold or shivery (NHS). With diabetes or poor circulation, get treatment at the first sign (APMA).

Corns and calluses

Corns and calluses are thickened skin that forms to protect an area from repeated rubbing or pressure. Calluses usually form on the sole; corns form on the top or side of the toes, often over a hammertoe or where a toe rubs the shoe (APMA, AAOS OrthoInfo). They are not often serious (NHS), but in people with diabetes or poor circulation they can lead to more serious foot problems (APMA), and with nerve damage they can become ulcers (NIDDK).

Fungal nails and athlete’s foot

Itchy, peeling skin between the toes and thick, discolored nails are usually fungal. See our athlete’s foot guide. If you have diabetes, have a foot doctor trim thick or yellowed nails (NIDDK).

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Sources

This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Costs are typical U.S. ranges and estimates; yours will depend on your provider, location and insurance. Talk with your doctor before starting, stopping or combining any treatment. In an emergency, call 911. See our disclaimer.

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