Foot Problems & Socks That Can Help

Foot problems can develop due to neglect, shoes that don’t fit, socks that don’t help, or just simple wear and tear. Whether you're experiencing discomfort, pain, soreness or any other problem with your feet, you might need to get it professionally treated. But first, you need to start wearing the right socks! High-quality, moisture-wicking socks can do wonders for your feet and keep them happy and healthy. Learn more about foot problems and what you can do to help treat them.

Common Foot Problems

Hammertoe is when your second, third or fourth toe is crossed, bent in the middle of the toe joint, or just pointing at an odd angle. Many, if not most foot problems are caused by ill-fitting shoes and can often lead to more problems if not treated. Hammertoes cause toes to bend unnaturally and can cause corns and calluses (other common foot problems).

Blisters are a pain, but they can certainly be avoided. They form between layers of the skin when it has been damaged by friction or rubbing (from baggy socks) and is more likely to occur in warmer conditions on moist skin. In general, socks that prevent blisters are seamless and made up of natural and synthetic fabrics that wick moisture away and keep feet cool and dry. We recommend these anti-blister socks to help you prevent blisters.

Plantar Fasciitis is most commonly known as heel pain, this is one foot problem you definitely can’t ignore. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you’ll usually feel a sharp stabbing pain whenever you put pressure on your heel, even when you’re simply just standing up. Over time, the inflammation worsens and can even require surgery. We recommend these socks for plantar fasciitis.

Calluses form on the bottom of your foot and sides of your toes due to repeated friction, while corns show up on the tops of calluses and even in between them for the same reason. These are slightly less problematic than other foot problems because they are essentially patches of dead skin forming to protect your feet. The more friction there is between your shoe and your foot, the more likely these corns and calluses will form. In the beginning, they may not be obvious, but eventually, they will become hard and even painful. We recommend good walking socks like these (and make sure your shoes fit).

Fungal Infections can be very embarrassing, especially when you have to deal with them in public or in other people’s homes. People who are constantly walking around barefoot in wet environments (like locker rooms) or those who don’t wear moisture-wicking socks are susceptible to contracting fungal infections. Toes affected will look discolored, and sometimes deformed, depending on the severity. It is important to take action once you confirm a diagnosis because it can easily spread to your other toenails. Here are some antifungal socks, and socks that prevent athlete's foot that will help keep your feet happy and free from infection.

Tips for Avoiding Foot Problems

• Wear high-quality socks and shoes that fit.
• Stretch your feet! Since many foot problems are due to ill-fitting shoes, stretching your feet is an easy way to combat all that stress on your toes.
• Clip toenails straight across. Cutting them too short actually, makes you more vulnerable to ingrown toenails and other foot problems and infections.
• When in doubt, see a podiatrist. It’s better to be safe than sorry!