Three quarters of people in the U.S. have foot problems at some time in their lives. Certainly footwear fashions, such as high heels, pointed toes, and shoes that rub or are too tight, cause many foot problems for women. Achilles tendonitis is a condition of painful ankles when flat shoes are worn after normally wearing high heels for many years. Athlete's foot is caused by going barefoot in warm, damp places, such as locker rooms. Blisters are usually due to rubbing from new or ill- fitting shoes.
Bunions are due to wearing narrow shoes with pointed toes and high heels.
Calluses are caused by repeated rubbing from a shoe. Cold feet may be related to smoking, diabetes, or other circulatory problems. Corns are due to pressure on the toes from tight shoes. Foot odor is generally the result of sweaty feet and can usually be prevented with good daily foot hygiene. Hammertoe may be an inherited weakness but is made worse by tight shoes.