Bunions are misaligned big toe joints that can become swollen and tender. The deformity causes the first joint of the big toe to slant outward, and the second joint to angle toward the other toes. Bunions tend to run in families, but shoes that are too narrow can aggravate the condition. Corns and calluses are protective layers of compacted, dead skin cells. They are caused by repeated friction and pressure from skin rubbing against bony areas or against an irregularity in a shoe.
Corns ordinarily form on the toes and calluses on the soles of the feet.
Hammertoe is a condition in which the toe is bent in a claw-like position. It occurs most frequently with the second toe, often when a bunion slants the big toe toward and under it, but any of the other three smaller toes can be affected. Although the condition usually stems from muscle imbalance, ill-fitting shoes or socks that cramp the toes often aggravate it. Heel pain generally occurs when too much stress is placed on the heel bone or nerves in the area. This can come from walking or jumping on hard surfaces, or from poorly made footwear.