This raises the risk of infection and can lead, in the worst case, to amputation. Enough dismal stuff. You can start by helping yourself. For instance, ditch your shoes and go barefoot. For us effete urbanites, a more practical course is to wear good shoes that fit.
Poor shoes are the leading cause of foot problems, say many foot specialists.
In places where people go barefoot, corns, bunions and hammertoes are rare. In America, such ailments are common, especially among women, who, for the sake of style and fashion, typically jam their feet into shoes that are a half to a full size too small. This is a bony enlargement on the back of one or both heels that occurs when tissue covering the bone becomes irritated, usually from wearing shoes that rub. About 90 percent of the surgeries for common foot problems are performed on women. High heels are a major villain.