Achilles Tendonitis. Irritation and inflammation of the tendon that attaches to the back of the heel bone.

Bunions. Painful enlargements of the joint of the big toe.

Calluses/Corns. Areas of thick, dead layers of skin. Caused by friction and pressure from skin rubbing against bony areas when wearing shoes.

Chiropody. See podiatry.

Flatfoot. A deformity of the feet, caused by weakened muscles and ligaments of the arch.

Hammertoe. A condition, usually stemming from muscle imbalance in which the big toe is bent in a claw-like position.

Heel Spurs. Painful growths of bone on the underside, front of the heel bone.

Ingrown Toenail. Nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the skin of the toes.

Neuromas. Enlarged benign growths of nerves. They are most common between the third and fourth toes. Caused by tissue rubbing against and irritating the nerves.

Orthopaedics/orthopedics. The medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries of your musculoskeletal system.

Orthopaedists/orthopedist. An orthopaedic physician/surgeon with up to 14 years of formal education including 4 years in medical school, and 5 years in orthopaedic residency at a major medical center. See orthopaedics.

Plantar Warts. Condition on the sole of the foot caused by a virus which may invade the foot through cuts and breaks in the skin. Walking barefoot on dirty pavements or littered ground can expose you to this sometimes painful skin infection.

Podiatry. The healthcare field that specializes in conditions and function of the human foot. It includes examination, diagnosis, and treatment by medical and surgical methods.

Podiatrist. A podiatric physician, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), specializing in treatment and conditions of the foot.

Tarsals. The bones which make up the heel and the back of the instep. There are seven tarsals in each foot. Together with the metatarsals, they form the arch of the foot.

Talipes. Also known as clubfoot. This serious condition of the foot is caused by shortening of muscles and tendons and is usually a congenital deformity.

Metatarsals. The bones which form the front of the foot's instep. There are five parallel metatarsal bones in each foot, forming the ball of the foot. Together with the tarsals, they form the arch of the foot.

Phalanges. The fourteen small bones that make up the toes. There are two phalanges in each large toe, and three in each smaller toe.