It’s hard to live an active lifestyle if your feet hurt. Thankfully, you can correct most foot problems with the proper treatment.

“People think foot pain will go away on its own, which isn’t always the case,” explains Drew Williams, DPM, podiatrist and foot surgeon with Good Shepherd Spine & Joint Center. “If it hurts, don’t ignore it. Have a physician identify the problem.”

Some foot pain may indicate bigger issues. For example, poor ankle flexibility may cause heel ache, Dr. Williams says, but easy stretching exercises can relieve pain.

“Often there’s a simple fix,” he says. “Treating a foot problem early may help avoid a bigger problem that needs a more involved solution.”

Dr. Williams offers these easy fixes to common foot problems:
Heel pain If it comes on suddenly, it likely can be resolved quickly. “You may just need new athletic shoes,” he says. If it’s a chronic problem, treatment may take longer. Achilles tendonitis Painful and potentially debilitating, this heel problem demands prompt attention. “Don’t ignore the pain,” Dr. Williams says. “It will get worse and you could rupture the tendon.”

Forefoot pain This area includes the toes and ball of the foot. “An example of pain here is a neuroma, which feels like walking on a small stone,” Dr. Williams explains. “A good shoe insert with modifications may fix the problem. Still, it should be evaluated.”