Ouch! 7 nasty foot flaws and how to fix them (GRAPHIC IMAGES)

Think hiding ugly feet in handsome shoes will solve your foot problems? Not so fast. When feet hurt or develop problems, it's their way of sending a message about lifestyle choices, says the American Podiatric Medical Association. Foot ailments are a sign that something's not right. Keep clicking to see the association's list of seven common foot problems...

Bunions

What causes the crooked-foot condition known as bunions? Most commonly caused by faulty foot biomechanics that are usually inherited, other causes include arthritis, trauma, and inflammatory diseases - but often wearing narrow, pointy shoes aggravates the condition. That's why bunions more often cause pain in women than in men. If wearing more comfortable shoes doesn't help, bunions can be surgically corrected.

Fungal nail

Loose, discolored, or thickened nails are often the result of a fungal infection. The same fungus that causes athlete's foot can invade the nails. Podiatrists warn against covering up nail fungus with polish. Better to consult a doc, who can offer a variety of treatment options including medication - or the latest advancement, using a laser to painlessly kill the fungus in the nail.

Ingrown toenails

Ingrown nails are often as preventable as they are painful. To avoid the problem, podiatrists say not to wear tight socks or shoes - and make sure your toes don't jam into the tips of your shoes when you exercise. When it comes to trimming, be sure to trim straight across - don't dig around the edges of your nails.

Blisters

Blisters can be a real bummer. But podiatrists warn against popping them - which can lead to infection. To avoid them in the first place, they say to wear proper fitting shoes and socks - and make sure they stay dry.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis

Plantar fasciitis

Pain in the heel and arch of your foot? That's often a symptom of plantar fasciitis, inflammation of a fibrous band of tissue that runs from the heel through the arch of the foot. It is often associated with bone spurs on the heels and is often related to excessive foot flattening and over- activity. Podiatrists recommend rest and calf stretches. Ice can help too. Haven't been moving? Some cases result from being overweight.

Foot odor

For better-smelling feet, podiatrists recommend keeping shoes and socks dry, and changing them regularly. Socks that are made from a blend of cotton and synthetic fabrics can help deal with sweating which can cause foot odor, as can cornstarch or antiperspirant applied to the soles of the feet.