The foot is probably the most neglected part of the body, so it is not surprising to learn that there are a lot of diseases that affect the foot. Like many important organs of the body, your feet have a lot of things to look out for--they carry the whole weight of the body, they become really dirty, and they get very sore. Oftentimes, too much of these are enough to cause a myriad of health problems.

Here are the 10 most common foot problems that you should know:

1. Athlete's Foot
This is a fungal infection causing extreme itchiness. A highly contagious disease, it is caused by poor hygiene practices. The feet are good breeding grounds for many harmful microbes, so make sure to keep all your footwear dry as prevention.

2. Arch Pain
The arch is the bridge-like structure that connects the front part of the foot to the back part. This site bears a lot of weight, especially for overweight or obese people. In times of too much stress, pain in the arch means that the surroundings ligaments, joints and bones are already affected.

3. Ingrown Nails
This is a very common consequence of cutting the nails along the sides. The most common toe affected is the big toe. When the nail grows back, it pushes itself into the tissue where it irritates the surrounding structures. Infection may result as a complication. As a preventive measure, nails should be trimmed straight across.

4. Bunions
A bunion typically arises when the joint connecting the big toe to you feet becomes enlarged. The bunion feels swollen and sore, and is most common among women. This results from wearing shoes that are too tight, too narrow and too high.

5. Corns
Corns result from the friction of the skin against the insides of shoes. Commonly, toes do not lie flat inside shoes, and the constant rubbing causes corns to develop.

6. Calluses
A callus is basically thickened skin, and almost all people have it. It results from too much weight on the part of the foot that receives it, usually at the bottom of the feet.

7. Sprains and Fractures
A sprain occurs when a ligament near the ankle is torn, while a fracture takes place when the surrounding bony structures are broken, cracked or deformed in any way. These are very common sports injuries, but it can happen to most people who trip, slide or fall. First aid measures need to be performed to prevent complications. In any of these cases, it is important to remember the acronym RICE: Rest, Immobilize, Cold Compress, Elevate. All these are great measures to stabilize the injury while waiting for professional medical help.

8. Flat Feet
Also known as fallen arches, the entire sole of the foot comes in an almost complete contact with the ground. This happens when the arch of the foot collapses, or when there is the presence of an abnormal structure of the bone. Seeking professional help is mandatory.

9. Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are painless growths on the foot, usually along the skin that surrounds the toes and soles. It is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV), and can be transmitted from one person to another through moist surfaces.

10. Achilles Tendonitis
Wearing footwear that are too flat can be unhealthy, too. Wearing flat shoes and flip-flops can irritate the Achilles tendon. Proper rest and occasional cold compresses should provide relief.

Despite being common problems, anything unusual still warrants medical help. Seeking the help of a podiatrist should be prioritized when you notice anything wrong with your feet.