Expert insights on common foot conditions, prevention, and care
Step Into Better Foot Health
From everyday aches to serious conditions, your feet deserve proper care. Learn about common foot problems, treatment options, and ways to keep them healthy.
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Understanding Foot Health and Why It Matters
Your Feet Carry You Every Day, But How Often Do You Care for Them?
Your feet support you every day, carrying you through work, exercise, and daily activities – yet they’re often overlooked until pain or discomfort sets in. From minor aches to chronic conditions, foot problems can affect mobility, posture, and ultimately your overall well-being.
Our Foot Health page provides expert insights on foot pain, common conditions, injury prevention, and treatment options. Whether you’re dealing with sore feet, structural issues, or concerns related to ageing or diabetes, this is the place to find practical tips and medical guidance to help keep your feet healthy and comfortable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Your feet support your entire body, absorbing impact and maintaining balance with every step. Poor foot health can lead to pain, mobility issues, and even affect posture, leading to discomfort in the knees, hips, and lower back.
Ignoring minor foot problems can also allow them to worsen over time, potentially requiring more extensive treatment.
Foot pain can arise from various factors, including poor footwear, overuse, structural issues, and medical conditions. Common culprits include plantar fasciitis (heel pain), bunions, flat feet, and arthritis. Even minor injuries like blisters or corns can cause significant discomfort if left untreated.
Understanding the source of foot pain is important for your doctor or podiatrist to recommend effective treatment.
Wearing the wrong shoes can contribute to foot problems, from blisters and calluses to long-term structural issues. When selecting footwear, consider factors like arch support, cushioning, and fit. Shoes should provide ample room for your toes, have a stable sole, and match the shape of your foot.
Different activities require different types of shoes. Running shoes, for instance, should offer shock absorption, while work shoes may need slip-resistant soles.
If you have specific foot conditions like flat feet or high arches, custom orthotics or specialty shoes may be necessary to provide additional support and comfort.
While occasional foot pain is normal, persistent pain, swelling, redness, numbness, or open wounds should not be ignored. Numbness or tingling may indicate nerve issues, while sores that don’t heal could be a sign of diabetes-related complications.
If you notice significant changes in foot shape, difficulty walking, or persistent discomfort, consult your doctor for assessment. Timely treatment can prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious conditions.
Good foot care involves a combination of hygiene, proper footwear, and regular self-checks.
- – Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap, drying them thoroughly to prevent fungal infections.
- – Trim toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails.
- – Moisturise your feet to prevent dryness and cracking, but avoid applying lotion between the toes.
- – Rotate your shoes to give them time to air out.
- – Choose moisture-wicking socks to reduce sweat buildup.
- – Regularly inspect your feet for cuts, blisters, or unusual changes, especially if you have diabetes or circulation problems.
Have a question to ask?
Bunions
Bunions
Ankle Health
Ankle Health
Footwear & Shoes
Footwear & Shoes
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetic Foot Care
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bunions can develop due to a combination of genetics, foot mechanics, and external pressure. They form when the big toe pushes against the adjacent toe, causing the joint at the base to stick out. Over time, this misalignment leads to a bony bump on the side of the foot.
Tight shoes, high heels, and conditions like arthritis can worsen bunions by increasing pressure on the joint. People with flat feet or an inherited foot shape may also be more prone to developing bunions.
Unfortunately, bunions do not resolve on their own. Once the joint becomes misaligned, it tends to worsen over time, especially if aggravated by poor footwear or repetitive stress.
Conservative approaches include wearing wider shoes, using bunion pads, applying ice for pain relief, and performing foot-strengthening exercises.
If the bunion becomes painful or interferes with daily activities, your doctor may recommend bunion surgery to correct the alignment.
Surgery is usually considered when bunions cause severe pain, limit mobility, or do not respond to conservative treatments.
The procedure involves realigning the joint and removing excess bone. Recovery can take weeks to months, with temporary activity restrictions. With options such as minimally-invasive bunion surgery, the recovery time may be shorter.
Consult an experienced orthopaedic surgeon to determine if surgery is necessary based on the severity of your condition and lifestyle needs.
While surgery offers long-term correction, patients must follow post-treatment guidelines to prevent recurrence.
Wearing supportive shoes, using orthotics, and avoiding prolonged pressure on the feet can help maintain surgical results. Strengthening foot muscles and maintaining a healthy weight also contribute to long-term bunion management.
While bunions do alter foot appearance, they are more than just a cosmetic concern.
When left untreated, they can cause persistent pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Bunions can also lead to secondary issues like hammertoes, calluses, and gait changes that affect overall mobility.
Even if they do not cause immediate pain, monitoring their progression and taking preventive measures can help maintain foot health in the long term.
Ankle pain can stem from a variety of causes, including acute injuries like sprains and fractures, chronic conditions such as arthritis, and overuse injuries like tendonitis.
Poor footwear, prolonged standing, and excessive strain from sports or physical activity can also contribute to discomfort.
If ankle pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by swelling and bruising, a medical evaluation is recommended to determine the underlying cause.
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the joint are overstretched or torn. A mild sprain may cause slight swelling and discomfort, which usually improves with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
However, if you experience severe pain, an inability to bear weight, significant swelling, or bruising, the sprain may be more serious. Additionally, in some cases, persistent instability could indicate a fracture or long-term ligament damage that should be treated by an orthopaedic doctor.
Weak or unstable ankles are often the result of repeated sprains, ligament laxity, or muscle imbalances. Those with naturally looser ligaments or a history of ankle injuries may experience ongoing instability, increasing their risk of further sprains.
A healthcare professional like an orthopaedic doctor, podiatrist or physiotherapist can assess whether you may need orthotic support or targeted rehabilitation to strengthen the surrounding muscles and ligaments.
An ankle fracture can cause intense pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. While a sprain affects the ligaments, a fracture involves a break in one or more of the bones in the ankle joint.
If you suspect a fracture, seek medical attention immediately. X-rays will confirm the diagnosis, and treatment may involve immobilisation with a cast or even surgery to realign the bones.
Strengthening the ankle with balance exercises and calf stretches can improve stability and reduce the likelihood of rolling or twisting the joint.
For those involved in high-impact sports, ankle braces or taping can provide additional support.
If you’ve had previous ankle injuries, continuing with rehabilitation exercises can help restore strength and prevent future sprains or strains.
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, occurring when the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) connecting the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. It is often triggered by bone spurs, overuse, improper footwear and more.
Treatment includes stretching exercises, rest, ice application, and wearing supportive footwear. In severe cases, orthotics, physiotherapy, or corticosteroid injections may be needed.
Corns and calluses form due to repeated pressure or friction on the skin, often caused by ill-fitting shoes or excessive walking. Corns are smaller, more localised, and often deeper and more painful, while calluses cover larger areas of hardened skin.
Treatment involves reducing friction by wearing properly fitted footwear, using protective pads, and carefully filing down thickened skin.
In persistent or painful cases, a podiatrist can safely remove them in-clinic.
A fungal nail infection, or onychomycosis, typically causes thickening, discolouration, and brittleness of the nails. It often starts as a small white or yellow spot and spreads if left untreated.
Treatment options include antifungal creams, oral medications, and, in severe cases, laser therapy or nail removal.
Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of the nail grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and potential infection. They are often caused by improper nail trimming, tight footwear, or trauma to the toe.
Mild cases can be managed by soaking the foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail away from the skin. If the area becomes infected or the pain worsens, professional treatment may be necessary, including nail surgery or even removal to prevent recurrence.
You should seek medical attention if you experience persistent foot pain, swelling, difficulty walking, or signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or pus. Conditions like ingrown toenails, corns, bunions, and fungal infections may worsen without proper treatment.
If you have diabetes or circulation issues, even minor foot concerns should be evaluated promptly to prevent complications. A healthcare professional like orthopaedic doctors and podiatrists can assess your condition, provide treatment, and recommend measures to maintain long-term foot health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bunions can develop due to a combination of genetics, foot mechanics, and external pressure. They form when the big toe pushes against the adjacent toe, causing the joint at the base to stick out. Over time, this misalignment leads to a bony bump on the side of the foot.
Tight shoes, high heels, and conditions like arthritis can worsen bunions by increasing pressure on the joint. People with flat feet or an inherited foot shape may also be more prone to developing bunions.
Unfortunately, bunions do not resolve on their own. Once the joint becomes misaligned, it tends to worsen over time, especially if aggravated by poor footwear or repetitive stress.
Conservative approaches include wearing wider shoes, using bunion pads, applying ice for pain relief, and performing foot-strengthening exercises.
If the bunion becomes painful or interferes with daily activities, your doctor may recommend bunion surgery to correct the alignment.
Surgery is usually considered when bunions cause severe pain, limit mobility, or do not respond to conservative treatments.
The procedure involves realigning the joint and removing excess bone. Recovery can take weeks to months, with temporary activity restrictions. With options such as minimally-invasive bunion surgery, the recovery time may be shorter.
Consult an experienced orthopaedic surgeon to determine if surgery is necessary based on the severity of your condition and lifestyle needs.
While surgery offers long-term correction, patients must follow post-treatment guidelines to prevent recurrence.
Wearing supportive shoes, using orthotics, and avoiding prolonged pressure on the feet can help maintain surgical results. Strengthening foot muscles and maintaining a healthy weight also contribute to long-term bunion management.
While bunions do alter foot appearance, they are more than just a cosmetic concern.
When left untreated, they can cause persistent pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Bunions can also lead to secondary issues like hammertoes, calluses, and gait changes that affect overall mobility.
Even if they do not cause immediate pain, monitoring their progression and taking preventive measures can help maintain foot health in the long term.
Ankle pain can stem from a variety of causes, including acute injuries like sprains and fractures, chronic conditions such as arthritis, and overuse injuries like tendonitis.
Poor footwear, prolonged standing, and excessive strain from sports or physical activity can also contribute to discomfort.
If ankle pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by swelling and bruising, a medical evaluation is recommended to determine the underlying cause.
Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the joint are overstretched or torn. A mild sprain may cause slight swelling and discomfort, which usually improves with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
However, if you experience severe pain, an inability to bear weight, significant swelling, or bruising, the sprain may be more serious. Additionally, in some cases, persistent instability could indicate a fracture or long-term ligament damage that should be treated by an orthopaedic doctor.
Weak or unstable ankles are often the result of repeated sprains, ligament laxity, or muscle imbalances. Those with naturally looser ligaments or a history of ankle injuries may experience ongoing instability, increasing their risk of further sprains.
A healthcare professional like an orthopaedic doctor, podiatrist or physiotherapist can assess whether you may need orthotic support or targeted rehabilitation to strengthen the surrounding muscles and ligaments.
An ankle fracture can cause intense pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. While a sprain affects the ligaments, a fracture involves a break in one or more of the bones in the ankle joint.
If you suspect a fracture, seek medical attention immediately. X-rays will confirm the diagnosis, and treatment may involve immobilisation with a cast or even surgery to realign the bones.
Strengthening the ankle with balance exercises and calf stretches can improve stability and reduce the likelihood of rolling or twisting the joint.
For those involved in high-impact sports, ankle braces or taping can provide additional support.
If you’ve had previous ankle injuries, continuing with rehabilitation exercises can help restore strength and prevent future sprains or strains.
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, occurring when the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) connecting the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. It is often triggered by bone spurs, overuse, improper footwear and more.
Treatment includes stretching exercises, rest, ice application, and wearing supportive footwear. In severe cases, orthotics, physiotherapy, or corticosteroid injections may be needed.
Corns and calluses form due to repeated pressure or friction on the skin, often caused by ill-fitting shoes or excessive walking. Corns are smaller, more localised, and often deeper and more painful, while calluses cover larger areas of hardened skin.
Treatment involves reducing friction by wearing properly fitted footwear, using protective pads, and carefully filing down thickened skin.
In persistent or painful cases, a podiatrist can safely remove them in-clinic.
A fungal nail infection, or onychomycosis, typically causes thickening, discolouration, and brittleness of the nails. It often starts as a small white or yellow spot and spreads if left untreated.
Treatment options include antifungal creams, oral medications, and, in severe cases, laser therapy or nail removal.
Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of the nail grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and potential infection. They are often caused by improper nail trimming, tight footwear, or trauma to the toe.
Mild cases can be managed by soaking the foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail away from the skin. If the area becomes infected or the pain worsens, professional treatment may be necessary, including nail surgery or even removal to prevent recurrence.
You should seek medical attention if you experience persistent foot pain, swelling, difficulty walking, or signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or pus. Conditions like ingrown toenails, corns, bunions, and fungal infections may worsen without proper treatment.
If you have diabetes or circulation issues, even minor foot concerns should be evaluated promptly to prevent complications. A healthcare professional like orthopaedic doctors and podiatrists can assess your condition, provide treatment, and recommend measures to maintain long-term foot health.
