Your feet work hard every day, supporting your body and allowing you to stay active. However, they are also prone to various problems that can cause discomfort and even impact your quality of life. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the most common foot problems and explain how professional podiatry care can provide relief and effective treatment.
1. Plantar Fasciitis
What Is It?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed. The pain is typically sharp and most intense in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
How Podiatry Can Help
Podiatrists can provide treatments like custom orthotics to support your arch, stretching exercises, and specialised footwear recommendations. In more severe cases, advanced treatments such as shockwave therapy may be recommended.
2. Bunions
What Are They?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe, causing the joint to protrude outward. This condition can result in pain, swelling, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes.
How Podiatry Can Help
Treatment may include custom orthotics to redistribute pressure, toe spacers, and footwear modifications. In some cases, surgery might be necessary, and a podiatrist can guide you through this process.
3. Ingrown Toenails
What Are They?
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and sometimes infection. They are often caused by improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or injury.
How Podiatry Can Help
Podiatrists can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail and provide aftercare advice to prevent recurrence. For recurrent cases, a minor procedure to permanently reshape the nail may be recommended.
4. Corns and Calluses
What Are They?
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop due to friction and pressure, often from poorly fitting shoes. Corns are usually smaller and more localised, while calluses are larger and spread across the foot.
How Podiatry Can Help
A podiatrist can safely debride (remove) corns and calluses, relieving discomfort. They’ll also provide guidance on preventive measures, including wearing appropriate footwear and using cushioning pads.
5. Flat Feet
What Is It?
Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet are low or non-existent. This can lead to overpronation (rolling inward of the ankles) and contribute to foot, knee, and back pain.
How Podiatry Can Help
Custom orthotics are commonly used to provide arch support and improve alignment. Podiatrists may also recommend specific exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the arches.
6. Athlete’s Foot
What Is It?
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, typically causing itching, redness, and scaling. It thrives in warm, moist environments like shoes and public showers.
How Podiatry Can Help
Podiatrists can prescribe effective antifungal treatments and offer advice on preventing recurrence, such as keeping your feet dry and using proper foot hygiene.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Foot Problems
Ignoring foot problems can lead to more serious issues down the line, including chronic pain and difficulty walking. Early intervention from a podiatrist is key to preventing complications and maintaining overall foot health.
Get Professional Help for Your Foot Problems
If you’re experiencing any of these common foot problems, it’s time to seek expert care. At The Podiatry Place, our experienced team is here to diagnose and treat your foot concerns with personalised care tailored to your needs. From custom orthotics to advanced therapies, we offer a range of solutions to get you back on your feet pain-free.
Book a Consultation Today!
Don’t let foot pain hold you back. Contact us to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards healthier feet with the help of our dedicated podiatry team.