Common Foot Problems and How Podiatrists Can Help

Foot pain is more than an inconvenience. It can throw off your posture, slow your movement, and quietly chip away at your quality of life. Most people don’t realise how much pressure their feet take daily until something starts to hurt.

From the occasional blister to more persistent issues like bunions or heel pain, foot problems are incredibly common. Yet many people either ignore them or try to self-treat without getting proper advice. That can sometimes lead to more serious complications, especially if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.

So, what’s behind these common foot issues, and how can podiatrists step in before things go downhill?

Why Your Feet Might Be Complaining

Feet go through a lot. They support your entire body weight, absorb shock from walking or running, and adjust to all kinds of surfaces and footwear. It’s no surprise, then, that they’re prone to developing issues over time.

Some of the most common foot problems include:

• Plantar fasciitis – Pain in the heel or arch, especially first thing in the morning
• Bunions – A bony bump on the joint at the base of the big toe, often caused by pressure or genetics
• Flat feet – When the arch of the foot collapses, causing strain and imbalance
• Corns and calluses – Hard patches of skin that build up in areas of friction or pressure
• Ingrown toenails – When the edge of the nail grows into the skin, causing pain, redness, or even infection
• Fungal infections – Like athlete’s foot or nail fungus, which can be stubborn and easily spread
• Morton’s neuroma – A thickening of tissue around a nerve in the ball of the foot, often leading to burning or tingling sensations

These issues vary in severity. Some are just annoying, while others can be genuinely debilitating. In all cases, though, there’s one professional who deals with them every day: the podiatrist.

What Podiatrists Actually Do

There’s a bit of confusion around what podiatrists treat. They’re not just for ingrown toenails or arch supports. A podiatrist specialises in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions that affect the feet, ankles, and even parts of the lower leg.

Their approach goes beyond symptoms. They look at alignment, gait, pressure points, posture, and overall foot mechanics to figure out the root of the problem. And unlike general practitioners, they deal with feet day in, day out.

Treatment can involve minor procedures, physical therapy, footwear advice, or custom orthotics. In some cases, they may refer you to a specialist for surgery, but that’s usually a last resort.

If you’re dealing with ongoing pain or recurring foot issues, it’s worth seeing a podiatrist instead of brushing it off or trying the latest trend in insoles. Tennant Podiatry has shown just how effective targeted treatment can be when someone truly understands the mechanics of foot health.

The Link Between Foot Health and Overall Wellbeing

Here’s what many people overlook: foot problems don’t just stay in your feet. If you’re walking differently because of discomfort, that shift can impact your knees, hips, and lower back over time. Your entire movement pattern can be thrown off without you realising it.

For example:

• A sore heel might cause you to limp slightly, which can lead to knee strain.
• Collapsed arches can change your gait, stressing your hips or even your spine.
• Chronic toe pain can lead you to avoid movement altogether, which affects your general fitness.

This knock-on effect is why proper treatment matters. A podiatrist doesn’t just aim to relieve localised pain. They look at how your feet are functioning in relation to the rest of your body. And when your foundation is solid, everything above it has a better chance of working well too.

When to See a Podiatrist

You don’t need to be in unbearable pain to make an appointment. In fact, catching a problem early often makes it easier to treat. Some signs that it’s worth getting checked include:

• Persistent foot or heel pain that lasts more than a week
• Swelling, redness, or warmth in the foot
• Thickened toenails or changes in nail colour
• Cracked heels that don’t improve with moisturiser
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
• Skin changes like rashes, peeling, or strange textures
• Trouble walking or finding comfortable shoes

Even if the issue feels small, a podiatrist can offer clarity. Sometimes, all that’s needed is a change in footwear or a stretching routine. Other times, there might be something deeper going on that needs a tailored plan.

Common Myths About Foot Care

It’s easy to underestimate the importance of foot health, partly because of a few myths that still float around. Let’s clear up some of the more common ones.

“It’s normal for feet to hurt as you get older.”
No, it’s not. Pain is a sign that something isn’t working properly. Age might make certain issues more likely, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored.

“All flat feet are bad.”
Not necessarily. Some people have naturally low arches and no symptoms. It’s only an issue when it leads to discomfort or instability.

“You can fix everything with over-the-counter insoles.”
Generic insoles might provide short-term relief, but they won’t solve underlying mechanical problems.

“Toenail issues are cosmetic.”
Infections and ingrown nails can escalate if untreated, especially for people with diabetes or circulation problems.

“I’ll just cut that corn myself.”
Please don’t. DIY treatments often lead to cuts, infections, or worse. Podiatrists have the tools and expertise to treat these safely.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Worse

Ignoring foot issues often leads to a cycle of discomfort, compensation, and eventual injury. And it’s rarely worth the risk. The earlier you address foot pain or structural problems, the easier they are to treat and manage.

If you’re on your feet a lot, exercise regularly, or notice even subtle changes in how you walk or feel after standing, it’s a smart move to get a professional opinion.

Good foot health isn’t about pampering. It’s a practical way to maintain your comfort, mobility, and independence as you go through life.