Common Foot Problems and How Podiatry Can Help

 Foot health is essential for mobility, comfort, and overall wellbeing. Unfortunately, many Australians experience foot problems at some point in their lives. From heel pain to nail disorders, these issues can affect daily activities and long-term health. Professional podiatry care is crucial for diagnosing, treating, and preventing common foot problems. In this guide, we’ll explore the most frequent foot issues, their causes, and how podiatrists at ME Physio in Malvern East can help.

Why Foot Problems Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Feet support the entire body and play a vital role in balance and mobility. Ignoring foot issues can lead to:

  • Chronic pain and discomfort

  • Difficulty walking or exercising

  • Poor posture and musculoskeletal issues

  • Increased risk of falls

  • Infection, particularly in individuals with diabetes

Early intervention through podiatry helps prevent complications and maintains foot function.

Common Foot Problems and Their Causes

1. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in Australians. It occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes—becomes inflamed. Symptoms include sharp pain in the heel, especially in the morning or after prolonged standing.

Causes:

  • Overuse or repetitive impact

  • Poor footwear

  • Biomechanical issues, such as flat feet or high arches

Podiatry solutions:

  • Stretching and strengthening exercises

  • Footwear modifications

  • Custom orthotics for support

  • Professional guidance on activity modification

2. Bunions and Hammertoes

Bunions are bony bumps that develop on the base of the big toe, often causing discomfort and misalignment. Hammertoes involve abnormal bending of the toe joints, leading to pain and difficulty wearing shoes.

Causes:

  • Genetics

  • Ill-fitting footwear

  • Arthritis

Podiatry solutions:

  • Corrective footwear and padding

  • Orthotic devices

  • Referral to a surgical specialist if necessary

3. Corns, Calluses, and Thickened Nails

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin caused by friction or pressure. Nails can become thick, brittle, or discoloured due to age, fungal infections, or repeated trauma.

Causes:

  • Improper footwear

  • High-pressure areas on the feet

  • Fungal infections

Podiatry solutions:

  • Safe removal and treatment

  • Advice on footwear and foot care

  • Antifungal treatments for nail infections

4. Ingrown Toenails

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and potential infection.

Causes:

  • Poor nail trimming

  • Tight shoes

  • Trauma to the nail

Podiatry solutions:

  • Safe removal of the ingrown section

  • Guidance on nail trimming

  • Footwear recommendations

5. Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are bony growths on the underside of the heel, often associated with plantar fasciitis. They can cause sharp pain when standing or walking.

Causes:

  • Repetitive stress on the heel

  • Flat feet or high arches

  • Inadequate footwear

Podiatry solutions:

  • Heel pads or orthotics

  • Stretching and strengthening exercises

  • Professional pain management strategies

6. Foot Problems in People with Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes are at higher risk for foot complications, including neuropathy, ulcers, and infections.

Causes:

  • Reduced blood flow

  • Nerve damage

  • Poor sensation in the feet

Podiatry solutions:

  • Regular foot checks

  • Early detection of ulcers or infections

  • Advice on footwear and foot hygiene

How ME Physio Can Help

ME Physio in Malvern East offers specialised podiatry services to treat common foot problems and prevent future issues. Their approach includes:

  • Comprehensive foot assessments

  • Custom orthotics and footwear advice

  • Treatment for corns, calluses, ingrown nails, and fungal infections

  • Pain management for plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and arthritis-related issues

  • Education on foot care routines and injury prevention

By addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes, ME Physio helps Australians maintain healthy, pain-free feet.

When to See a Podiatrist

You should consult a podiatrist if you experience:

  • Persistent foot or heel pain

  • Difficulty walking or performing daily activities

  • Recurring corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails

  • Changes in foot shape or alignment

  • Numbness, tingling, or signs of infection

Prompt treatment prevents complications and ensures long-term foot health.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Feet at Home

  • Inspect feet daily for cuts, swelling, or redness

  • Trim nails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails

  • Wear supportive, well-fitting shoes

  • Use orthotics or insoles if recommended by a podiatrist

  • Stretch feet and ankles regularly to maintain flexibility

Combining at-home care with professional podiatry ensures optimal foot health.

Conclusion

Foot problems can significantly impact daily life, but early intervention through podiatry makes a substantial difference. From plantar fasciitis to ingrown toenails, ME Physio in Malvern East offers personalised, professional care for Australians of all ages. Prioritising foot health today ensures comfort, mobility, and confidence tomorrow.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Warm Climate, Warm Water, Better Recovery

Image
Australia’s warm climate makes hydrotherapy sessions extra enjoyable, but the real benefit is what it does for your body. It’s gentle, effective, and perfect for those who can’t tolerate high-impact activities. From elite athletes to ageing Aussies, it’s a smart way to stay active. Ready to learn more? Find out how hydrotherapy can support your wellbeing.
Read more

Thoracic Rotation: The Overlooked Fix

Image
Thoracic Rotation Got an aching back after a long day at work or a tough session at the gym? You might be blaming your lower spine—but the real issue could be higher up. Limited thoracic rotation is one of the most common (and most overlooked) causes of back pain and stiffness in Australians today. Your thoracic spine is the middle section of your back, running from the base of your neck to just above your lower back. It’s designed to rotate, allowing your body to twist when you turn, reach, or swing. But when this part of your spine gets stiff—which often happens after years of sitting at a desk, lifting poorly, or ignoring mobility—it forces your lower back and neck to pick up the slack. That leads to pain, poor posture, and even injury. Tradies often twist while lifting or reaching overhead. Desk workers spend hours hunched forward. Athletes rotate through their upper body when running, swinging, or throwing. Across all these groups, thoracic stiffness can reduce performance, cause ...
Read more

Stiff Ankles? Your Hips May Be Paying for It

Image
Got tight ankles that just won’t loosen up? You’re not alone—and you might be surprised at how far the effects travel. For many Aussies, ankle stiffness doesn’t just affect the feet. It can mess with your knees, hips, and even your lower back. That niggling pain in your hips after sport or a walk? It could be starting much lower than you think. How Ankle Stiffness Throws Everything Off Your body works as a chain—when one link is restricted, the others have to pick up the slack. Ankles are built to flex and absorb shock. But if they’re stiff, your body will find other ways to move, usually by overloading your knees or hips. This compensation might not be obvious at first. You’ll still walk, run and squat—but you might start to feel tight in your hips, get a sore back after training, or notice your knees aren’t tracking right. Over time, these small shifts can lead to bigger problems. Who’s at Risk? Anyone can develop ankle stiffness, but it’s especially common among footy players, ru...
Read more