Common Conditions

Understanding Your Feet

Your feet are incredibly complex structures, made up of:

26 bones
33 joints
Over 120 ligaments
20 muscles working together to support movement and balance

In fact, almost one quarter of the body’s bones are located in the feet.

With the average person taking around 5,000 steps every day, our feet are placed under constant pressure and strain. Because of this, foot pain and related conditions are very common.

Below are some of the most common foot conditions we treat, along with a brief description of each.

Heel Pain

Heel pain is one of the most common conditions treated by podiatrists. It can affect adults, active individuals, children involved in sport, and people who spend long periods on their feet.

Common causes of heel pain include:

Poor foot biomechanics (the way you walk or move)
Overuse from sport or activity
Walking or running on hard surfaces
Poor footwear support
Excess body weight
Arthritis or diabetes

Children between 8–13 years of age may also experience heel pain as activity levels and sporting participation increase.

Bunions

A bunion is a deformity of the big toe joint where the toe gradually moves inward, causing the joint to protrude outward. Bunions can become inflamed, painful, and irritated by footwear pressure.

Common causes include:

Genetics and family history
Flat feet
Poorly fitting or narrow footwear

Early treatment can help reduce pain and slow progression.

Corns & Calluses

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened, hardened skin caused by pressure or friction.

Corns

Often develop a hard centre
Commonly painful when pressure is applied
May occur on toes or between toes

Calluses

Usually form on weight-bearing areas of the feet
Can result from abnormal walking patterns or poor foot mechanics

Common causes include:

Tight or poorly fitting footwear
Repetitive pressure or rubbing
Foot posture or gait abnormalities

Nail Conditions

Ingrown and painful toenails are common conditions treated by podiatrists.

Symptoms may include:

Pain around the nail edge
Redness and swelling
Warm or inflamed skin
Infection or discharge in more severe cases

Common causes include:

Incorrect nail cutting techniques
Curved or involuted nails
Tight footwear placing pressure on the nail

When a small piece of nail penetrates the skin, it can act like a splinter and lead to inflammation or infection.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels occur when dry, thickened skin builds up around the heel and eventually splits.

Symptoms may include:

Pain or discomfort
Deep cracks in the skin
Bleeding or infection in severe cases

Common contributing factors:

Open-backed shoes such as thongs or sandals
Walking barefoot
Prolonged standing
Excess body weight

Regular treatment and moisturising can help prevent cracking and discomfort.

Shin Splints

“Shin splints” is a general term used to describe pain along the front or inside of the lower leg.

This condition is commonly associated with:

Increased sporting activity
Muscle overuse
Poor footwear
Biomechanical issues
Running on hard surfaces

Early assessment can help prevent more serious injuries such as stress fractures.

Diabetes Foot Care

Diabetes can affect the nerves and circulation in your feet, increasing the risk of injury, infection, and delayed healing.

Diabetes-related foot complications may include:

Reduced sensation (neuropathy)
Poor circulation
Increased risk of wounds and infection
Delayed healing

Because reduced sensation may prevent you from feeling injuries, regular foot assessments are extremely important.

Our diabetic foot assessments include:

Circulation testing
Pulse checks
Sensation and nerve testing
Pressure and vibration assessment

We work closely with your GP and other healthcare professionals to develop an individualised foot care plan.

If you have diabetes, we recommend a podiatry assessment every 6–12 months, or sooner if you notice pain, skin changes, wounds, or areas that are not healing.