We all know that prevention is better than cure, so it’s important to be mindful of any pain or discomfort you might feel in your feet so you can identify potential foot problems early on. Here are some tips to help you identify the early signs of foot problems…
How do I know when I need to see a podiatrist?
Visible signs that you need to see a podiatrist include, warts, calluses, ingrown toenails or corns on your feet. If you notice any swelling or redness on your feet, it’s advised that you see a podiatrist or doctor immediately. We recommend that you have your feet checked every 6 months to ensure your feet are healthy and happy!
Early Signs of Foot Problems
| Signs and Symptoms | Potential Solutions | |
| Tenderness or pain, reduced ability to walk, stiffness or swelling in the joints. | These symptoms may be a sign of foot and ankle osteoarthritis. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend making an appointment to have your feet assessed. | |
| Aching toe nails, dry calluses, cracked heels, sores or blisters. | Any drastic changes in your skin, should always be seen by a health professional.
Carefully wash your feet in warm water, apply a mild disinfectant and bandage the feet. Avoid wearing shoes that rub the sores or blisters. If the blisters or sores are large or inflamed, see your podiatrist or health care professional. |
Image source: Mayo Clinic |
| A change in the shape of your foot, aching arches. | This may be the sign of plantar fasciitis. Book an appointment with your podiatrist for an assessment.
Aching feet may also be as a result of ill fitting or badly designed shoes. Consider insoles that support your arch and improve your foot posture.
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Image source: Heel That Pain |
| A bulging bump on the outside of your big toe. Swelling or redness around the joint or persistent pain. | This may be the early stages of a bunion. A lumpy, bony deformity of the big toe.
See your podiatrist to assess your feet and provide a treatment to ease the discomfort or address the bunion. |
Image source: Mayo Clinic |
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, you may need an assessment by your podiatrist. Brighton Road Podiatry offer a variety of services to treat foot problems. View a full list of our services here.
Brighton Road Podiatry