Foot pain is easy to ignore — until it isn’t. Whether you’re a runner, on your feet all day at work, or have just noticed that something doesn’t feel right, understanding common foot conditions can help you know when to push through and when to book an appointment.
Here are answers to the questions we hear most often at Frenchs Forest Foot Clinic.
1. Plantar Fasciitis
What is it?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot and connecting your heel to your toes. It’s one of the most common causes of heel pain we see in the clinic.
How do I know if I have it?
The classic sign is a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of your heel, especially during your first few steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. The pain often eases with movement but can return after long periods of standing or activity.
What causes it?
Overuse, tight calf muscles, unsupportive footwear, sudden increases in activity and being on your feet for long periods are all common contributors.
Can it be treated?
Yes. Most cases improve with a combination of stretching, supportive footwear, orthotics and, in some cases, taping or shockwave therapy. Early treatment tends to resolve the condition faster, so it’s worth having it assessed rather than waiting it out.
2. Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
What is it?
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing it to angle inwards towards the other toes.
Are bunions genetic?
Genetics do play a role, but footwear — particularly narrow or high-heeled shoes — foot structure and conditions such as arthritis can also contribute or speed up their progression.
Do bunions always need surgery?
No. Many people successfully manage bunions with wider footwear, padding, orthotics and activity modification. Surgery is generally reserved for cases where pain significantly affects daily life and conservative treatment hasn’t helped.
Will a bunion get worse if left untreated?
Bunions are typically progressive, meaning they can gradually worsen over time. Early management can help slow their progression and reduce discomfort.
3. Ingrown Toenails
What is it?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness and sometimes infection.
What causes it?
Cutting nails too short, wearing tight or slip-on footwear, injuring the toe and having naturally curved nails are among the most common causes.
Can I treat it myself at home?
For mild cases, soaking the foot and gently lifting the nail edge may help. However, if there is significant pain, swelling, redness or discharge, it’s best to see a podiatrist. Attempting to treat an infected ingrown toenail at home can make the problem worse.
How is it treated professionally?
Depending on the severity, treatment can range from simply removing the affected nail edge to performing a minor procedure that permanently narrows the nail and helps prevent the problem from returning.
4. Achilles Tendinopathy
What is it?
Achilles tendinopathy is irritation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon, the strong band of tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone.
What does it feel like?
Common symptoms include stiffness and pain at the back of the heel or lower calf, often worse in the morning or after exercise, along with tenderness when the area is touched.
Who gets it?
It’s common among runners and people who have suddenly increased their activity level, but it can also affect people with tight calf muscles or those who regularly wear unsupportive footwear.
How is it managed?
Treatment may include resting from aggravating activities, calf stretching and strengthening exercises, footwear adjustments and sometimes orthotics or heel lifts. Ignoring ongoing Achilles pain increases the risk of a more serious tendon injury, so early assessment is important.
5. Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)
What is it?
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin. It usually affects the area between the toes, although it can spread to the soles and sides of the feet.
How do I know if it’s athlete’s foot?
Common signs include itching, redness, peeling or cracked skin and sometimes a burning sensation, particularly between the toes.
Is it contagious?
Yes. Athlete’s foot spreads easily in warm, moist environments such as communal showers and pool decks, as well as through shared footwear or towels.
How is it treated?
Most cases respond well to antifungal creams or powders, along with keeping the feet clean and dry. Persistent or recurring infections may require a podiatrist’s assessment, as untreated fungal infections can spread to the toenails and become more difficult to treat.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
As a general rule, any foot pain that lasts more than a couple of weeks, worsens over time or affects your ability to walk normally is worth having assessed. Catching these conditions early usually means simpler and faster treatment.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, the team at Frenchs Forest Foot Clinic is here to help. Book an appointment and let’s get you back on your feet, pain-free.