Top 10 Common Foot Conditions Treated by Podiatrists
Introduction
Our feet are one of the hardest-working parts of our body, carrying us through every step of life. Despite this, foot health is often neglected until problems arise, affecting daily comfort and mobility.
Many people live with foot pain, swelling, or discomfort, unsure when it’s time to seek professional help. That’s where podiatrists play a vital role, offering expert diagnosis and effective treatments tailored to your foot care needs.
In this article, we’ll highlight the top 10 common foot conditions treated by podiatrists and how they can help you walk comfortably and stay active for longer.
Common Conditions that Podiatrists Treat
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes, becomes inflamed.
Symptoms:
Sharp, stabbing heel pain, particularly with the first steps in the morning
Pain that improves slightly during activity but returns afterwards
Stiffness or tenderness in the arch of the foot
Causes:
Overuse from running, walking, or standing for long hours
Wearing shoes with poor arch support
Flat feet or high arches
Tight calf muscles
Treatment:
Podiatrists treat plantar fasciitis with a combination of:
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Orthotic insoles to support the arch
Shockwave therapy for stubborn cases
Taping or night splints to maintain foot position during rest
Footwear advice to reduce strain on the fascia
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form under the heel bone, often in response to chronic plantar fasciitis. They’re not always painful, but can cause discomfort when combined with inflammation.
Symptoms:
A sharp pain under the heel when walking or standing
A dull ache at rest or after prolonged activity
Inflammation or heat in the heel area
Causes:
Long-term stress on foot ligaments and muscles
Abnormal gait
Wearing worn-out or unsupportive shoes
Excess body weight
Treatment:
Podiatrists manage heel spurs with:
Custom orthotics to reduce pressure
Stretching routines to relieve tension
Anti-inflammatory medications or injections
Cushioned heel pads
In rare cases, surgical removal may be considered if conservative measures fail
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This is especially common in the big toe.
Symptoms:
Redness and swelling along the nail edge
Localised pain when wearing shoes or applying pressure
Discharge or pus if infection is present
Causes:
Cutting toenails too short or at an angle
Wearing tight-fitting footwear
Injury or trauma to the nail
Genetic predisposition
Treatment:
Podiatrists safely treat ingrown toenails by:
Lifting the nail edge to allow it to grow properly
Removing part of the nail under local anaesthetic
Applying antibiotic creams if infected
Providing long-term nail care advice and trimming techniques
In recurring cases, partial nail avulsion with chemical matrixectomy may be done to prevent regrowth
Bunions
A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe joint, causing the toe to drift towards the second toe. Over time, bunions can cause significant pain and deformity.
Symptoms:
Visible bump on the side of the foot near the big toe
Pain and swelling around the joint
Limited movement and difficulty wearing shoes
Causes:
Hereditary foot structure
Arthritis
Wearing narrow or pointed-toe shoes
Flat feet
Treatment:
Podiatrists offer a range of treatments for bunions:
Protective padding to relieve pressure
Custom orthotics to realign the foot
Footwear modification to reduce discomfort
Splints or toe spacers to improve alignment
Referral for surgery (bunionectomy) if conservative treatments are ineffective
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the thick cord connecting your calf muscles to your heel. It's common in athletes but can affect anyone, especially those who increase activity levels suddenly.
Symptoms:
Pain and stiffness in the back of the heel
Swelling or warmth along the tendon
Pain during or after exercise
Difficulty climbing stairs or walking uphill
Causes:
Overuse from running or jumping
Tight calf muscles
Poor footwear or training surfaces
Flat feet
Treatment:
A podiatrist’s approach includes:
Eccentric strengthening exercises
Heel lifts or orthotics to reduce tendon strain
Ice therapy to reduce swelling
Shockwave therapy or dry needling for chronic cases
Activity modification and progressive loading
Corns and Calluses
Corns are small, circular areas of thickened skin, usually on bony areas of the feet, while calluses are larger, flatter patches that form due to pressure and friction.
Symptoms:
Hard, raised areas of skin
Tenderness when pressure is applied
Yellowish or waxy appearance
Causes:
Friction from tight or loose shoes
High-pressure points from bunions or hammertoes
Abnormal gait
Treatment:
Podiatrists treat corns and calluses by:
Careful debridement (trimming thickened skin)
Custom orthotic devices to redistribute pressure
Advice on proper footwear
Using protective padding
Educating on self-care to prevent recurrence
Flat Feet (Fallen Arches)
Flat feet occur when the arches of the foot collapse, causing the foot to roll inward (overpronation) and affecting posture and balance.
Symptoms:
Foot pain and fatigue, especially after long-standing
Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back
Shoes wearing unevenly
Causes:
Genetics
Muscle weakness
Age-related degeneration
Obesity
Treatment:
Podiatrists offer:
Gait analysis and custom orthotics
Arch support footwear
Strengthening exercises for foot and leg muscles
Advice on weight management and proper shoe choices
Fungal Nail Infections
Also known as onychomycosis, fungal infections in the toenails can cause the nails to appear thickened, discoloured, and brittle.
Symptoms:
Yellow, white, or brown nail discolouration
Crumbling or splitting nails
Nail separation from the nail bed
Possible mild odour
Causes:
Warm, moist environments
Nail trauma
Walking barefoot in communal areas
Poor foot hygiene
Treatment:
Podiatrists treat fungal nails with:
Topical antifungal agents
Oral medications (if severe)
Regular debridement of the infected nail
Laser therapy (in some clinics)
Advice on preventing reinfection
Metatarsalgia (Ball of Foot Pain)
Metatarsalgia refers to pain in the metatarsal region, the ball of the foot, commonly caused by excessive pressure or trauma.
Symptoms:
Sharp, aching, or burning pain in the ball of the foot
Pain that worsens when walking, running, or standing
A feeling of having a pebble in your shoe
Causes:
Intense physical activity
High-heeled or poorly fitted shoes
High arches or a long second toe
Excess body weight
Treatment:
Podiatrists provide:
Padding or metatarsal bars
Custom orthotics to redistribute weight
Advice on footwear with wider toe boxes
Stretching and strengthening routines
Activity modifications
Diabetic Foot Complications
People with diabetes are at higher risk for serious foot issues due to neuropathy (nerve damage) and poor circulation, which can lead to ulcers, infections, and in severe cases, amputations.
Symptoms:
Loss of sensation in the feet
Slow-healing wounds
Dry, cracked skin
Foot deformities
Common Complications:
Diabetic ulcers
Fungal infections
Charcot foot
Peripheral arterial disease
Treatment & Prevention:
Podiatrists play a crucial role in managing diabetic foot health by:
Routine foot checks
Wound care and pressure offloading
Diabetic orthotics and footwear
Early detection of infections or deformities
Education on daily foot care and hygiene
Conclusion
Your feet deserve just as much attention as any other part of your body. Whether it’s a sharp heel pain or an infected toenail, professional podiatric care can prevent serious issues and restore comfort and mobility. Ignoring foot problems only makes them worse but the good news is, help is just a step away.
If you're dealing with any of the foot conditions mentioned above—or simply feeling ongoing discomfort—don’t ignore the signs. At Podhills Podiatry, your trusted podiatrist in Baulkham Hills, we’re dedicated to providing personalised, results-driven care tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s managing heel pain, treating ingrown toenails, or offering custom orthotic solutions, our experienced team is here to help you get back on your feet—pain-free and confident.
Book your appointment today and take the first step towards healthier, happier feet. Your comfort and mobility are just one visit away.