Heel Area
Warts
Also known as plantar warts or verrucaeWarts are a round or oval shaped lesion on the sole of the foot. They are caused by the human papilloma virus and are commonly misdiagnosed as a corn. Verrucae... Read More
Heel bumps
The discomfort of heel bumps (Haglund's deformity) can be reduced by applying Foot Foundation Gel Sore Protectors to reduce friction and pressure. If required, these can be cut to shape (for example... Read More
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are self-evident and very visible if wearing open backed shoes or if barefoot.Heel cracks are prone to form under conditions where the skin dries out; for example during periods when... Read More
Blisters
Heel blisters form when poorly fitting or new footwear rubs on the heel.Fluid collects under the skin protecting the underlying tissue from further damage and allows healing to progress.Prevent... Read More
Bony Bumps
Bony bumps often form in response to trauma such as dropping a heavy object on the top of your foot. Some people have more prominent bones because they have less fatty tissue. Some forms of arthritis... Read More
Heel Pain
Heel pain is also known as Plantar fasciitis or heel spurs.Heel PainPlantar fasciitis is a common condition, often caused by a combination of factors such as excessive pronation, standing for long... Read More
Big Toe Area
Bruised Toenail
Bruising of the great toenail can be partial or the whole nail can be involved.Acute trauma causes extreme discomfort and bleeding under the nail, and usually happens when a heavy object has been... Read More
Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails are self-evident and painful.Prevent ingrown toenails by using an appropriate technique for cutting toenails .Don't pull or tear nails. Cut straight across the nail and file the... Read More
Ball Area
Stress Fracture
Stress fractures in the forefoot tend to be very small non-complete fractures of the metatarsal shaft, caused during high impact sports like tennis and cricket, prolonged walking on hard surfaces, or... Read More
Ball of foot pain (Metatarsalgia)
Metatarsalgia is the general term used to describe pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. The ball of the foot has a fat-pad to provide cushioning against shock. As we age, this cushion... Read More
Mortons Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a trapped nerve that often affects the third and fourth toes and leads to a sharp stabbing pain between the metatarsals and numbness around that area. This condition is common in... Read More
Arch Area
Excessive pronation (flat feet)
Pronation is a necessary part of the gait cycle as this movement allows your foot to adapt to ground changes.Excessive pronation occurs when the foot rolls inwards throughout the gait cycle. The foot... Read More
Toes Area
Clawed toes
Clawed toes may be caused by a number of factors:poor foot function leading to an over-pull of tendons causing the toes to contract or causing the toes to grab at the ground for stability;genetic... Read More
Callus
Callus and corns are both formed in response to excessive friction and pressure. It is the direction of the friction and pressure that determines whether a corn or callus develops. Linear friction is... Read More
Corns
Corns are a relatively common problem caused by friction or pressure from tight or poorly fitting shoes.Corns are the skin's response to circular friction and pressure. They often form over bony... Read More
Side Area
Bunions
Other terms for bunion include hallux abducto valgus (HAV).Bunions look like an unsightly bump on the side of the big toe. The bump is prone to extreme pressure from foot wear and often forms a fluid... Read More
General Area
Foot Odour
Foot odour occurs when the bacterial burden on the surface of the skin is increased either through poor hygiene or excessive perspiration.Sometimes foot odour is an indicator of systemic health... Read More
Bruised heels
Heels can bruise after activity involving excessive pressure, commonly as a result of high impact sports involving jumping on hard surfaces.Bruised heels are more common among people wearing poor... Read More
Apophysitis
Apophysitis is a painful condition affecting the heels of children. Also known as Osgood Sever's disease, it is a growth disorder of the heel bone (Calcaneus).In children under nine years of age the... Read More
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This tendon is extremely strong and attaches to the back of the heel bone (Calcaneus). Your calf muscles form the source of this tendon... Read More
Tired aching feet
It is common for feet to be tired and aching after working hard. You can get relief by elevating your feet above your hips (eg lie on your back and put your feet up the wall or on a chair for 10... Read More
Lower back pain
Lower back pain can be improved by making sure your feet are fully supported (your body needs good foundations just like a building).Lower Back PainIf you suffer with lower back pain, it is a good... Read More
Clawed toes
Warning. If you have diabetes, atherosclerosis or deep venous thrombosis – we recommend that you see a podiatrist.
Clawed toes may be caused by a number of factors:
- poor foot function leading to an over-pull of tendons causing the toes to contract or causing the toes to grab at the ground for stability;
- genetic predisposition;
- poor eyesight - leading to toes grabbing at the ground in an attempt to maintain balance and avoid falls;
- some neurological disorders;
- shoes that aren't correctly secured to your foot, or high heeled shoes, may increase development of clawing in the toes.
Poorly fitting shoes will add insult by causing pressure that leads to pain and corns.
The reduced internal space at the front of the shoe box provides little room for the toes to function properly and the muscles on the underside of the toes adjust to the clawed position. Clawed toes can result in the development of corns.
Wearing a Foot Foundation Gel Toe Prop Support can assist in stretching the muscles on the underside of the toes and help address the condition.
Stretching and exercising toe muscles can assist in addressing the condition; for example by gently stretching the toes manually, or by using the toes to pick objects off the floor as part of an exercise regime or while watching TV.

Caution
If you are diabetic or high risk, any potential pressure area should be assessed by your podiatrist to prevent wound formation. If the condition does not improve, see your podiatrist.