If you’re struggling with foot pain, you’re not alone. So many people in Dublin experience foot problems, whether it’s a minor irritation or something that’s affecting their daily life. The good news? There’s help, and you don’t have to live with discomfort. At Foot Focus, we see these issues all the time, and the best part is, they’re treatable! Let’s walk through five of the most common foot problems we see and how we can help you find relief.
1. Bunions
You know that painful bump on the side of your big toe? That’s likely a bunion. It forms when the bones in the front part of your foot move out of place, causing your big toe to push against the next toe. Over time, this can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably.
How We Treat It:
At Foot Focus, we assess the severity of your bunion and create a treatment plan tailored to you. This might include custom orthotics to redistribute pressure, advice on proper footwear, or, in more severe cases, discussing surgical options. Don’t worry – we’ll guide you every step of the way, making sure you feel comfortable with your options.
2. Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes even infection. It can be really uncomfortable, especially if you’re on your feet a lot.
How We Treat It:
Our podiatrists are skilled at gently removing the part of the nail that’s causing the issue, providing immediate relief. We’ll also show you how to properly trim your nails in the future to avoid this happening again. If infections have set in, we’ll make sure you get the right treatment to clear it up quickly.
3. Heel Pain
Heel pain is often caused by a condition called plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of your foot. If your first steps in the morning feel like you’re walking on nails, this could be what you’re dealing with.
How We Treat It:
We start by identifying what’s triggering your heel pain. Is it your footwear? Overuse? Flat feet? Once we know the cause, we can recommend treatments like custom insoles, exercises to stretch the plantar fascia, or even advanced options like shockwave therapy. Whatever it takes to get you back to walking comfortably again.
4. Corns and Calluses
These thickened areas of skin develop when your foot is under constant pressure or friction. While they may not sound serious, corns and calluses can become quite painful and make walking uncomfortable.
How We Treat It:
We’ll carefully remove the hard skin and offer advice on how to prevent them from returning, usually by addressing what’s causing the friction – often poorly fitting shoes or an underlying foot deformity. We’ll help you find the right balance so your feet feel lighter and pain-free.
5. Fungal Nail Infections
If your toenails have become discoloured, thickened, or brittle, it’s possible you have a fungal nail infection. These infections can be stubborn and difficult to treat on your own, but with professional care, they can be effectively managed.
How We Treat It:
We use a range of treatments, from topical antifungal solutions to more advanced options like laser therapy. We’ll assess the infection and recommend the best course of action to get your nails back to looking and feeling healthy.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Foot Problems
It’s easy to brush off foot pain as “just part of life,” but these common foot issues can lead to bigger problems down the road if left untreated. Pain, infections, and mobility issues don’t have to be your normal. At Foot Focus, we’re here to provide expert care that makes a real difference in how you feel and move.
Ready to Feel the Relief?
We’re passionate about helping our patients in Dublin walk with comfort and confidence. If any of these foot problems sound familiar, we’d love to help you find relief. Don’t wait – book an appointment today and take the first step towards healthier feet.