Patient information
Foot conditions & treatments
Whether you’re dealing with a painful ingrown toenail, managing a long-term condition like diabetes, or simply noticing changes in your feet — this guide covers the most common foot health conditions. Find out what causes them, what to expect, and when to see a specialist.
Browse by condition type
Select a condition to find specialist practitioners near you and read our patient guides.
Common foot conditions
Patient guides written in plain English — what the condition is, what causes it, and when to see a podiatrist.
Ingrown toenails
Pain, redness and swelling where the nail grows into the skin. Very common and very treatable.
Read guide →Plantar fasciitis
Sharp heel pain, especially first thing in the morning. The most common cause of heel pain in adults.
Read guide →Verrucae
Warts on the sole of the foot caused by HPV. Often confused with corns — find out how to tell the difference.
Read guide →Corns & calluses
Thickened skin caused by pressure or friction. Painful when pressed — a podiatrist can remove them safely.
Read guide →Fungal nail
Thickened, discoloured or crumbly nails. Slow to treat but very manageable with the right approach.
Read guide →Diabetic foot care
People with diabetes need regular foot checks. Find out why and what to look out for.
Read guide →Biomechanics & orthotics
Gait analysis and custom insoles to correct how you walk and relieve pain in feet, knees and back.
Read guide →Sports injuries
Achilles tendinopathy, stress fractures, shin splints and more — specialist care for active people.
Read guide →Children's feet
Flat feet, in-toeing, growing pains and verrucae — when to seek advice for your child's feet.
Read guide →Find a specialist near you
Search our directory of HCPC-registered podiatrists and foot health practitioners across the UK.