Top 5 Foot Conditions to Self Assess At Home

Written by Bianca Charles on September 4, 2020

Last updated March 14, 2026

Medically reviewed by Peyman Alishahi, D. Ch.

For most people, feet are often overlooked. Being the farthest part of the body from our eyes, they don’t get the attention they deserve. Feet should be cleaned thoroughly once a day and checked for changes in the skin or structure. Pain is another warning sign not to ignore. To help you recognize potential issues, we’ve put together a list of common foot problems and the signs to watch for.

Plantar Warts

A plantar wart is a small growth that appears on the foot. They are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus and are relatively harmless. At times, warts do resolve spontaneously on their own; however, some do require treatment from a medical professional.

What to look for:

Small, fleshy, round, rough growth usually with overlying callus
Tiny black dots in the lesion
A lesion that disturbs the normal skin lines
Pain with standing or pinching of the lesion

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s Foot is known as tinea pedis in the medical world. It an infection of the skin, the culprit being a fungus. As the name suggests, Athlete’s Foot is common in athletes or people who have sweaty feet.

What to look for:

Peeling, scaly skin in between the toes or bottoms of feet
Red rash
If chronic, can present as very dry, flaky skin
Associated itch/burn/sting

Bunions

What to look for:

A bony bump at the side of the base of the big toe
Redness, swelling, pain at the 1st MTP joint
Big toe may start to turn towards the smaller toes beside it

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a fibrous band that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. It works to support the arch of your foot and absorb the shock when you walk. When it becomes strained, it can develop small tears, usually near the heel, which cause inflammation and pain.

What to look for:

Sharp heel pain, usually at the inner heel
Pain is worse with your first steps in the morning out of bed
Pain tends to subside as you go about your day
Pain may return with initial steps after sitting or resting

Flat Feet

Flat feet can only be diagnosed with you standing in a weight-bearing position. It is described as a low or nonexistent arch profile. You can check your arch by wetting your feet and standing on a piece of paper or concrete ground. If the imprint of your foot is relatively the same width along the length of your foot, you likely have a flat foot. If you have flat feet, you are also likely to roll your feet towards your arches when you walk (overpronation).

What to look for:

Low or nonexistent arch in the foot
Widening of the foot when you stand
Possible pain at the arch of the foot, ankle, knee, or low back

If you think you have any of the above foot problems, it is of your best interest to see a Licensed Chiropodist for further assessment. A chiropodist is a foot specialist who is trained to assess and treat various diseases and conditions of the foot.

Everything You Need for Healthy Feet - All Under One Roof

At Feet First Clinic, we’re always excited to welcome new clients! We’re Toronto’s one-stop-shop for all your foot-related needs. Since 2009, our staff and licensed chiropodists have been helping people with their feet. From foot care to foot pain to foot products – we do it all! Give us a call to ask our friendly staff any questions you may have! Our Toronto foot specialists are ready to help!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!

About Author: Bianca Charles

With 15 years of dedicated experience in podiatry, Bianca Carter offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise at Feet First Clinic. Throughout her career, Bianca has worked closely with leading chiropodists, continually deepening her understanding of all aspects of foot care.

Learn more about Bianca Charles

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May 7, 2026

Ditch the Flip Flops This Summer

Summer is just around the corner, which means you can finally put your leather boots away and slip on footwear that’s more appropriate for the humid weather. You’ll be tempted to grab a pair of breezy flip flops from the back of your closet. Flip flops sound like the best choice for summer fashion, but in reality, they’re terrible for your feet. If you want to get ready for hot weather and trips to the beach, you should ditch your flip flops and find replacements that are better for your body. What’s wrong with flip flops? Essentially, your average flip flop doesn’t offer any arch support for the foot. The material is thin, flat and offers very little grip. The only thing holding it together is a thong strap wedged between your big toe and second largest toe. The lack of arch support causes increased strain on the plantar fascia, and can lead to plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the ligament that connects the heel of the foot with the toes). The pain can be so powerful that it can be hard to get out of bed and walk to the bathroom first thing in the morning. Another one of the reasons why flip flops are terrible for your feet is that your toes have to clench and grip the sole of the shoe so that it lifts with each step. This design flaw puts a lot of strain on your toes when you’re walking for long distances. The toe-gripping action can cause metatarsalgia or lead to clawed toes. It gets worse when the terrain adds more resistance, like sand, or when you’re trying to move at a faster pace. In addition to plantar fasciitis, wearing the lack of arch support and repetitive toe-clenching from flip flops regularly can also lead to the following health problems: Ankle sprain - due to lack of ankle support and stability Bunions - due to the lack of arch support and structure. This causes low-grade toe-off, which twists the foot during the toe-off part of the gait cycle instead of pushing off under the big toe the way the foot was designed for. Tendonitis - due to the sustained gripping and clawing. Corns - due to the lack of support, which can cause a build up of pinpoint pressure under the balls of the feet. Rotation of the forefoot onto the lesser toes can also cause corns in between the toes. Hip and Knee pain - due to the inability to have a long stride and no proper toe-off. Flip flops cause a shuffling gait pattern, which makes the hips and knees overcompensate. Changed gait - The altered toe-off, lack of arch support, sustained clawing and inability to take proper long strides cause a "shuffling" gait pattern. This has a domino effect on other parts of the body. Sesamoiditis - The thin soles of flip flops don't provide enough cushioning for the big toe. Achilles tendonitis or calf pain - The flat soles of flip flops do not have any "rock" (or curvature at the toes) to them to help with the toe-off of the gait cycle. This causes calf fatigue. What can you do instead? Ditching your cheap flip flops doesn’t mean you have to put on heavy boots or running shoes. You can go to a foot clinic, where the knowledgeable staff can help you find summer-friendly options that won’t leave you rubbing your heels after taking a long walk through the park or icing your arches after a trip to the beach. There are lots of brands out there that take arch support and comfort in mind when they design summer footwear. Look for sandals with strong, defined arch support, a deep heel cup, metatarsal padding, cushioning and shock absorption. Some companies even make flip flop style sandals with good arch support, cushioning and a curved structured sole. These will be much kinder to your body than any pair that you can pick up at a beach-side kiosk. It’s true that flip flops can be a convenient wardrobe choice. They’re portable, easily replaceable and they’re oh-so-cheap. You could get a pair for under $5. But, the physical problems they cause are not worth their low price. This summer is your opportunity to take better care of your feet!

April 30, 2026

Two Types Of Footwear: Which Is Best For You?

Our feet are what hold us up --- every single day! Whether it's at work for 8 hours or more, or during our morning exercise routine, healthy feet are essential for many of our daily activities. Therefore, you should invest in your foot health. Improper footwear can lead to various foot conditions, so you're better off ditching those bad shoes and looking for the perfect fit. Knowing the right shoe for you is important, but narrowing them down based on your specific foot type can be challenging. To help educate you on the differences, we will break down the 2 most common types of footwear. Keep in mind, we're not talking about high heels, sneakers, etc. We're specifically breaking down the 2 types of footwear based on their structural characteristics and how they will compliment your feet. Importance of Knowing Your Arch Mechanics It’s important to learn the structure of your feet, specifically your arch, as it provides some hints as to what the best shoe might be for you. A simple test, called the Wet test, can help sometimes determine your arch type. But to know for sure, it's recommended to get a foot assessment by a chiropodist. The wet test process: Dip the soles of your feet into water. Stand on a piece of paper. When you step off, you should see an imprint of your foot which will show you your arch type. Seeing half of your arch (the middle portion of your foot) indicates a normal arch, while seeing the majority of your arch on the paper indicates you have flat feet (or a low arch). Conversely, seeing minimal arch indicates a high arch. Now that we know this, we can look into the 3 types of footwear. 2 Main Types of Footwear are: Stability Neutral Stability Normal, flat and low arches are best suited for stability footwear. Stability footwear is the most supportive and corrective. Stability essentially prevents excessive pronation (inward movement) of your foot, which reduces strain and pressure on the joints and muscles in the feet. To correct overpronation (when your foot rolls too far inward), these shoes have medial support - called a medial post - built into the midsole. Stability shoes also feature a firm heel counter for ankle support. The additional ankle support in stability shoes also makes them great for people who don't overpronate but may have ankle instability, such as people with Achilles tendonitis. Neutral As the name implies, neutral cushioned shoes do not have medial support or features within the midsole. With neutral shoes, there is simply cushioning, and no wedges or stiff plastic support along the arch. This can prevent any sort of under or overcompensation when walking or running. Overall, the structure of the shoe is relatively symmetrical. Regular pronators and supinators (when your foot fails to roll inwards and instead applies pressure to your outer foot) should consider using neutral shoes because any stability features would be moot. Final Advice It’s important to note that the amount of cushioning is not necessarily an indicator of the type of shoe, but rather it’s a combination of medial features, stiff plastic, and other factors. Cushioning can also be stiff, or soft, depending on the denseness and type of foam. Ultimately, and as The Mayo Clinic notes, “there is no one best shoe or a particular foot type, and comfort and proper fit should be the main criteria you use when selecting new athletic shoes.” Now that you're aware of the 3 types of footwear, you can asses your needs and make the right footwear choices!

April 16, 2026

Do Toe Spacers Work?

Toe spacers are everywhere right now—from physiotherapy clinics to fitness influencers promoting “natural foot alignment.” But do toe spacers actually work, or are they just another trend? The short answer: yes, but with the right expectations. Let’s break down what toe spacers do, who they help, and how to use them effectively. What Are Toe Spacers? https://youtu.be/mK4pz6Pmjzo?si=1CWQoSiUZu7xhEpN Toe spacers (also called toe separators or toe aligners) are small devices placed between your toes to gently spread them apart. Most are made from silicone or gel and come in various sizes and designs, from simple separators to full forefoot alignment tools. They’re designed to reverse the effects of: Tight, narrow footwear Prolonged standing or walking Muscle imbalances in the feet Progressive toe deformities Over time, these factors can cause your toes to crowd, overlap, or shift out of their natural position. Do Toe Spacers Actually Work? Yes—but with realistic expectations. Toe spacers work by gradually encouraging your toes back toward their natural alignment. This can reduce pressure, improve muscle activation, and enhance overall foot function. Benefits of Toe Spacers When used consistently, toe spacers can: Relieve pressure and painSeparating the toes reduces friction and pressure points, especially between overlapping toes. Improve toe alignment (to a degree)They can help slow progression and mildly correct early deformities. Support bunion managementBy spacing the big toe away from the second toe, they reduce stress on the joint. Enhance foot muscle engagementToe spacers allow intrinsic foot muscles to activate more naturally during movement. Improve balance and stabilityA wider toe splay increases your base of support. What Toe Spacers Cannot Do This is where expectations matter most. Toe spacers cannot: Permanently reverse advanced bunions or rigid hammertoes Replace custom orthotics when biomechanical issues are present Deliver instant or dramatic structural changes Think of them as a supportive tool, not a cure. Conditions That Benefit Most from Toe Spacers Toe spacers are most effective in early or mild cases of: Bunions (hallux valgus) Hammertoes and claw toes Overlapping or crowded toes Forefoot pain (metatarsalgia) Corns and calluses caused by friction They’re also popular among runners and gym-goers looking to improve foot strength and alignment. How to Use Toe Spacers for Best Results Using toe spacers properly makes a big difference in outcomes. 1. Start Gradually Begin with 10–15 minutes per day, especially if your toes are stiff or sensitive. Increase wear time slowly as your feet adapt. 2. Wear Them in the Right Setting Barefoot at home With wide, foot-shaped shoes Avoid tight footwear, which cancels out the benefit 3. Be Consistent Like stretching, results come with daily, long-term use—not occasional wear. 4. Combine with Foot Exercises Toe spacers work best alongside strengthening and mobility work, such as: Toe splaying exercises Towel scrunches Calf and plantar fascia stretches 5. Listen to Your Body Mild discomfort is normal at first, but pain is not. If something feels off, reduce wear time or reassess fit. Are Toe Spacers Safe? For most people, yes. However, there are a few precautions. Use caution if you have: Diabetes Poor circulation Nerve damage (neuropathy) Open wounds or skin irritation In these cases, it’s best to consult a foot specialist before use. How Long Does It Take to See Results? Results vary depending on the individual and condition severity. Short-term (days to weeks): Pain relief and reduced pressure Medium-term (weeks to months): Improved flexibility and toe mobility Long-term (months+): Subtle alignment improvements and better foot function Consistency is everything—think of it as retraining your feet over time. Are Toe Spacers Worth It? If you’re dealing with mild toe misalignment or foot discomfort, toe spacers are a low-risk, affordable, and effective tool. However, if your condition is more advanced or painful, they should be part of a broader treatment plan that may include: Custom orthotics Footwear changes Professional foot care In some cases, minor procedures The Bottom Line Toe spacers do work—but they work best as part of a consistent foot care routine. They can relieve pain, improve toe positioning, and support healthier foot mechanics over time. The key is using them properly, staying consistent, and understanding their limitations.

April 9, 2026

Why Does My Toe Hurt?

There are several reasons why your toe may be painful. The important thing to do is not ignore it, especially if the pain is accompanied with redness and swelling. Keep reading to find out what your next steps should be to find out the culprit to your pain. 1. Ingrown toenail An ingrown toenail is when the sides of your toenail grow into the surrounding skin. Once the nail pierces the skin, your body reacts by creating an inflammatory response to this, which leads to redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the area. The longer the toe is left in this condition, the higher the risk of infection. How can you tell if you have an infection? The signs of an infection are somewhat similar to those of the body’s natural inflammatory response to a cut or wound, but greater in a sense. For instance, an infected ingrown toenail will increase in redness, swelling, pain, and warmth in addition to being accompanied by any of the following: a foul odor, maceration (moisture), pus (cloudy, creamy liquid), blood. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is best to see a chiropodist for treatment - especially if it's showing signs of infection. A chiropodist can remove the ingrown portion of the toenail, prescribe antibiotics, and properly trim and file the toenails to ensure they grow back healthy. To find out more about ingrown toenails, such as what causes them and how they can be managed, click the link here. 2. Paronychia Paronychia is the medical term to describe an infection of the hand or the foot at the location where the skin meets the nail, either on the sides of the nail or along its base. This infection can be bacterial or fungal in nature and is usually the result of damage to the skin (via biting or picking or any other physical trauma). Excessive and chronic moisture can also make the skin more vulnerable to these infections. Similar to an ingrown toenail, paronychia will also present as a red, swollen, warm, and tender digit. If you have a red, swollen, painful toe, regardless of the cause, book an appointment with a chiropodist at the first signs! They'll be able to properly diagnose and treat the condition. 3. Tinea Pedis Although Tinea pedis also known as Athlete’s Foot, usually presents as itchy, dry, and flaky skin on the bottom of the foot, it can also be localized between the digits or along the sides of a single or multiple digit(s). Sometimes, Tinea Pedis features a cluster of small red vesicles along a digit and may spread to adjacent digits. When left untreated, the toe may become red, swollen, and tender to the touch. The infection can also spread under the toenail. When this happens, treatment can become very difficult and take a long time to resolve. Fungal infections can spread very quickly, and the earlier you start treatment, the easier it is to treat. Therefore it's best to be proactive and see a professional at the first signs of infection. Treatment includes a topical prescription antifungal medication and debriding the areas of fungal growth. Fungal infections most often cannot be treated without professional intervention, and over-the-counter treatments rarely work. 4. Onychophosis Onychophosis is a buildup of callus that forms between the nail and the surrounding skin (sulcus). It can become irritated and mimic the discomfort of an ingrown nail due to pressure, but it’s not a true ingrown nail—the nail itself remains healthy and does not grow into the skin. 5. Reynaud's Disease This condition causes toes to turn stark white and then bright red, often after moving from a cold environment to a warm one. While usually asymptomatic, it can cause numbness, tingling, and alarm due to the dramatic color changes. It’s a vasospastic response, where the blood vessels temporarily spasm and restrict proper blood flow. 6. Chilblains These are small, painful, or itchy bumps that develop on the toes after exposure to extreme cold followed by rapid warming. They are usually harmless and tend to resolve on their own within a few weeks. All the above conditions require medical attention. In the meantime, as you wait for your appointment, try soaking your feet in an Epsom salt water bath for 10-15 minutes a day. Use half a cup of Epsom salts to a gallon of lukewarm water - not hot as hot water will cause more swelling. When you’re not soaking your feet, practice good hygiene and keep your feet clean and dry. Wear a new pair of clean socks everyday and let your feet breathe at home. Most microorganisms thrive in moist, dark environments.

March 26, 2026

What to Expect in a Foot Treatment: A Sneak Peek of Your First Visit at a Foot Clinic

You’re having some problems with your feet. Maybe it’s a painful ingrown toenail or heel pain or even a stubborn wart that won’t go away, and you made an appointment with a Registered Chiropodist at your local foot clinic. The appointment is approaching and you’re feeling a little anxious because of the unknown, unfamiliar territory you will be encountering. What will happen? What do I have to bring? Will it be uncomfortable? Here is a quick read on what to expect at your first appointment at a foot clinic to help you calm those nerves. Before Your Appointment Before your visit, we recommend checking your insurance coverage. Chiropody visits are covered under most insurance plans with extended health benefits, and knowing what your covered for ahead of time will ensure a smooth process. In addition to checking your visit coverage, it's a good idea to also check your coverage for orthopaedic devices in case any are recommended. You'll also be sent an online intake form to fill out before your appointment. Completing the intake form before your appointment will make check-in faster on the day of your appointment. If you're unable to complete the intake form before your appointment, we recommend arriving 10 minutes early to leave enough time for filling out the form at the clinic. For your intake form, you will provide a list of your medications, note any allergies you may have, and document any relevant medical history. Providing as much detail as possible to your health care provider will help build a complete picture, so they can make an informed diagnosis and come up with the best treatment plan. At Your Appointment Once you arrive to your initial appointment, you will likely be greeted by the receptionist and checked in. You will then be escorted to a treatment room where a chiropodist will ask you to remove your shoes and socks and voice your concerns with your feet. After this, the chiropodist will take a look at your feet and carry out the necessary assessments to determine a differential diagnoses. Depending on the reason for your visit, the chiropodist will check for the following: Circulation or blood flow to your feet Neurological status Changes to or concerns with the skin and toenails (if your visit is for foot care) Biomechanical abnormalities (i.e. limited or excessive range of motion in joints, areas of pain, overpronation, flat feet, etc) - if your visit is for foot pain. After the assessment, the chiropodist will explain his or her findings and propose a treatment plan. Treatment will only commence with your consent. In general, treatment is usually painless. In fact, more often than not, if you enter the appointment with pain or discomfort, you will leave relieved of that pain. Finally, although it may seem unusual to you to have someone look at or touch your feet, know that it is second nature to the Chiropodist. Your chiropodist would have seen numerous amounts of feet, all of different shapes, colours, and sizes, and encountered a variety of foot concerns. So don’t be embarrassed, and don’t be afraid to receive the care you need. After Your Appointment After your appointment, the receptionist will book your next visit and cash you out. You may also wish to purchase any recommended foot products or devices to help maintain your feet between visits. This can range from footwear, to foot cream, to toe devices. Whatever you need, our staff can help you find the right product for you that aligns with the chiropodist's recommendations. After that, it's then important to follow through on the chiropodist's recommended treatment plan. Whether it's stretches, moisturizing daily, or wearing the right shoes, taking care of your feet between appointments is super important to keeping your feet healthy. And that's it! We look forward to seeing you again soon!

March 5, 2026

Ultrasound-Guided Injections for Foot and Ankle Pain: What You Need to Know

What Are Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injections? Ultrasound-guided cortisone injections are a precise, minimally invasive way to treat chronic foot and ankle pain. They combine corticosteroid medication—commonly called cortisone—with ultrasound imaging to target the exact area of inflammation. Unlike “blind” injections, which rely on anatomical landmarks and the clinician’s feel, ultrasound guidance allows a podiatrist or chiropodist to see the tissues in real time. This ensures the cortisone reaches the injured tendon, ligament, joint, or nerve exactly where it’s needed. This combination of precision and anti-inflammatory medication makes the treatment highly effective for conditions like: Plantar fasciitis Achilles tendonitis Ankle arthritis Neuromas (i.e.: Morton's Neuroma) or nerve irritation How Cortisone Works Cortisone is a synthetic steroid that mimics hormones naturally produced by your adrenal glands. Its main job in foot and ankle injections is to reduce inflammation. Here’s what happens on a cellular level: Cortisone suppresses inflammatory chemicals called cytokines that cause swelling and pain. It stabilizes cell membranes in the injured tissue, preventing further irritation. Cortisone can also reduce nerve sensitivity in the area, which helps decrease pain perception. By directly targeting the source of inflammation, cortisone helps speed up healing and relieve chronic pain without the need for surgery. The Role of Ultrasound in the Injection Ultrasound guidance takes steroid injections to the next level. Using high-frequency sound waves, the clinician can see: Tendons and ligaments Inflamed soft tissue Nerves Joint spaces This allows the injection to be delivered exactly where it’s needed, which: Improves the effectiveness of the medication Minimizes risk of hitting nerves, blood vessels, or healthy tissue Reduces discomfort during the procedure For example: In plantar fasciitis, the cortisone is placed at the point where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. In Achilles tendonitis, the cortisone is delivered around the tendon sheath rather than the tendon itself, preventing damage to healthy tissue. In neuromas, it targets the inflamed nerve sheath precisely, reducing pain without affecting surrounding nerves. Why It Works: The Science The combination of corticosteroids and its precise placement is what makes this treatment so effective. Targeted anti-inflammatory action – By delivering cortisone directly to the inflamed tissue, the body’s natural healing process can work more efficiently. Reduced tissue trauma – Ultrasound guidance avoids unnecessary needle trauma to surrounding tissue, allowing faster recovery. Pain modulation – Cortisone temporarily decreases nerve irritation, which lowers pain signals sent to the brain. Support for chronic injuries – Chronic tendon or ligament injuries often involve persistent inflammation and microtears. Cortisone helps calm inflammation so the tissue can repair itself. In short, the science is all about precision + anti-inflammatory power: delivering cortisone exactly where it’s needed to calm inflammation, reduce pain, and support healing. Who Can Benefit from Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections? This treatment is ideal for people with chronic foot or ankle pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments like: Rest and activity modification Custom orthotics or supportive shoes Physical therapy Anti-inflammatory medications It’s especially helpful for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, ankle arthritis, or nerve-related foot pain. Ultrasound guided injections alone won't address any underlying biomechanical issues that caused the pain in the first place. Therefore, it's most effective when combined with other treatments, like custom orthotics, supportive shoes that match your foot type and gait pattern, and physiotherapy. Bottom Line Ultrasound-guided steroid injections are a safe, precise, and scientifically backed way to treat chronic foot and ankle pain. By combining the anti-inflammatory power of cortisone with the accuracy of real-time imaging, patients often experience faster relief and better outcomes than with traditional injections. Feature image by nts01 from Pixabay

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Top 5 Foot Conditions to Self Assess At Home

Plantar Warts

Athlete’s Foot

Bunions

Plantar Fasciitis

Flat Feet

Everything You Need for Healthy Feet - All Under One Roof

About Author: Bianca Charles

Related Services & Conditions

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Related Posts

Ditch the Flip Flops This Summer

Two Types Of Footwear: Which Is Best For You?

Do Toe Spacers Work?

Why Does My Toe Hurt?

What to Expect in a Foot Treatment: A Sneak Peek of Your First Visit at a Foot Clinic

Ultrasound-Guided Injections for Foot and Ankle Pain: What You Need to Know

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