When Should You See a Podiatrist? Common Signs You Should Book an Appointment

Many people are unsure whether their foot problem requires a visit to a podiatrist. In fact, one of the most common things podiatrists hear is:

"I wasn't sure whether this was something you could help with."

Podiatrists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs. If you're experiencing pain, changes to your nails, problems with walking or unusual sensations in your feet, it may be worth seeking professional advice.

Here are some of the most common reasons people visit a podiatrist.

1. Ingrowing Toenails

If your toe is red, swollen, painful, or bleeding, it may be caused by an ingrowing toenail.

An ingrowing toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause irritation, inflammation, and sometimes infection.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain when touching the toe

• Redness and swelling around the nail

• Tenderness when wearing shoes

• Bleeding or discharge

Sometimes people are prescribed antibiotics when an infection develops. While antibiotics may temporarily treat the infection, they do not correct the underlying problem causing the nail to grow into the skin.

A podiatrist can assess the toenail and explain appropriate treatment options to help resolve the issue and prevent it from recurring.

Read our guide to keeping your feet healthy here - 3 Quick Tips for Healthy Feet

2. Unusual Sensations in Your Feet

If you regularly experience tingling, numbness, burning, or “pins and needles” in your feet, it may be worth seeking professional advice.

These symptoms can sometimes be associated with peripheral neuropathy, a condition that affects nerve function and can reduce sensation in the feet.

Reduced sensation can make it harder to notice injuries or pressure areas, which is why it is important to investigate persistent symptoms.

During an appointment, a podiatrist can perform a sensation test to assess how well the nerves in your feet are functioning. They can then advise you on possible causes and whether further monitoring or treatment may be needed.

3. Pain While Running or Walking

Foot or ankle pain during running, exercise, or everyday walking should not be ignored.

Pain may be related to a number of factors, including:

• The way you walk or run (your gait)

• Poorly fitting footwear

• Structural differences in your feet

• Overuse or strain

A podiatrist can assess your foot mechanics and perform a gait analysis to see how your feet move when you walk or run.

This assessment can help identify the cause of your discomfort and guide recommendations for treatment, footwear changes, or exercises that may help reduce pain.

4. Persistent Heel Pain

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people seek advice from a podiatrist.

While some heel pain improves with rest, persistent or recurring pain should not be ignored, especially if it is affecting your ability to walk, exercise or carry out everyday activities.

Common causes of heel pain include:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendon problems

• Arthritis

• Nerve irritation

• Stress injuries

• Biomechanical issues

A podiatrist can assess the cause of your heel pain and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include footwear advice, exercises, orthotics or other conservative treatments.

If your heel pain has lasted more than a few weeks or continues to return, it may be worth seeking professional advice.

5. Thick, Discoloured or Painful Toenails

Changes to your toenails can occur for many different reasons and are another common reason people visit a podiatrist.

You may wish to seek advice if your nails become:

• Thickened

• Yellow, white or brown in colour

• Crumbly or brittle

• Painful

• Difficult to cut

• Detached from the nail bed

These changes may be caused by:

• Fungal nail infections

• Trauma or injury

• Ingrowing toenails

• Psoriasis

• Age-related changes

• Other nail conditions

A podiatrist can assess your nails, help identify the likely cause and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.

6. Diabetes and Foot Problems

If you have diabetes, looking after your feet is particularly important.

Diabetes can affect both the circulation and sensation in your feet, which may increase the risk of foot problems developing without you noticing.

You should consider seeking professional advice if you experience:

• Reduced sensation or numbness

• Tingling or burning sensations

• Changes in skin colour

• Swelling

• Wounds or ulcers

• Changes to your toenails

• Pain or discomfort in your feet

Regular foot assessments can help identify potential problems early and reduce the risk of complications.

Getting Foot Problems Checked Early

Many foot conditions are easier to treat when they are identified early.

If something about your feet feels unusual - whether it is pain, swelling, skin changes, or nail problems - it is often worth seeking professional advice rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own.

A podiatrist can assess the issue, explain what may be causing it, and recommend appropriate treatment options to help keep your feet healthy and comfortable.

Check out our full guide to foot care at home here!

What Does a Podiatrist Actually Do?

Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs.

Podiatrists commonly assess and treat:

• Foot pain

• Heel pain

• Ingrowing toenails

• Corns and calluses

• Fungal infections

• Nail problems

• Sports injuries

• Foot problems related to diabetes

• Changes in sensation

• Walking and biomechanical problems

Depending on the problem, treatment may involve:

• Advice and education

• Nail treatment

• Removal of hard skin or corns

• Footwear recommendations

• Exercises and rehabilitation

• Biomechanical assessment

• Orthotics

• Ongoing monitoring and preventative care

Do I Need a Referral to See a Podiatrist?

In most cases, you do not need a referral to see a podiatrist.

Private podiatry appointments can usually be booked directly without needing to see your GP first.

Some NHS podiatry services may require a referral or have specific eligibility criteria, depending on your local area and the type of treatment required.

If you're unsure whether your foot problem is something a podiatrist can help with, many clinics are happy to provide advice before you book an appointment.

When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Advice?

While many foot problems can be managed routinely, some symptoms require more urgent assessment.

You should seek urgent medical advice if you experience:

• A rapidly spreading infection

• Severe swelling

• Sudden or severe foot pain

• A wound that is not healing

• Sudden loss of sensation

• Signs of infection such as redness, heat or discharge

• Any foot problem associated with diabetes that is worsening

Seeking advice promptly can help prevent complications and ensure that you receive appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

Final thoughts

Many people wait longer than necessary before seeking help for foot problems.

Fortunately, podiatrists are trained to diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs.

If you're experiencing pain, changes to your nails, problems with walking or anything else that doesn't feel quite right, seeking advice early may help prevent problems from getting worse.