When is simple self-care reasonable?
Minor rubbing that has an obvious footwear cause and settles when pressure is removed may respond to better-fitting shoes and a correctly fitted protective product.
The skin should remain intact and symptoms should improve rather than steadily worsen.
When should persistent pain be assessed?
Pain that continues for several weeks, repeatedly returns or limits walking deserves assessment, particularly when the cause is unclear.
When should corns and callus be reviewed?
Recurrent lesions suggest that pressure is continuing in the same area. A podiatrist can assess footwear, toe position and load distribution rather than simply treating the surface skin.
What skin changes need attention?
- an open wound or ulcer;
- spreading redness or warmth;
- pus or discharge;
- bleeding that repeatedly returns;
- black or dusky skin;
- a blister that is not healing;
- marked swelling.
Why do numbness and reduced sensation matter?
Reduced sensation can hide excessive pressure. A person may not feel that a pad, shoe or toe protector is causing damage.
This is particularly important in diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.
When does toe deformity need assessment?
Seek advice if a toe becomes progressively more curled, overlaps another toe, becomes rigid, repeatedly develops corns or cannot be accommodated in ordinary footwear.
When is an injury more urgent?
After trauma, seek prompt assessment for obvious deformity, severe swelling, an open wound, inability to walk, a cold or blue toe or significant numbness.
Who can help?
- a podiatrist for skin, pressure, nail and biomechanical foot problems;
- an orthotist where more structured orthotic support is required;
- a GP for persistent unexplained symptoms or medical causes;
- urgent care where there is significant injury, infection or circulation concern.
Important: Foot-care products are supportive aids. They should not delay assessment of a wound, infection, significant injury or persistent unexplained pain.
