Our feet carry us through every step of life, from taking our first tentative strides to enjoying our golden years. But foot problems are surprisingly common and can affect people of all ages. No matter your age, taking care of your feet is essential for staying active, comfortable and healthy. Cherry Blossom thinks foot care and shoe care are both imperative in ensuring you can keep moving comfortably and safely. For that reason, we have explored some of the most common foot-related problems that people face, how they come about and the best recommended ways to treat them.
Webbed Feet (Syndactyly)
What are webbed feet?
Webbed feet happen when two or more toes are joined together by skin, tissue or bone. This is usually something you’re born with.
Symptoms
● Fused toes
● Limited toe movement in severe cases
Treatments
● Mild cases often don’t need treatment
● In more noticeable cases, doctors can perform simple surgery to separate the toes
● Physical therapy may help improve movement after surgery
Different Foot Sizes
What does it mean?
Many people, including children and seniors, naturally have one foot slightly larger than the other. Sometimes the difference is big enough to cause problems with shoes.
Symptoms
● One shoe feels too tight or too loose
● Foot pain due to poor fit
Treatment
● Always buy shoes to fit the larger foot
● Try adjustable shoes with Velcro or stretchable materials
● Custom insoles or orthotics can help balance both feet comfortably
In some cases, different-sized shoes may be required. Luckily, some stores offer pairs with different sizes, like Offcuts by Office, Clarks' Odd Shoe Scheme and Tripalot.
Foot Pronation: Flat Feet or High Arches
What is it?
Foot pronation is the way your foot rolls when you walk. Overpronation is when your foot rolls inward too much (common in flat feet) and underpronation (supination) is when your foot rolls outward (common in high arches).
Symptoms
● Foot, knee or back pain
● Uneven shoe wear
Treatment
● Wear supportive shoes made for your walking style
● Use custom orthotic insoles
● Try simple foot and ankle exercises to build strength
Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
What is it?
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, especially for people who are on their feet a lot or wear unsupportive shoes.
Symptoms
● Sharp heel pain, especially in the morning or after resting
● Pain after long walks or standing
Treatment
● Rest your feet and apply ice
● Stretch your calf muscles and arches regularly
● Wear cushioned, supportive shoes and specific insoles
● See a doctor for physical therapy or special splints if the pain doesn’t ease up
This handy guide from Superfeet will also help to alleviate the pain: here.
Verrucas and Corns
What are they?
Verrucas, or plantar warts, are caused by a virus, often picked up in swimming pools or communal showers. Corns are thick, hard skin caused by pressure from shoes.
Symptoms
● Black dots inside the verruca (small blood vessels)
● Painful lumps or rough skin on the feet
Treatment
● Use over-the-counter verruca or corn treatments
● Keep feet dry and wear flip-flops in public showers to prevent infections
● For stubborn verrucas or painful corns, visit a podiatrist
Athlete’s Foot
What is it?
Athlete’s Foot is a common fungal foot infection that causes itching, redness and cracked skin, usually between the toes.
Symptoms
● Itchy, peeling skin
● Redness and burning sensation
● Strong foot odour
Treatment
● Apply antifungal creams or powders (available at most pharmacies)
● Keep feet clean and dry, especially between the toes
● Wear breathable shoes and cotton socks
● Wash socks at high temperatures to kill fungus
Ingrown Toenails
What is it?
An ingrown toenail happens when the nail grows into the skin, causing pain and swelling.
Symptoms
● Red, swollen skin around the toenail
● Sharp pain, especially when wearing shoes
● Possible infection
Treatment
● Soak the foot in warm salt water to reduce swelling
● Always cut nails straight across (don’t round the edges down in the toe)
● If the nail becomes very painful or shows signs of infection, seek medical attention
Smelly Feet (Bromodosis)
What is it?
Smelly feet are caused by bacteria breaking down sweat, a common side effect of sweaty feet.
Symptoms
● Persistent foot odour
● Dampness inside your shoes
Treatment
● Wash feet daily with antibacterial soap
● Keep feet dry — change socks often and wear breathable socks
● Use foot-specific antiperspirants, like Shoe Deodoriser or Silky Fresh Feet
Looking After Your Feet Matters
No matter what hectic situation life throws at you, we can all agree that healthy feet keep us moving. By understanding these common foot problems and knowing how to treat them, you can prevent pain and keep moving. At Cherry Blossom, we also believe shoe care is key in keeping your feet protected and comfortable. Why not check out our huge range of shoe care products to keep your footwear clean, protected and performing?
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