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Foot Health Blog

The Straits Podiatry Foot Health Blog

Practical, clinician-written guidance on foot, ankle, and lower limb health, from heel pain and sports injuries to children’s feet and diabetic foot care.

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A Straits Podiatry podiatrist observing a patient walk on a treadmill during a gait assessment, with foot-scan imagery on the screen behind.

Foot healthYour Toenail Is Lifting Off the Nail Bed: What It Means31 Jul 2026There is a moment in the shower when people first notice it: a patch of the toenail has gone pale and hollow-looking,…Foot healthA Dark Line on Your Toenail: When to Get It Checked28 Jul 2026You glance down and there is a dark line running the length of your toenail that you are fairly sure was not…Foot healthMidfoot Pain After a Twist or Fall: When It Is More Than a Sprain25 Jul 2026Not every twisted foot is just a sprain, and the midfoot is where that assumption causes the most trouble. Someone comes down…Foot healthA Lump in Your Arch: Plantar Fibroma vs Plantar Fasciitis22 Jul 2026You are rubbing a sore foot one evening and your thumb finds a firm little lump in the arch. You are fairly…Foot healthForefoot Stress Fracture vs Metatarsalgia: How to Tell Them Apart19 Jul 2026Two patients can walk into my clinic with the very same complaint, "it hurts in the ball of my foot when I…Foot healthA Bony Bump on the Outside of Your Little Toe: The Bunionette16 Jul 2026Most people know what a bunion is, but far fewer know the same thing can happen at the other end of the…Foot healthDeep Pain at the Back of Your Ankle When You Point Your Toes13 Jul 2026If you dance, sprint, or play football, there is a specific back-of-ankle pain that only shows up when you point your toes…Ankle PainLateral Foot Pain That Persists After Your Ankle Sprain Healed: Cuboid Syndrome Explained21 Jun 2026I see this regularly in clinic when patients come in months after an ankle sprain and the pain has moved from the…Ankle PainHigh Ankle Sprain vs Regular Ankle Sprain: How to Tell the Difference19 Jun 2026This is a common conversation I have in clinic when it comes to ankle injuries. A patient walks in 3 to 4…Ankle PainYour Sprain Healed but Your Ankle Still Feels Unstable: Sinus Tarsi Syndrome Explained14 Jun 2026I get asked this a lot in clinic when it comes to ankle pain that does not finish settling after a sprain.…Nail ConditionsFootballers, Don’t Ignore Your Toenail Injuries!9 Jun 2026In Singapore football, most players know the tonjol kick, the toe poke that sends the ball forward with the front of the…Heel PainBest Sandals and Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis in Singapore29 May 2026First, why your current slippers are probably making things worse If you are like most working adults with heel pain, you likely…Heel PainInsertional vs Mid-Portion Achilles Tendinopathy: Why the Difference Matters26 May 2026If you have been told you have Achilles tendonitis and the treatment is not working, it is worth asking which type you…Orthotics & InsolesThe Difference Between Orthotics, Insoles, and Shoe Inserts19 May 2026If you have ever searched for help with foot pain, heel discomfort, arch support, or sports related foot fatigue, you have probably…Heel PainShockwave Therapy vs Cortisone Injection for Plantar Fasciitis: Which Is Right for You?15 May 2026Three months of stretching, three pairs of insoles, and the heel pain has not changed. Your friend suggests a cortisone injection because…Heel PainHow Long Does Plantar Fasciitis Take to Heal? A Realistic Recovery Timeline3 May 2026The most common answer patients get when they search this question is somewhere between "a few weeks" and "up to a year."…Clinic NewsPodiatry Care for the East Coast, Now at Paya Lebar Square30 Apr 2026We first took root in the west, beginning in the Buona Vista area before expanding across Singapore with podiatry clinics in Katong…Nail ConditionsIngrown Toenail vs Paronychia: How to Tell the Difference22 Apr 2026Both conditions cause pain at the nail fold, both make footwear feel unbearable, and both frequently appear at exactly the same time…Leg PainUnderstanding the 5 Common Lower Limb Tendon Conditions17 Apr 2026A sore knee after climbing a few flights of steps, aching around the ankle after a longer walk in the park, or…Nail ConditionsIngrown Toenail or Infection? How to Tell the Difference (And When to Act Fast)10 Apr 2026Stage 1: Irritation Without Infection An ingrown toenail in its earliest stage causes physical irritation from the nail edge pressing into the…Nail ConditionsHow to Cut Your Nails Correctly To Prevent Ingrown Toenails2 Apr 2026Why Toenail Cutting Technique Matters Your toenails grow approximately 1.5 to 2mm per month. Each time you trim them, you're determining what…Nail ConditionsBathroom Surgery on Your Feet is Risky. Please Don’t Do It!1 Apr 2026Sure, you might fancy yourself as Michiko Daimon from _Doctor X_, standing …Nail ConditionsWhy Do I Keep Getting Ingrown Toenails? (Causes, Triggers & Long-Term Solutions)30 Mar 2026What Causes an Ingrown Toenail in the First Place? Before we can talk about why they keep coming back, it helps to…Nail ConditionsIngrown Toenail Home Remedies: What Actually Works (And What to Avoid)30 Mar 2026When you first notice the sharp twinge at the corner of your toenail, the internet offers no shortage of home remedies. Dental…Foot HealthCommon First-Visit Worries Patients Have Before Seeing a Podiatrist28 Mar 2026Most first-time podiatry patients arrive with a small list of unspoken worries: will it hurt, will I be told I need surgery,…Foot HealthPodiatry vs Physiotherapy vs Orthopaedic in Singapore: Who Should You See?26 Mar 2026If you're dealing with foot, ankle, or even knee pain, one of the most confusing questions is: "Who should I actually see?"…Heel PainMatch Your Heel Pain Pattern to the Likely Cause, Decision Tree20 Mar 2026Heel pain has at least five common causes, each with its own pattern. The pain that hits first thing in the morning…Foot PainIs it a Bunion, Gout, or Sesamoiditis? Know Your Big Toe Pain16 Mar 2026It often begins with uncertainty. Your big toe is swollen, red, and uncomfortably tender, yet you can't tell whether this is something…Heel PainPlantar Fasciitis vs Heel Spur: What’s Actually Causing Your Heel Pain?14 Mar 2026If you've had an X-ray for heel pain, there's a good chance you've been told you have a "heel spur". For many…Orthotics & InsolesWhy Custom Insoles Offer Better Support Than Retail Ones8 Mar 2026Spending time outdoors as you walk through Singapore's community parks or nature trails is a wonderful way to stay active while burning…Foot HealthCommon Football Injuries Your Podiatrist Can Help With3 Mar 2026With the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicking off on 11 June, football season tends to entice recreational players back onto the pitch.…Heel PainWhy Stretching Doesn’t Always Fix Plantar Fasciitis23 Feb 2026Stretching is probably the first thing most people try when they develop heel pain. Calf stretches. Rolling the foot on a bottle…Heel PainMorning Heel Pain vs Walking Pain: What It Tells Us20 Feb 2026Heel pain doesn't always behave the same way. Some people feel it most first thing in the morning. Others notice it during…RheumatologyManaging Gout During the Chinese New Year Feasts14 Feb 2026Sure, everyone is currently preoccupied with the spirited energy and legendary vitality of the Fire Horse year, but for some, the only…Heel PainIs It Normal for Foot Pain to Feel Worse After Rest?9 Feb 2026One of the most confusing things about foot pain is this: You rest. You stay off your feet. You finally start feeling…Heel PainWhy Heel Pain Is Often Misunderstood2 Feb 2026Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people seek foot care, and also one of the most misunderstood or misdiagnosed.…Heel PainWhy Heel Pain Doesn’t Always Go Away on Its Own30 Jan 2026If you're dealing with heel pain, chances are you've already tried the "usual advice" you found online: Rest a bit. Stretch your…Clinic NewsInternational Podiatry Day: Why Your Feet Deserve a Check-Up7 Oct 2025In Singapore, work-life balance is a frequent concern that many people often complain about. Many argue that our working hours are long,…PaediatricThe Complete Guide to Choosing Podiatrist-Recommended Kids Footwear24 Aug 2025Do you know that the shoes you choose for your toddler or child today can impact their foot health for years to…Clinic NewsPlan to Visit a Podiatry Clinic in Orchard? We’ve Reopened!19 Aug 2025You're strolling down Orchard Road on your day off, bags in hand, moving between your favourite stores when a sharp pain shoots…Flat FeetAre Flat Feet a Disadvantage?18 Jul 2025Flat feet, also widely known as fallen arches, are a common foot condition seen in Singapore, where the arches of the feet…Footwear AdviceWhat is a Good Shoe?: Podiatrist’s Advice11 Mar 2025Overview of Footwear Footwear should be seen as more than just a fashion statement or a way to protect the skin of…Heel PainCan Plantar Fasciitis Be Cured?26 Feb 2025Overview of Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis arises when the plantar fascia is inflamed and degenerated due to excessive strain. The plantar fascia…Foot PainTurf Toe: Big Toe Pain From Trauma25 Feb 2025What is a Turf Toe? Turf toe refers to a sprain or injury of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ), the joint at the…Diabetic Foot CareOffloading Diabetic Foot Ulcer: Why Does It Matter?21 Feb 2025Offloading diabetic foot ulcers refers to some methods used to relieve pressure from an ulcerated area of the foot. Offloading an ulcer…Diabetic Foot CareDangers of Diabetic Foot Infections: What You Need to Know13 Feb 2025A diabetic foot infection is a serious complication of diabetes that can cause devastating consequences. When you have diabetes, your body's ability…Toe PainBig Toe Pain When Walking: Bunion vs Hallux Rigidus vs Sesamoiditis vs Turf Toe21 Jan 2025Most patients who walk in saying "my big toe hurts" cannot point to exactly where the pain is. They press the joint,…Heel PainThe Functions of Plantar Fascia: Why It Gets Inflamed?26 Dec 2024The plantar fascia is a crucial part of the foot structure that plays a significant role in maintaining stability and supporting movement.…Foot PainSide Effects of Morton’s Neuroma Surgery: What You Need to Know18 Dec 2024What is Morton's Neuroma? Morton's neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of nerve tissue that usually forms between toes, most commonly between…Diabetic Foot CareDiabetes and Gangrene: How Are They Related?23 Oct 2024People with diabetes are at an elevated risk of gangrene. The latter is a serious condition where body tissue dies due to…Diabetic Foot CareEarly Warning Signs of Diabetic Foot Damage You Can Check at Home17 Sep 2024The most preventable diabetic foot complications are the ones caught in the first few months of nerve change. This article covers the…Heel PainHeel Pain Treatment: Achilles Tendonitis vs Plantar Fasciitis9 Sep 2024Understanding Heel Pain Heel pain is a general term used to describe any discomfort in the heel area. It can range from…Skin ConditionsPlantar Warts vs Corns vs Calluses: Telling Them Apart in Under 60 Seconds9 Sep 2024You spot something on the sole of your foot. It is rough, sore when pressed, and was not there a few weeks…Nail Conditions6 Management Tips To Prevent a Nail Fungal Infection9 Sep 2024Nail fungal infections can be a frustrating and unsightly problem. Characterised by discoloured, thickened and often brittle nails, these infections can affect…Diabetic Foot CareHow To Prevent Diabetes-Related Amputations?3 Sep 2024The risk of diabetes-related amputations Amputations in diabetic patients most commonly occur in the lower extremities, such as the toes, feet, and…Diabetic Foot CareThe Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach When Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers3 Sep 2024One of the most effective strategies for managing diabetic foot ulcers is implementing a multidisciplinary approach, which involves coordinated care from various…Heel PainFinding the Right Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis3 Sep 2024Understanding Heel Pain Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia, a thick…Ankle PainAnkle Injuries Treatment: Balancing Rest and Activity3 Sep 2024Ankle injuries are common for many people, from sports enthusiasts to everyday walkers. Whether it's a sprain, strain or fracture, dealing with…Diabetic Foot CareDiabetic Foot Ulcer Self-Assessment: A Step-by-Step Check From a Podiatrist30 Aug 2024Diabetic foot complications can advance quickly when they are not caught early. This article is a structured self-assessment built around the clinical…Heel PainRetrocalcaneal Bursitis Recovery Timeline: What to Expect Week-by-Week13 Aug 2024One of the most common questions we hear from patients with retrocalcaneal bursitis is some version of: "It has been a week,…Foot PainPain on Top of Foot: What Causes It?6 Aug 2024In Singapore, the trend of adopting a healthy and active lifestyle is increasing. Many of our patients have been telling us that…Skin ConditionsWhy Are Fungal Infections on the Foot Difficult to Treat?31 Jul 2024Fungal foot infections, such as athlete's foot and toenail fungus, are common conditions that affect many individuals. Despite being widespread, these infections…Nail ConditionsIs Nail Bracing Right for Your Ingrown Toenail? Decision Framework vs Partial Nail Avulsion9 Jul 2024Nail bracing is one of two non-surgical options for an ingrown toenail. Partial nail avulsion is the surgical option. Most patients with…Heel PainHow to Tell if You Have an Achilles Tendon Tear?22 Jun 2024An Achilles tendon tear or rupture can be a debilitating injury, often affecting athletes and active individuals. Understanding the signs and symptoms…Ankle PainAnkle Anatomy: Why Does It Matter?11 Apr 2024Introduction The ankle is an intricate structure that allows us to stand, walk, and move. Understanding the anatomy of the ankle is…Orthotics & InsolesWhy Flat-Foot Insoles Don’t Just Need an Arch Support: The 5 Features That Actually Work23 Mar 2024If you have flat feet and have been told the answer is "wear an insole with arch support", you have been given…Foot PainEverything You Need to Know About Foot Fractures5 Mar 2024Foot fractures (break in a foot bone) can be painful and debilitating. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to help…Foot Health5 Foot Care Tips for Healthy Feet in Singapore2 Mar 2024Healthy feet are crucial for a fulfilling life, especially in a city like Singapore, where people are always on the move. Many…Heel PainLifestyle Changes to Prevent Heel Pain in Singapore’s Urban Environment14 Sep 2023Introduction Heel pain is a common issue that many Singaporeans face, especially given the city-state's urban environment. The combination of long commutes,…Foot HealthAnatomy of the Heel: Understanding the Complex Structure14 Sep 2023Introduction The heel is more than just the back part of your foot; it's a complex structure comprising various bones, muscles, ligaments,…Heel PainFoot Arch Types and Their Impact on Plantar Fasciitis14 Sep 2023Introduction Foot arch types significantly determine your susceptibility and risk to various foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis. Understanding your foot arch can…Heel PainWhen Podiatrists Choose Shockwave for Plantar Fasciitis, and When They Don’t14 Sep 2023Focused shockwave therapy is one of the most evidence-supported options for plantar fasciitis that has not settled with first-line care. But it…Heel PainPlantar Fasciitis Exercises: A Step-by-Step Guide14 Sep 2023Introduction Plantar fasciitis can turn even the simplest activities into painful endeavours. Fortunately, targeted exercises can help alleviate the pain and even…PaediatricShould I Worry About My Baby’s Curved Foot? A Parent’s Guide to Metatarsus Adductus vs Clubfoot vs In-toeing4 Sep 2023Many parents notice it during a nappy change or the first pair of soft shoes. The baby's foot looks a little curved.…PaediatricClubfoot: Understanding a Common Congenital Foot Deformity30 Aug 2023Clubfoot is a congenital paediatric foot condition that affects the development of a baby's feet. It causes one or both feet to…Foot PainCurly Toe vs Hammer Toe vs Claw Toe vs Mallet Toe, Visual Differential28 Apr 2023Four toe deformities look similar at first glance and get used interchangeably online: curly toe, hammer toe, claw toe, and mallet toe.…Orthotics & InsolesUnderstanding Malalignment Syndrome and How to Manage It19 Apr 2023When diagnosing foot or lower limb pain, many individuals tend to only focus on the area of pain. Hence, the effects of…PaediatricOut-toe Walking in Children: When Duck Walking Is Normal and When to See a Podiatrist14 Apr 2023You have noticed it at the playground or walking home from school. Your child's feet point outwards as they walk, almost like…PaediatricUnderstanding Children’s Feet Musculoskeletal Conditions13 Apr 2023As podiatrists, we understand that children's feet are essential to their overall health and well-being. Therefore, this article will discuss the most…PaediatricHow to Manage Growing Pains in Your Child: Tips and Tricks12 Apr 2023Understanding Growing Pains Growing pains are a common childhood complaint that typically occurs in the legs. They often occur in the late…PaediatricPaediatric Ingrown Toenails: Why Treatment Differs From Adults10 Apr 2023A child's ingrown toenail is not just a smaller version of an adult's. Nail anatomy is still maturing, anaesthetic protocols differ, parental…Nail ConditionsHow to Prevent Paronychia: Tips for Healthy Nail Care8 Apr 2023What is Paronychia? Paronychia is an infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail. It can be acute or chronic and…PaediatricHow Podiatry Can Help Address Postural Issues in Children?6 Apr 2023Understanding Postural Issues in Children Posture refers to the alignment of the body's joints and muscles while standing, sitting, or lying down.…RheumatologyOsteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Foot, How Treatment Differs2 Apr 2023Two patients with foot arthritis can need very different care plans. Osteoarthritis tends to wear specific joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is…Foot PainPlantar Plate Tear: Grading, Recovery Timeline, and When Surgical Repair Is Considered23 Mar 2023A plantar plate tear is a specific injury within the broader plantar plate injury category, where the soft-tissue ligament under a toe…Flat FeetFlat Feet Self-Check at Home: 4 Tests Before You See a Podiatrist20 Mar 2023If you have stepped out of the shower onto a tile floor and noticed your wet footprint looks more like a slipper…Ankle PainReturning to Running After Peroneal Tendonitis: What Recovery Actually Looks Like20 Mar 2023Getting back to running or sport after peroneal tendonitis is one of the questions patients like to ask podiatrists, much like other…Skin ConditionsWhy Your Foot Corn Keeps Coming Back: The Offloading Mistake Most People Make13 Mar 2023You just had your corn shaved. Walking felt easier for a few weeks. Then the same sharp pinpoint pain came back, in…Foot HealthFoot Doctor vs Podiatrist in Singapore, What Each Actually Does12 Mar 2023"Foot doctor" is not a Singapore medical title. People search for it because they want help with a foot problem and are…Foot HealthWhat a Podiatry Session Actually Looks Like, From Assessment to Plan10 Mar 2023A typical podiatry consultation runs through a predictable sequence: structured history, hands-on examination, gait assessment where relevant, imaging recommendations if needed, and…Foot HealthFunctions of the Achilles Tendon: The Powerhouse of the Foot10 Mar 2023Introduction The Achilles tendon is one of the most crucial components of the foot's anatomy. Often described as the powerhouse of the…Skin ConditionsCracked Heels in Singapore’s Climate: Why They Form, How to Treat at Home, and When to See a Podiatrist7 Mar 2023Most people in Singapore notice their cracked heel the same way. A snag on the bedsheet, a catch on a sock, a…Foot HealthIs Podiatry Recognised in Singapore?5 Mar 2023As a healthcare profession, podiatry is an area of specialty that focuses on the study, diagnosis, and management of disorders and injuries…Foot HealthRed Flags That Mean Stop Self-Treating and Book a Podiatrist This Week5 Mar 2023Most foot and lower limb pain can be managed at home for a week or two with rest, ice, and supportive footwear.…Foot HealthHow to Choose a Podiatry Clinic That Actually Fits Your Needs4 Mar 2023If you have been searching for a podiatrist in Singapore, you have probably noticed there are quite a few options. Private clinics,…Heel PainHeel Pain: What a Podiatrist Looks for in the First 60 Seconds of Your Visit28 Feb 2023A patient walks into the consultation room, sits down, and starts describing their heel pain. By the time they reach the second…Ankle Pain5 Most Common Foot and Ankle Injuries26 Feb 2023Our feet and ankle are complex structures that are so carefully designed to withstand our body weight and even higher loads when…Leg PainHow To Prevent Running Injuries?22 Feb 2023Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have picked up running as a sport to maintain good health. Whilst it…Footwear AdviceHow To Choose The Right Shoes For My Feet?22 Feb 2023Choosing the right type of shoe provides a range of benefits such as comfort, and support, and reduces the risk of foot…Foot HealthWhy Should I Go For A Foot Health Screening?22 Feb 2023Our feet are the base and the foundation of our body and are responsible for enabling us to walk, run, jump, and…