7 Common Foot Problems

(And What You Can Actually Do About Them in Canberra)

Your feet are your foundation — let’s stop them from crumbling like a poorly-built IKEA shelf.

Feet: not the sexiest topic, but when they hurt, they ruin your day. Whether you’re dodging pain with every step or ignoring that weird lump that’s growing suspiciously sideways, foot problems are far more common — and treatable — than most people think.

So, let’s walk (literally) through the 7 most common foot conditions, how they affect your movement, and what you can do to finally fix them — no gimmicks, no “just rest it” advice, just smart therapy and clear results.

1. Bunions (a.k.a. Hallux Valgus)

That bony bump next to your big toe? Yeah, it’s not just “genetic” or caused by pointy shoes.

Symptoms:

  • Pain at the side of the big toe

  • Swelling or redness around the joint

  • Toes drifting sideways like they’re on a slow escape mission

🎯 Why it happens: Misaligned foot mechanics, poor load distribution, and lack of toe function.

🔗 Fix My Bunions in Canberra

Discover our movement-based approach — no surgery, just better biomechanics.

2. Plantar Fasciitis

If your first step out of bed feels like walking on knives — hello, plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms:

  • Heel pain, especially first thing in the morning

  • Pain after long standing or walking

  • A burning, tight feeling across the arch

🎯 Why it happens: Collapsed arches, poor foot control, limited big toe movement.

🔗 Plantar Fasciitis Treatments in Canberra

We use gait analysis, joint mobility, and targeted therapy to restore real function — not just ice and orthotics.

3. Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

Not a personal failure — just a mechanical overload that needs better control, not more arch support.

Symptoms:

  • Tired feet

  • Knee, hip, or lower back pain

  • Lack of “spring” in your step

🎯 Why it happens: The foot’s tripod support system isn’t functioning — you’re losing ground contact and spring.

🔗 Learn About Functional Foot Mechanics

We retrain your arch through motion, not rigid insoles.

4. Heel Spurs

Often confused with plantar fasciitis, but these bad boys are bone growths that flare up with overuse.

Symptoms:

  • Sharp heel pain

  • Worse after standing or walking

  • May show up on X-rays

🎯 Why it happens: Chronic stress on the heel, especially with poor shock absorption during gait.

🔗 Heel Pain Treatments in Canberra

Explore how our walking-focused therapy reduces heel stress and pain — from the ground up.

5. Athlete’s Foot

Not just for athletes. It’s a fungal free-for-all between your toes.

Symptoms:

  • Itchy, flaky skin

  • Peeling or cracking

  • Redness, especially in sweaty areas

🎯 Why it happens: Moisture + bacteria + tight shoes = fungus party.

While we don’t treat skin infections directly, we do help identify mechanical contributors — like poor toe spread and stuck foot posture that traps moisture and limits recovery.

6. Corns and Calluses

The body’s DIY padding system — except it’s in the wrong spot and hurts.

Symptoms:

  • Thickened skin

  • Tenderness over pressure points

  • A pebble-in-the-shoe sensation

🎯 Why it happens: Excess friction due to altered gait, uneven load, or toe deformities.

🔗 Gait Analysis in Canberra

Find the why behind the wear — and fix the foot mechanics causing the overload.

7. Ingrown Toenails

When your toenail goes rogue and turns into a tiny dagger.

Symptoms:

  • Pain, redness, or pus around the toenail

  • Swelling and tenderness

  • Difficulty walking

🎯 Why it happens: Tight shoes, poor nail trimming, but also? Poor toe-off mechanics and gripping through the toes.

We can’t help you with this one… sorry!

🧠Why Movement Matters for Every Foot Problem

Most treatments only address the symptom — we focus on the system.

At The Body Lab, we:

  • Use gait analysis to reveal the hidden cause of your foot pain

  • Rebuild healthy motion through 3D joint mechanics

  • Offer hands-on therapy + movement drills that stick

  • Design client-specific programs — no copy-paste exercises here

Because fixing feet isn’t just about the foot. It’s about how you walk, move, stand, and live.

📍 Serving Ainslie, Canberra and Surrounds

You’ll find us working with everyone from office workers to barefoot runners, from bunion-battlers to “just-give-me-a-shoe-I-can-walk-in-again” clients.

💬 Ready to Fix Your Feet

Click below to book your Initial Assessment and get a clear plan to move better, not just survive your steps.

👉 Book Now