Blog
When to See a Rheumatologist: Key Signs You Need Specialist Care
Have you experienced joint pain that just doesn’t quit? Maybe your fatigue feels deeper than tiredness, or your fingers feel swollen and stiff in
Our feet carry us through every step of our lives, literally. Yet many of us wait until pain stops us in our tracks before giving our feet the attention they deserve. At SFL Medical Group, we encounter a wide range of foot issues that affect people of all ages. Whether you’re a working professional, an athlete, or a senior managing chronic conditions, foot problems can disrupt daily routines and threaten long-term mobility.
We’re unpacking 7 of the most common foot problems we see at our clinics. We’ll help you understand the causes, symptoms, and when it’s time to schedule a visit with a podiatrist.
That stabbing pain in your heel first thing in the morning? You’re not alone. Plantar fasciitis leads the list of foot complaints in the U.S., especially among people who spend long hours standing, walk frequently on hard surfaces, or are physically active.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that gives arch support. When it becomes inflamed or irritated from overuse, unsupported footwear, or flat feet, it causes heel pain, particularly during the first steps after waking or prolonged rest.
We often begin with conservative therapies such as targeted stretching, night splints, and custom orthotics. For chronic cases, we offer advanced treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or shockwave therapy.
Bunions (hallux valgus) often get brushed off as a cosmetic issue, but this bony bump at the base of your big toe can lead to serious pain and joint deformity over time.
If you’re noticing progressive misalignment of your big toe, swelling, or persistent pain while walking, you might be developing a bunion.
Genetics play a major role. But tight, pointy, or high-heeled shoes can exacerbate bunion development, especially in women. They’re also common in people with flat feet or arthritis.
Treatment may include footwear modification, toe spacers, physical therapy, or in advanced cases, bunion surgery with minimal downtime. At SFL Medical Group, we tailor our approach to your lifestyle.
Flat feet or fallen arches can seem harmless, especially in children. But persistent adult flatfoot can lead to muscle fatigue, joint pain, and gait problems.
Step on a paper towel after a shower and look at the print. If the entire sole is visible with little to no curve, you probably have flat feet.
Pain in your arch or heel, swelling along the inside of the ankle, and difficulty walking for long periods are all warning signs.
We can assess the severity and determine whether orthotics, physical therapy, or muscle strengthening exercises can help. In rare cases, surgical correction may be needed.
Though usually not dangerous, corns and calluses can be stubborn, painful, and unsightly. They develop from repeated friction or pressure often from ill-fitting shoes or abnormal walking patterns.
Calluses form on weight-bearing areas like the heel or ball of the foot. Corns tend to form on the tops or sides of toes and may have a small, hard center.
While they’re usually manageable at home with proper foot care, persistent corns or calluses that cause pain, especially in diabetics, need medical evaluation.
We treat the cause, not just the symptom, adjusting footwear, removing pressure points, and addressing underlying biomechanical issues.
Hammertoe is when your toe, usually the second one, bends at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. It may start off flexible, but can become rigid if left untreated.
Anyone who wears tight shoes or has muscle imbalances due to flat feet or arthritis can develop hammertoes.
You may notice increased discomfort when wearing shoes, toe stiffness, or skin irritation. Corns may also develop on the upper part of the bent toe.
We prioritize non-invasive solutions like toe stretching, padding, and wider shoes. In more severe cases, a straightforward surgical correction can offer long-term relief.
Few things bring patients to our office faster than an inflamed, infected ingrown toenail. Often affecting the big toe, this painful condition occurs when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin.
Improper nail trimming, tight shoes, trauma, or natural nail curvature can trigger the problem.
Redness, swelling, pus, and throbbing pain are indicators the ingrown nail has become infected and needs professional care.
We can safely remove the embedded portion under local anesthesia and, if needed, perform a minor procedure to prevent recurrence.
In people with diabetes, foot problems can escalate quickly. Poor blood flow and reduced sensation can turn a small wound into a dangerous ulcer.
We’ve seen how routine foot inspections save limbs. With regular diabetic foot exams and prompt care, our team helps prevent complications like infections, neuropathy, or amputations.
We offer a full spectrum of diabetic foot care, from wound management and pressure offloading to custom footwear and vascular assessments.
While occasional soreness is normal, persistent or worsening foot pain isn’t. See a podiatrist if you notice:
At SFL Medical Group, we work as an integrated team of specialists, offering diagnostics and treatments tailored to your needs. We believe foot health is essential not optional.
Good foot habits can go a long way. Here’s what we recommend:
Your feet are your foundation, treat them with the care they deserve.
By identifying foot problems early and seeking proper medical guidance, we can restore comfort and mobility, one step at a time. If you’re experiencing any of the conditions above, let us help you move forward with confidence. Click here to contact us for an appointment.
More To Explore
Have you experienced joint pain that just doesn’t quit? Maybe your fatigue feels deeper than tiredness, or your fingers feel swollen and stiff in
Understanding 7 Common Foot Problems and how to treat them Our feet carry us through every step of our lives, literally. Yet many of us
©2025 South Florida Multispecialty Medical Group. All Rights Reserved.