Knowing when to see a podiatrist isn’t always obvious — most people wait far too long…. I say that not to be preachy about it — I’ve done it myself. There’s always a reason to hold off: it’s probably nothing, it’ll sort itself out, I’ll see how it goes next week. And sometimes it does sort itself out. But often it doesn’t, and a problem that would have been straightforward to deal with in February is a much bigger project by April.
So here are ten signs that it’s time to stop waiting and book an appointment. No referral needed — you can go straight to a private podiatrist.
1. You have pain that’s been there for more than a few weeks
Foot pain that hangs around isn’t normal, even if you’ve got used to it. Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, pain in the ball of the foot, pain along the arch — these things don’t tend to resolve on their own once they’ve settled in. A podiatrist can diagnose what’s actually going on and give you a proper plan rather than you just hoping it’ll improve.
2. You have diabetes and haven’t had a foot check in the last year
This one isn’t optional — it’s genuinely important. Diabetes affects circulation and sensation in the feet, which means small problems can escalate quickly and without warning. Annual foot checks are recommended for anyone with diabetes, and if you’re not currently getting them, booking a private podiatrist is a very good use of an hour.
3. You have an ingrown toenail that keeps coming back (or is infected)
The occasional ingrown toenail that sorts itself out with careful management is one thing. One that’s recurring, persistently painful, or has become infected is quite another — and this is exactly what podiatrists treat, often very quickly. Nail surgery under local anaesthetic sounds alarming but is genuinely minor and remarkably effective. Continuing to struggle with it at home is usually not the answer.
4. You’ve tried over-the-counter treatments for verrucas, corns or fungal nails and they’re not working
There’s a ceiling on what you can achieve with pharmacy products, and plenty of people hit that ceiling without realising it’s the treatment rather than them that’s the problem. If you’ve been applying Bazuka or Wartner for three months and the verruca is still very much present, it’s time to let someone with better tools have a look. The same goes for stubborn corns and fungal nails that haven’t shifted despite months of treatment.
5. Your feet or ankles feel numb, tingly, or cold regularly
Numbness, tingling, or persistent coldness in the feet can indicate circulatory problems or nerve issues — neither of which should be ignored. This is particularly worth acting on quickly if you have diabetes or a cardiovascular condition, but it’s worth investigating for anyone. A podiatrist can carry out an assessment and refer you on if something needs further investigation.
6. You’ve changed how you walk because of foot pain
If you’ve started limping, favouring one side, or adjusting your gait to avoid pain, that’s your body compensating — and compensation has a habit of creating new problems in your knees, hips, and lower back. The longer it goes on, the harder it is to unravel. A podiatrist can assess what’s driving the change and address the underlying cause rather than just the symptom.
7. You have a wound or sore on your foot that isn’t healing
For most people this means a GP appointment as well as a podiatrist, but a wound that isn’t progressing after a week or two is not something to leave. For anyone with diabetes or poor circulation, this is urgent — contact your GP or diabetes care team promptly, and don’t wait for a routine appointment.
8. You’re getting recurring blisters, calluses or corns in the same spots
Recurrence in the same place is a signal, not just bad luck. It usually means there’s a pressure or gait issue creating the problem repeatedly — and treating the blister or corn without addressing the cause just starts the cycle again. A podiatrist can identify what’s driving it and — in the case of calluses and corns — provide relief that lasts rather than temporary fixes.
9. You’ve been told you have flat feet, high arches, or bunions — and you’re getting pain
A diagnosis is one thing; doing something about it is another. Flat feet, high arches, and bunions don’t automatically cause problems — but when they do, a podiatrist can assess how your foot mechanics are contributing to the pain and look at what will actually help, whether that’s orthotics, footwear changes, or something else. Carrying on with the wrong footwear and hoping for the best usually isn’t a long-term strategy.
10. You just haven’t had a proper foot check in years and you’re over 60
This last one doesn’t need a specific symptom. Feet change with age — skin becomes more fragile, circulation can be less efficient, nails can thicken and become harder to manage, and conditions that were minor can become more significant. If you’re over 60 and can’t remember the last time anyone looked properly at your feet, booking a podiatrist for a general check is just sensible preventive care. You might come away with nothing more than reassurance and a bit of hard skin dealt with — and that’s a perfectly good outcome.
One more thing
A private podiatry appointment doesn’t need a GP referral — you can book directly. Most appointments are 30–45 minutes, and a first appointment will usually include a proper assessment of what’s going on alongside any treatment. If you’re on the fence, it’s worth going if only to rule things out.
The information in this post is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment of foot conditions.
