Why Ignoring Foot Pain is a Bad Idea (And What to Do Instead)

Most of us are guilty of ignoring aches and pains, hoping they’ll just go away. But when it comes to foot and ankle pain, that’s a risky game to play. These are the foundations of your body. If something’s off, it can throw everything else out of balance.

At Epsom Footcare, we see it all the time: people putting up with discomfort for months (sometimes years), only to find out they could have sorted it much sooner. So, let’s talk about common foot and ankle problems, why they happen, and what you can do about them.

Common Foot and Ankle Problems (That You Shouldn’t Ignore)

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to take action.

✅ Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) – A sharp, stabbing pain under your heel, especially first thing in the morning? Likely caused by strain on the tissue under your foot.
✅ Ankle Pain and Instability – Rolling your ankle too often or feeling wobbly? Ligament damage or muscle weakness could be to blame.
✅ Flat Feet and Arch Pain – Some people are born with flat feet but they can also develop over time. Having flat feet is not a condition that requires treatment but they can be a factor in some foot, knee, hip, and even back problems.
✅ Achilles Tendonitis – Sore, stiff Achilles tendon (the thick band at the back of your ankle)? This is common in runners but can affect anyone.
✅ Metatarsalgia (Pain in the Ball of the Foot) – Feels like you’re walking on pebbles? This is often due to pressure on the forefoot and can be made worse by footwear or activity levels.

What Happens if You Ignore It?

Foot and ankle issues don’t always disappear. They can spread. If one part of your foot isn’t working properly, the rest of your body compensates and this can lead to knee, hip, or back pain. The longer you leave it, the harder it is to fix.

Early treatment is almost always quicker, simpler, and less expensive than waiting until the problem gets worse.

What Can a Podiatrist Do?

We are foot and ankle specialists. It’s what we do all day, every day. At Epsom Footcare, we assess how you walk, check for underlying issues, and create a treatment plan that works for you.

That might include:

✔ Custom orthotics – To improve foot function and reduce stress on tissues.
✔ Shockwave therapy – A non-invasive way to reduce stubborn pain and stimulate healing.
✔ Strength and mobility exercises – To fix muscle imbalances and improve function.
✔ Footwear advice – the wrong shoes can be the cause and can make things worse.
✔ Hands-on treatment – To release tight tissues and improve movement.

When Should You See Us?

If your foot or ankle pain has lasted more than a few weeks, isn’t improving, or is stopping you from doing the things you enjoy, book an appointment. There’s no need to wait until you’re limping.

Booking is easy:

💻 Book online
📞 Call us on 01372 723000
📍 Visit us in Epsom