Podiatry Archives | Dubai Podiatry Centre

24/Oct/2026

Most people wear conventional socks without giving much thought to what happens between their toes.

However, the spaces between our toes are one of the areas of the feet most likely to trap moisture, sweat and dead skin cells.

This is particularly common in hot climates such as Dubai, in people who sweat excessively, and in those whose toes are naturally positioned very close together.

At Dubai Podiatry Centre, we recommend considering five toe socks as a simple way to improve daily foot hygiene, particularly for patients who experience excessive moisture between their toes.

1. Why Is Hygiene Between the Toes So Important?

When toes are pressed together, the skin surfaces remain in constant contact.

During the day, perspiration can become trapped in these small spaces, particularly when wearing enclosed shoes for long periods.

This can create an environment where moisture accumulates, the skin becomes softened, and dead skin cells collect.

Warm, damp conditions encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria.

One of the most common infections affecting the spaces between the toes is athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis.

Symptoms can include itching, peeling skin, white softened skin, cracking, redness and an unpleasant odour.

Keeping the skin between the toes clean and dry is an important part of reducing the risk of these problems.

2. What Makes Toe Socks Different?

Unlike conventional socks, toe socks have five individual compartments, one for each toe.

This simple design creates a fabric barrier between neighbouring toes.

Rather than allowing the skin of one toe to remain pressed directly against the next, each toe is individually covered.

This can provide several benefits.

Improved moisture management

Moisture wicking toe socks can help absorb and move perspiration away from the skin between the toes

Reduced skin contact

The fabric separates neighbouring toes and reduces direct skin contact

Reduced friction

Individual toe compartments may help reduce rubbing between adjacent toes, particularly during walking, running and hiking

Improved hygiene

The fabric may collect some shed skin cells and moisture, which are then removed when the socks are taken off and washed

Greater comfort

For people with closely positioned toes, a correctly fitted toe sock can provide a comfortable barrier between the skin surfaces

The most important benefit is the potential to maintain a drier environment between the toes.

Although toe socks may help reduce moisture and friction, clinical evidence that they dramatically reduce fungal infection rates is limited. Good foot hygiene, properly fitting footwear and changing damp socks remain essential.

3. Toe Socks in Hot Weather

Living in a hot climate can make it particularly difficult to keep feet dry.

In Dubai, many people spend the day moving between hot outdoor temperatures and air conditioned indoor environments.

Feet can perspire inside enclosed shoes, particularly during walking, exercise or long working days.

For patients who experience excessive sweating, toe socks made from breathable, moisture wicking fabrics can be particularly useful.

By placing fabric between each toe, moisture can be absorbed and transferred away from the skin more effectively than when damp skin surfaces remain directly in contact.

However, socks must be changed when they become damp. No sock can keep the feet completely dry if perspiration is excessive.

4. Toe Socks and Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that commonly develops between the fourth and fifth toes, although other spaces can also be affected.

Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments.

When toes remain pressed together, the skin between them can stay damp for prolonged periods.

Toe socks may help by reducing direct skin contact and managing moisture between the toes.

For patients who repeatedly develop athlete’s foot, we recommend paying particular attention to daily hygiene.

Wash your feet regularly, dry carefully between every toe, wear clean moisture wicking socks and allow shoes to dry between uses.

Toe socks can be part of this routine.

Important: Toe socks do not treat an existing fungal infection. If you have athlete’s foot, appropriate antifungal treatment may still be required.

5. Learning to Put On Toe Socks

One of the most common comments we hear is that toe socks take longer to put on than conventional socks.

This is completely normal.

With regular socks, you simply slide your foot inside.

With toe socks, each toe needs to be guided into its own compartment.

Initially, this can feel a little awkward.

However, after approximately two to four weeks of regular use, many people develop a technique that makes the process much easier.

It may take a minute rather than a few seconds, but the additional effort can be worthwhile for the comfort and hygiene benefits.

A useful technique is to sit comfortably, gather the sock towards the toe compartments, guide each toe into position and then pull the remaining fabric gently over the foot.

Make sure that the fabric is not tightly stretched between the toes.

6. Toe Socks Can Encourage Flexibility and Agility

There is another interesting benefit to putting on toe socks.

The process encourages you to bend comfortably towards your feet, coordinate your hands and toes, and maintain a degree of flexibility.

As we get older, maintaining the ability to reach our feet is important for personal hygiene, toenail care and independence.

If you notice that reaching your feet is becoming increasingly difficult, it may be worth considering whether changes in mobility, flexibility or body weight are contributing.

Gradual weight gain around the abdomen can sometimes make it more difficult to reach the toes.

However, difficulty putting on socks is not a reliable measure of obesity. Joint stiffness, back pain, reduced flexibility and other conditions can also affect this movement.

If you are concerned about changes in your weight, waist measurement or mobility, a healthcare professional can help you assess these appropriately.

The important point is that maintaining flexibility and the ability to care for your feet is a valuable part of healthy ageing.

7. Toe Socks for Hiking and Long Distance Walking

Toe socks can be particularly useful for hiking, especially when walking for several hours.

During long walks, repeated friction between the toes can cause irritation and blisters.

Some people also experience pressure from their toenails against neighbouring toes, particularly when walking downhill.

A correctly fitted toe sock creates a fabric barrier between the toes and may help reduce this rubbing.

For longer hikes, an additional cushioned outer sock can sometimes provide extra comfort.

Our Recommended Hiking Sock Combination

First layer: Five toe socks

Choose a thin, breathable toe sock that fits comfortably around each individual toe.

This helps separate the toes and manage moisture between them.

Second layer: Cushioned hiking socks

Wear a soft, cushioned hiking sock over the toe socks.

Some diabetic style socks have smooth seams, gentle cuffs and generous cushioning, making them comfortable options for certain walkers.

However, not all diabetic socks are suitable for hiking, so choose a design with appropriate moisture management, fit and durability.

Third layer: Properly fitted hiking boots

The hiking boot must have sufficient space to accommodate both layers of socks without compressing the toes.

This combination may help reduce friction and provide additional cushioning, particularly during long walks.

8. Why Wearing Two Conventional Socks May Cause Problems

Wearing two pairs of conventional socks is not always beneficial.

If the socks are thick or the shoes are too narrow, the additional fabric can compress the toes together.

This may increase pressure and friction, creating discomfort and potentially contributing to blisters.

If moisture becomes trapped, the skin may also remain damp for longer periods.

For people who prefer two layers of socks, using a thin toe sock as the first layer can be a useful alternative.

The individual toe compartments create a barrier between neighbouring toes, while the outer sock provides additional cushioning.

However, double layering is not necessary for everyone. A single well fitted technical hiking sock may work equally well or better.

The best choice is the combination that keeps your feet comfortable, dry and free from excessive pressure.

9. Choosing the Correct Hiking Boot Size

If you decide to wear toe socks underneath a second pair of hiking socks, your hiking boots must accommodate the additional fabric.

A boot that fits perfectly with one thin sock may become too tight when two layers are worn.

This is particularly important around the toes.

Excessive compression can cause pain, blisters, numbness and toenail injuries.

When purchasing hiking boots, take the exact sock combination you intend to wear and try the boots on with both layers.

Check that your toes can move comfortably, your heel remains secure and your toes do not strike the front of the boot when walking downhill.

Some people may need a larger or wider boot, but there is no universal requirement to increase by two and a half shoe sizes.

Increasing the length excessively can create heel movement, instability and additional friction.

The correct boot is the one that fits your foot and chosen socks properly, not simply a predetermined larger shoe size.

10. How Often Should You Change Your Toe Socks?

For good foot hygiene, toe socks should generally be changed every day.

If you sweat excessively, exercise or spend long periods in hot conditions, you may need to change them more frequently.

Wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions and allow them to dry completely before wearing them again.

Avoid wearing damp socks and make sure your shoes have adequate time to dry between uses.

If you are prone to athlete’s foot, inspect the skin between your toes regularly for redness, peeling, cracks or white softened skin.

People with diabetes, neuropathy or poor circulation should seek professional advice about appropriate socks and footwear, particularly if there are any areas of skin damage.

Our Advice at Dubai Podiatry Centre

Sometimes, improving foot hygiene does not require complicated treatment.

A simple change in the type of socks you wear can make a meaningful difference to comfort and moisture management.

Five toe socks provide a fabric barrier between neighbouring toes, helping to reduce direct skin contact, manage perspiration and minimise friction.

They can be particularly useful in hot climates, for people with closely positioned toes, and during activities such as hiking and long distance walking.

When combined with good daily foot hygiene, appropriate footwear and regular sock changes, they can be a valuable addition to your foot care routine.

Healthy feet begin with simple daily habits, and keeping the spaces between your toes clean and dry is one of them.

Dubai Podiatry Centre

Specialist Foot Care, Foot Hygiene and Biomechanical Assessment

www.dubaipodiatry.com

This article provides general educational information and does not replace an individual clinical assessment.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

24/Oct/2026

Are you experiencing heel pain when you first get out of bed, after standing for long periods, or towards the end of a busy working day? You may be suffering from plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel and arch pain.

The good news is that there are several simple treatments you can do at home to help relieve discomfort and support your recovery.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a strong band of connective tissue that runs underneath your foot, connecting the heel bone to the front of the foot. It helps support the arches of your foot and distributes pressure when you stand, walk and run.

When the plantar fascia is repeatedly placed under excessive tensile stress (stretching and pulling forces), it can become irritated and painful.

This may cause:

Pain underneath the heel, particularly with your first steps in the morning
Discomfort along the arch or middle of the foot
Pain after prolonged standing or walking
Occasionally, discomfort extending towards the inner side of the ankle

Although commonly called plantar fasciitis, persistent cases may involve degenerative changes in the fascia rather than inflammation alone.

Why Does Plantar Fasciitis Develop?

At Dubai Podiatry Centre, we pay particular attention to the structural alignment of the feet and ankles.

Three important factors can contribute to increased stress on the plantar fascia:

1. Excessive pronation (hyperpronation)

When the foot rolls excessively inwards during standing or walking, it may increase the tensile load on the plantar fascia.

2. Collapse of the medial longitudinal arch

When the arch along the inside of the foot lowers excessively under weight-bearing pressure, the plantar fascia may be placed under additional strain.

3. Reduced support through the transverse forefoot arch

Changes in forefoot loading and transverse arch support can alter how pressure is distributed through the foot and may contribute to mechanical stress.

Not every patient with plantar fasciitis has these structural problems. Some patients develop symptoms simply because they have been standing for unusually long periods.

Can Plantar Fasciitis Go Away by Itself?

Yes. Some episodes of plantar heel pain are associated with a temporary increase in activity or prolonged standing.

For example:

Soldiers on parade: Standing for extended periods without much movement
Hairdressers: Working exceptionally long days during busy seasons
Chefs: Standing for 12–16 hours during festive periods or special events
Retail and hospitality workers: Spending much longer on their feet than usual.

When symptoms are caused by a temporary increase in physical load, they may improve within a few weeks once normal activity levels resume.

However, plantar fasciitis can also last several months. If symptoms persist beyond four weeks, or are getting worse, a podiatric assessment is advisable.

Where structural misalignment is contributing to ongoing strain, corrective orthotics may be recommended to support the arches and improve foot and ankle mechanics. Many patients improve over approximately 12–14 weeks with an appropriate treatment programme, although recovery times vary.

Six Home Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

1. Warm and Cool Contrast Foot Baths

Contrast foot baths can be a soothing treatment after a long day of standing.

How to do it:

1. Prepare one basin with warm water at approximately 42°C and another with cool water at approximately 22°C
2. Place your feet in the warm water for one minute
3. Transfer them to the cool water for one minute
4. Repeat this cycle five times

Total treatment time: 10 minutes.

Alternating warm and cool temperatures produces changes in superficial circulation and may provide temporary comfort. However, there is limited evidence that contrast baths accelerate plantar fascia healing or remove inflammatory waste products.

Important: Avoid contrast baths if you have diabetes-related loss of sensation, poor circulation, neuropathy or difficulty sensing water temperature. Always check that the water is comfortable and not excessively hot.

2. Massage Your Feet With Cork Roller Balls

Cork massage balls are a simple way to massage the underside of the foot and relieve muscle tension.

Small cork ball: Use gentle circular movements around the fleshy heel pad, avoiding excessive pressure directly over a painful point.

Medium cork ball: Roll slowly underneath the medial arch to massage the soft tissues.

Large cork ball: Use broader rolling movements along the arch and underside of the foot.

Spend approximately 1–2 minutes on each area, using gentle pressure.

Massage should feel comfortable, not painful. Avoid aggressive rolling if your heel is particularly sensitive.

3. Strengthen Your Feet With Towel-Scrunching Exercises

The small intrinsic muscles underneath your feet contribute to foot stability and arch support.

How to do it:

1. Sit comfortably in a chair with your feet flat on the floor
2. Place a small towel in front of your foot
3. Use your toes to scrunch the towel towards you
4. Continue until you have gathered the towel underneath your foot
5. Repeat 5–10 times on each foot, as comfortable

This exercise helps activate the small muscles that support the foot. Start gently and stop if it increases your heel pain.

4. Roll Your Foot Over a Chilled Water Bottle

After a long day of standing, a chilled water bottle can provide welcome relief.

How to do it:

1. Place a 300 ml plastic water bottle in the refrigerator
2. Sit comfortably in a chair
3. Place the bottle underneath your arch
4. Slowly roll your foot backwards and forwards from the arch towards the heel
5. Continue gently for approximately 3 to 5 minutes

A bottle from the refrigerator is preferable to a frozen bottle because it provides gentler cooling without exposing the skin to extreme cold.

The cooling and gentle massage may temporarily reduce pain after prolonged standing.

5. Support Your Foot With Plantar Fascia Tape

Supportive taping can help reduce strain on the plantar fascia during daily activities.

Footerella plantar fascia support tape is designed as a convenient, single-piece application that can be worn during the day.

When applied correctly, supportive taping may help maintain a more comfortable foot position and reduce excessive mechanical loading.

Apply the tape to clean, dry skin in the morning, following the product instructions. Remove it if you experience itching, redness, irritation, numbness or discomfort.

Taping provides temporary support but does not replace corrective orthotics when a significant biomechanical problem requires longer-term management.

6. Choose the Right Socks and Shoes

Footwear can make a significant difference to plantar heel pain.

Soft, cushioned socks

Thick, fluffy, diabetic-style cushioned socks can provide additional comfort and reduce pressure beneath the heel. Choose socks without restrictive seams or tight elastic.

Soft, cushioned shoes

Shoes with adequate heel cushioning may help reduce discomfort, particularly when standing on hard floors.

However, there is an important distinction between cushioning and structural support.

If your feet are neutrally aligned, a comfortable cushioned shoe may provide sufficient relief.

If you have significant hyperpronation or arch instability, a very soft, flexible shoe may not provide enough support and could allow excessive movement.

In these cases, a more supportive shoe combined with appropriately prescribed corrective orthotics may be beneficial.

When Are Corrective Orthotics Needed?

If plantar fasciitis persists, it is important to identify whether the pain is being maintained by abnormal foot mechanics.

At Dubai Podiatry Centre, we assess:

Foot and ankle alignment
Medial longitudinal arch function
Transverse forefoot loading
Excessive pronation and other biomechanical abnormalities
Walking patterns and pressure distribution

Where clinically indicated, custom corrective orthotics can be designed to support the medial arch, redistribute forefoot pressure and improve the alignment of the foot and ankle.

The aim is to reduce excessive tensile stress on the plantar fascia so that the irritated tissues have an opportunity to recover.

Orthotics are not necessary for every patient, and treatment may also include targeted stretching, strengthening exercises, footwear modification and activity management.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery depends on the underlying cause, how long symptoms have been present, and whether excessive mechanical loading continues.

A mild episode associated with unusual standing may improve within several weeks.

For persistent plantar fasciitis, improvement may occur over 12–14 weeks with appropriate treatment, although some patients need considerably longer.

The key is not simply to relieve the pain temporarily, but to address the factors placing repeated stress on the plantar fascia.

Our Advice at Dubai Podiatry Centre

If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, start with simple home treatments: gentle massage, chilled bottle rolling, foot-strengthening exercises, comfortable footwear and appropriate support.

If your pain persists, returns repeatedly, or interferes with normal walking, arrange a podiatric assessment to identify the underlying cause.

Seek medical attention sooner if you have severe pain, significant swelling, redness, fever, numbness, an injury, or difficulty bearing weight.

Dubai Podiatry Centre

Helping patients understand their foot structure, improve their alignment and walk comfortably.

Website: www.dubaipodiatry.com

This article provides general educational information and does not replace an individual clinical assessment.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

24/Oct/2026

Many people believe that ingrown toenails are simply caused by cutting the nail incorrectly. While this can occasionally happen, the vast majority of recurring ingrown toenails have a much more fundamental cause: the nail is simply too wide for the toe that it is growing on.

The Nail Is Often Too Wide for the Toe

In many patients, the toenail is naturally much wider than the available width of the toe. To fit into this limited space, the nail gradually curves more and more as it grows.

A healthy toenail should have only a gentle curve, rather like an upside-down dinner plate. However, when the nail becomes excessively curved, more like an upside-down soup bowl, the edges begin to press deeply into the surrounding skin. This is when pain, inflammation and recurrent ingrown toenails develop.

Side and front view of an ingrown toenail demonstrating the curved nail growing into the skin and causing chronic pain. Educational illustration showing why ingrown toenails recur and how permanent treatment can prevent future problems

Fan-Shaped Toenails

Another common cause is what podiatrists describe as a fan-shaped toenail.

With a fan-shaped nail, the visible nail root, near the cuticle, appears relatively narrow, but the nail becomes progressively wider towards the tip of the toe. As the nail widens, there is simply not enough room for it within the soft tissues, causing the edges to dig into the skin.

These nails frequently become ingrown, regardless of how carefully they are trimmed.

Why Cutting the Sides Is Only a Temporary Fix

Many people seek immediate relief by having the sides of the nail cut away during a pedicure or medical pedicure.

Although this often relieves the pain temporarily, it rarely solves the underlying problem.

When the edge of the nail is removed, the surrounding skin naturally plumps up and heals into the empty space. However, the nail root continues producing the same wide nail as before. As it grows forward, it now has to push through this newly thickened tissue, which often becomes even more painful than before.

This creates a frustrating cycle:

Pain develops
The sides are trimmed
The skin heals and thickens
The wide nail grows back
The pain returns

Many patients find themselves needing treatment every one to three months simply to remain comfortable.

Top and front view of an ingrown toenail showing the nail edge growing into the surrounding skin, causing pain and inflammation. Educational image explaining the causes of recurring ingrown toenails and permanent treatment by Dubai Podiatry Centre

The Protective Skin Along the Nail Edge

The firm skin that develops alongside the nail is often viewed as something that should be removed. In reality, it serves an important purpose.

Repeated pressure from the nail causes the body to build a stronger, tougher strip of skin, almost like a protective railway track guiding the nail as it grows.

During aggressive pedicures, this protective tissue is often removed together with the nail edge. Without this natural barrier, the sharp edge of the nail can penetrate the softer skin even more easily, increasing the likelihood of another painful ingrown toenail.

Why We Do Not Recommend Lifelong Trimming

At Dubai Podiatry Centre, we do not recommend relying on repeated trimming of the nail edges as a long-term treatment.

While regular trimming may temporarily relieve symptoms, it does not change the width of the nail growing from the root. The underlying problem remains, meaning patients often become dependent on frequent medical pedicures or painful salon treatments for years.

The Gold Standard: Partial Nail Avulsion with Phenolisation

For patients who repeatedly suffer from ingrown toenails, the most predictable long-term solution is a partial nail avulsion with phenolisation.

During this procedure:

Only the problematic edge of the nail is removed
Phenol is carefully applied to permanently stop that narrow strip of nail from regrowing
The remaining nail continues to grow normally

Because the nail is permanently made slightly narrower, it can fit comfortably within the toe without curling into the surrounding skin.

When performed by an experienced podiatrist, only the minimum amount of nail necessary is removed. This provides a permanent solution while maintaining a natural, aesthetically pleasing appearance.

What About Nail Braces?

Nail braces can temporarily flatten a curved toenail and may provide symptom relief in selected cases.

However, they do not change the actual width of the nail.

In patients whose nails are naturally too wide or fan-shaped, flattening the nail often reveals just how wide it really is. After wearing a brace for one to two years, with replacements every one to three months, the nail frequently returns to its original curved shape once the brace is no longer used.

For this reason, nail braces are generally not considered a permanent solution when the underlying problem is excessive nail width.

Not Every Ingrown Toenail Needs Surgery

Fortunately, not every painful toenail requires a permanent procedure.

Sometimes the discomfort is caused by a tiny nail spike that has broken off during nail cutting. This small fragment may be almost invisible and can work its way into the skin, causing significant pain.

Once this nail spike is removed, the problem is usually resolved and may never happen again.

When Should You Consider Permanent Treatment?

If your ingrown toenail keeps returning every one to three months, despite repeated trimming or pedicures, it is likely that the underlying nail shape, not your nail cutting technique, is responsible.

In these cases, a partial nail avulsion with phenolisation offers the most reliable long-term solution, allowing patients to return to comfortable walking without the need for repeated painful treatments.

At Dubai Podiatry Centre, we carefully assess the shape and width of every toenail before recommending treatment. Our aim is always to provide the smallest correction necessary to permanently eliminate pain while preserving the natural appearance of the toenail.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

24/Oct/2026

Are you experiencing foot pain, heel pain, arch pain, knee pain, or lower back pain? The underlying cause may be the way your feet are aligned. Flat feet (pes planus), overpronation (feet rolling inward), and supination (feet rolling outward) can affect your entire body, leading to discomfort, poor posture, and inefficient walking.

At Dubai Podiatry Centre, our experienced podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating flat feet, overpronation, and other biomechanical foot problems using advanced assessment techniques and custom-made orthotics.

Common Symptoms of Flat Feet and Overpronation

Poor foot alignment can contribute to:

Flat feet (fallen arches)
Heel pain
Plantar fasciitis
Arch pain
Corns and calluses
Bunions
Ankle instability
Knee pain
Hip pain
Lower back pain
Foot fatigue
Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
Sports and running injuries

Comprehensive Biomechanical Assessment

At Dubai Podiatry Centre, we perform a detailed biomechanical assessment to identify the cause of your symptoms. Your assessment may include:

Foot posture evaluation
Gait analysis (walking assessment)
Digital foot impressions
Foot alignment assessment
Lower limb biomechanics evaluation
Custom orthotic assessment

This allows us to accurately diagnose the source of your pain and recommend the most effective treatment.

How Custom Orthotics Help Flat Feet

Our custom orthotics (medical shoe insoles) are individually designed to support your feet and restore proper alignment. They can help:

Correct overpronation and excessive foot rolling
Support flat feet and fallen arches
Improve foot posture and body alignment
Redistribute pressure across the feet
Reduce heel, arch, knee, hip, and back pain
Improve walking, standing, and athletic performance
Prevent further foot and lower limb injuries

Unlike over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics are made specifically for your feet, providing targeted support and long-term comfort.

Watch the Video

Watch our video to see how custom orthotics can immediately improve foot alignment by correcting excessive inward or outward foot movement. Proper foot support can reduce pain, improve balance, and help you move more comfortably every day.

If you have flat feet, overpronation, heel pain, or recurring foot discomfort, book a biomechanical assessment with the specialists at Dubai Podiatry Centre. Our expert podiatrists will determine whether custom orthotics are the right solution to improve your foot health and overall mobility.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

24/Oct/2026

One of the most common questions we hear at Dubai Podiatry Centre is: “Why won’t my nail fungus clear, even though I’ve tried home remedies?”

The answer is that not all fungal nail infections are the same.

Different types of nail fungus affect different parts of the toenail, and each type requires a different treatment approach. This is why a treatment that works for one person may have little or no effect for another.

Why home remedies often fail to cure nail fungus showing fungal infections in the nail root, under the nail, superficial nail fungus, and nail plate with appropriate treatment options

Superficial White Nail Fungus

One of the easiest types of fungal infection to treat is superficial white fungal infection.

This commonly develops in warm, humid conditions inside closed footwear and under nail polish. The fungus affects only the surface of the nail and often appears as white, chalky or powdery patches on the top of the toenail.

Because the infection is only on the surface, the affected layer can often be gently reduced with professional nail filing or careful buffing, allowing a topical antifungal nail lacquer to reach the remaining fungus more effectively.

As the nail gradually grows out, the healthy nail replaces the infected portion.

Fungus Growing Beneath the Nail

A more difficult type of fungal infection develops underneath the nail plate.

This is commonly associated with a widespread fungal skin infection affecting the sole of the foot, often referred to as moccasin-type athlete’s foot. The fungus can spread beneath the toenail, where it becomes protected by the thick nail plate.

When the fungus is trapped underneath the nail, simply painting antifungal medication onto the surface often has limited success because the medication cannot adequately reach the infection.

Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment may involve oral antifungal medication, careful reduction of the thickened nail, or, in selected cases, nail avulsion of the toenail to allow direct treatment of the underlying nail bed as the new nail grows.

Following nail removal, the smaller toenails generally regrow in approximately three months, while the big toenail may take anywhere from six months to one year to fully regrow.

Fungus That Reaches the Nail Root

In some patients, the fungal infection extends into the nail root (matrix), where the nail is produced.

When this occurs, oral antifungal medication is often recommended because the medication reaches the growing nail through the bloodstream, allowing the new nail to grow free of infection.

If there is also extensive fungal material trapped beneath a thick or damaged nail plate, reducing or removing the affected nail may be recommended to improve access for topical treatment and encourage healthy nail regrowth.

When Oral Medication Is Not Suitable

Before prescribing oral antifungal medication, liver function blood tests are often performed to ensure the medication can be taken safely.

Occasionally, these tests identify previously undiagnosed liver abnormalities. In these situations, even patients who feel completely healthy may not be suitable candidates for oral antifungal medication.

For these patients, treatment may focus on physical methods, including removal of the infected toenail where appropriate, combined with topical antifungal medication applied directly to the exposed nail bed after healing. This allows the new nail to grow in an environment with a much lower fungal burden.

Why Professional Assessment Matters

Many people spend months or even years trying home remedies without success, simply because they are treating a different type of fungal infection.

Successful treatment begins with identifying exactly where the fungus is located, whether it is on the surface of the nail, beneath the nail plate, or involving the nail root.

Once the type and stage of the infection have been identified, the most appropriate treatment plan can be chosen, giving the best opportunity for healthy, fungus-free nail growth.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

24/Oct/2026

One of the most common questions patients ask at Dubai Podiatry Centre is:

“Am I too old to treat my flat feet?”

The simple answer is no.

Many people believe that flat feet can only be treated during childhood and that once you become an adult, nothing more can be done. Fortunately, this is one of the biggest misconceptions we hear in clinic.

Not Everyone Diagnosed with Flat Feet Actually Has Flat Feet

There are several different types of flat feet, but the most common condition we see is not a true flat foot at all.

In many cases, the ankle leans inwards, causing the arch to collapse under body weight. The arch then appears flat, even though the foot itself still has the ability to regain its natural shape once the ankle is correctly aligned.

Rather than thinking of the foot as permanently flat, it is often more accurate to think of it as an arch that has collapsed because the ankle is no longer supporting it correctly.

Adult flat feet before and after custom orthotics showing improved heel alignment and foot posture

Child with flat feet before and after podiatry treatment using custom orthotics showing corrected heel alignment

Adult Treatment Can Actually Be Faster

Many people are surprised when we explain that correcting this type of flat foot can actually progress faster in adults than in children.

Children have high levels of human growth hormone, which keeps their ligaments soft, flexible and easy to manipulate. This makes repositioning the bones relatively straightforward and usually very comfortable.

However, because the ligaments are constantly growing and remodelling, they often take longer to adapt and stabilise in their new position. For this reason, children commonly progress through each stage of treatment over approximately three to six months.

Adults are different.

Adult ligaments are firmer and less elastic, so there can be slightly more resistance when repositioning the foot. For this reason, we usually make smaller adjustments at each stage.

Once the bones have been repositioned, however, the adult foot often adapts surprisingly quickly. Instead of waiting three to six months between stages, many adults can progress every one to three months, allowing treatment to advance more rapidly.

Similar to Orthodontic Braces

A useful comparison is orthodontic braces for the teeth.

Most people understand that braces are not just for children. Adults successfully wear braces every day to gradually reposition their teeth into better alignment.

Corrective orthotics work on a similar principle.

Instead of moving teeth, they gently reposition the bones of the feet and ankles in carefully planned stages. As the alignment improves, the arch is supported more effectively and, in suitable cases, the foot can gradually regain a healthier arch shape.

Each new stage builds upon the previous one, allowing gradual correction rather than trying to make one large adjustment all at once.

It’s Never Too Late to Have an Assessment

If you have been told you have flat feet, it does not necessarily mean your feet are permanently flat.

The first step is determining why your arch has collapsed. For many patients, the underlying issue is ankle alignment rather than the shape of the foot itself.

With the correct diagnosis and a staged treatment plan, adults can often achieve significant improvements in foot alignment, comfort and function.

So if you’ve been wondering whether you’ve left it too late to treat your flat feet, the answer may be much more encouraging than you expected.

At Dubai Podiatry Centre, we regularly assess both children and adults and develop personalised treatment plans based on the specific cause of each patient’s foot alignment, because no two cases of flat feet are exactly the same.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

24/Oct/2026

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. People typically notice it when they take their first steps out of bed in the morning or when they stand after sitting for a prolonged period. The pain often eases after walking for a few minutes, only to return again after periods of rest.

What is the plantar fascia?

The plantar fascia is a strong band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone (calcaneus) to the base of the toes. Its primary function is to help support the arch of the foot.

When you walk, run or land from a jump, the plantar fascia becomes tensioned, helping the arch maintain its shape and absorb forces. Without this support, the bones of the midfoot would be subjected to much greater mechanical stress.

A healthy plantar fascia is not designed to remain under constant tension. Instead, it should be relatively relaxed at rest and become taut only when required during movement and weight-bearing activities.

Why does plantar fasciitis develop?

The term plantar fasciitis literally means inflammation associated with the plantar fascia. Although the pain is felt in the heel, the discomfort is usually concentrated where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone.

Rather than viewing plantar fasciitis as simply an isolated heel problem, it is often more helpful to consider why the plantar fascia has become overloaded in the first place.

In many people, the ligaments and muscles of the foot provide enough stability to support the arch without excessive strain on the plantar fascia. However, if the alignment of the foot changes, the plantar fascia may remain under tension for much longer than it was designed to.

One of the most common contributing factors is excessive pronation of the foot and ankle. As the foot rolls inward, the plantar fascia may become progressively tensioned throughout standing and walking instead of only during the phases when it is normally required.

An easy way to understand the problem

Imagine holding a single strand of long hair with a heavy weight attached to the end.

The hair itself is not painful.

The pain would occur where the hair is anchored into the scalp because that attachment point is constantly being pulled.

Once the weight is removed, the strain at the attachment point disappears.

The plantar fascia behaves in a similar way. The discomfort usually develops where the fascia attaches into the heel bone rather than within the fascia itself. If excessive tension continues day after day, this attachment site can become irritated and painful.

Why is the pain worse in the morning?

Many people notice that the first few steps in the morning are the most painful.

After sleeping or sitting for a prolonged period, blood flow and tissue fluid movement slow down. When the foot is suddenly loaded, the already irritated attachment of the plantar fascia is placed under tension again, producing the characteristic sharp heel pain.

As you begin walking, the calf muscles act as a pump, improving circulation through the lower leg and foot. This often reduces discomfort temporarily, which explains why many people feel better after several minutes of walking.

Treating the cause—not just the symptoms

While heel cushions, supportive insoles and stretching programmes may provide symptom relief for some individuals, long-term improvement depends on identifying and correcting the mechanical cause of the overload.

If excessive pronation or another alignment abnormality is placing unnecessary tension on the plantar fascia, simply adding cushioning beneath the heel may not adequately address the underlying problem.

A corrective orthotic is designed to improve foot and ankle alignment rather than simply support the arch. Because every person walks differently, the correction required for the left foot is often different from that required for the right foot. The amount of correction should therefore be individually prescribed.

As the abnormal strain on the plantar fascia is reduced over time, the attachment at the heel is given the opportunity to recover, allowing symptoms to gradually settle while also addressing the underlying biomechanical problem that contributed to the condition.

The key message

Plantar fasciitis should not simply be viewed as inflammation of the heel. In many cases, it is the result of an underlying mechanical imbalance that places excessive and prolonged tension on the plantar fascia where it attaches to the heel bone.

Successful long-term treatment focuses on identifying the biomechanical cause, correcting the alignment of the foot and ankle, and reducing the abnormal forces responsible for the condition. By addressing the underlying mechanics rather than simply cushioning the symptoms, many patients can achieve lasting relief and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

24/Oct/2026

Before and after foot alignment correction in a young athlete showing reduced pronation, improved heel position, and enhanced lower limb biomechanics with corrective orthotics

When we watch elite athletes perform, we often admire their speed, strength, agility, and coordination. What many people do not realise is that beneath these athletic abilities lies something equally important: good biomechanical alignment.

In many cases, the young athletes who successfully progress through junior sport and eventually reach professional levels are those whose bodies remain symmetrical, balanced, and resistant to repetitive injury.

The Importance of Lower Limb Alignment

The feet are the foundation of the body’s kinetic chain. Every step, jump, sprint, and change of direction begins with the way the feet interact with the ground.

When the subtalar joints of the feet and ankles become excessively pronated (rolling inward), a chain reaction can occur throughout the lower limb:

- Internal rotation of the tibia (shin bone)
- Increased stress on the knee joint
- Altered hip mechanics
- Anterior pelvic tilt
- Reduced postural efficiency
- Increased muscular compensation throughout the body

As a result, running mechanics become less efficient and athletic performance can suffer.

Why Some Young Athletes Fall Behind

It is common to see children who are naturally talented at a young age begin to struggle as sporting demands increase.

Around the ages of 10–16 years, training intensity often increases dramatically. During this period, poor lower limb alignment may begin to reveal itself through repetitive injuries rather than obvious pain at first.

Common problems may include:

- Medial knee pain
- Recurrent groin strains
- Patellofemoral pain
- Achilles tendon discomfort
- Shin splints
- Ankle instability
- Recurrent muscle tightness
- Increased fatigue during training

A football player may develop repeated groin strains and knee pain when changing direction. A rugby player may suffer ongoing knee injuries during contact and sprinting activities. A tennis player may experience instability while lunging, accelerating, or moving backwards to retrieve shots.

Unfortunately, many promising young athletes spend more time recovering from injuries than participating in training. By the mid-teenage years, some are unable to continue progressing through elite development pathways because their bodies simply cannot tolerate the physical demands being placed upon them.

The Role of Modern Biomechanical Assessment

Advances in biomechanical assessment technology now allow clinicians to identify alignment issues far earlier than ever before.

By analysing posture, gait, foot function, lower limb alignment, and movement patterns, it is often possible to identify the underlying mechanical stresses that contribute to repetitive injuries.

In many cases, excessive pronation of the subtalar joint is a significant contributing factor.

When the foundation is unstable, the structures above it must compensate.

Corrective Orthotics vs Accommodative Orthotics

Not all orthotics are designed with the same purpose.

Comparison of foot alignment without support, with accommodative insoles, and with corrective orthotics, demonstrating the effect of orthotic devices on foot posture and heel alignment

Accommodative orthotics are primarily designed to cushion and support the foot. While they may provide comfort, they do not necessarily correct abnormal alignment.

Corrective orthotics are designed to influence foot and ankle position and improve lower limb biomechanics. By improving subtalar joint alignment, corrective orthotics may help:

- Improve foot stability
- Reduce excessive internal rotation
- Improve knee alignment
- Improve pelvic positioning
- Reduce abnormal stress on muscles and ligaments
- Reduce the risk of repetitive overuse injuries

For growing athletes, maintaining good alignment throughout adolescence can be particularly important because the body is continually developing and adapting.

Investing in an Athlete’s Future

Every young athlete dreams of reaching their full potential.

Talent, commitment, coaching, and hard work are all essential ingredients for success. However, maintaining a body that can tolerate years of training is equally important.

A comprehensive biomechanical assessment can help identify whether poor lower limb alignment is placing a young athlete at increased risk of injury. Early intervention may help reduce repetitive strain, improve movement efficiency, and keep athletes participating in the sport they love.

For many aspiring footballers, rugby players, tennis players, runners, and other athletes, addressing alignment early may be one of the most important investments they can make in their future sporting career.

At Dubai Podiatry Centre, we believe that injury prevention starts with proper alignment. The earlier biomechanical issues are identified, the greater the opportunity to support healthy growth, efficient movement, and long-term athletic development.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

24/Oct/2026

A patient attended our clinic today complaining of severe pain underneath the outside of his left foot. The pain had become so intense that he was limping and described the sensation as walking on a sharp piece of glass.

On examination, we found a hard corn underneath the fifth metatarsal head on the outside border of his left foot. Many people assume that a corn is the problem, but in reality a corn is often the body’s attempt to protect itself from excessive pressure.

We removed the corn painlessly, and the patient experienced immediate relief. However, we explained that unless we addressed the underlying cause, the corn would simply return.

To investigate further, we performed a 3D body scan and biomechanical assessment.

The results were fascinating.

The patient had a significant imbalance throughout his body. His left leg was functionally longer than his right. His pelvis was tilted, with the right side anteriorly tilted and the left side posteriorly tilted. He was carrying considerably more body weight through the left side of his body, creating excessive pressure beneath the outside of the left foot.

His medical history helped explain the pattern. He had previously undergone two lower back surgeries on the left side, suffered left hip problems, torn ACL injuries involving the left knee, and undergone left Achilles tendon surgery.

Over many years, his body had adapted to these injuries.

The scan showed that his pelvis had shifted towards the left side, causing increased loading through the left leg and foot. At the same time, his right foot was internally rotated and functioning almost like a golfer at the top of a backswing position. This created high tensile stress through the right Achilles tendon, the right knee, and the lower back while simultaneously increasing compression forces through the left side of the body.

The painful corn underneath the left foot was simply the area where the body was absorbing the greatest amount of pressure.

The development of a corn follows a predictable sequence.

First, the body produces a layer of hard skin to protect itself. This creates a broad plaque of callus, similar to a pancake of thicker skin.

If the pressure continues, the body creates a concentrated plug of dense keratin at the centre of the pressure point. Keratin is the same material found in toenails. This hard central core forms what we recognise as a hard corn.

As pressure continues to increase, inflammation develops beneath the area. Patients often describe burning, stinging, or sharp sensations. This was the stage our patient had reached.

If left untreated, the next stage can be the formation of a soft corn. The tissues become saturated with inflammatory fluid and appear white, rubbery, and extremely painful.

The final stage is tissue breakdown and ulceration.

This progression is particularly important in patients with diabetes, neuropathy, or vascular disease. These patients may not feel the early warning signs of pressure and pain. As a result, the protective stages can progress unnoticed until an ulcer develops.

Many patients believe ulcers appear suddenly and without warning. In reality, the body often gives multiple warning signals beforehand, but if sensation is reduced, those signals may not be recognised.

For this patient, the solution was not repeated corn removal.

The solution was correcting the forces causing the corn.

We prescribed custom corrective orthotics designed specifically for his individual biomechanics. The right orthotic was intentionally very different from the left because each side of the body required a different correction.

The aim was to improve pelvic balance, reduce the functional leg length discrepancy, redistribute pressure more evenly between both feet, and decrease excessive loading through the left foot.

We performed further scans with the orthotics in place and saw immediate improvements in alignment and pressure distribution.

The body can be compared to a wobbly table. If one table leg is shorter than the others, the tabletop becomes uneven. Placing a carefully measured support beneath the shorter leg restores balance.

Corrective orthotics work in a similar way. While we cannot make one leg physically grow longer, we can improve balance and alignment so that the body functions more efficiently and with less stress.

The patient will return in three months for reassessment. As the body adapts to improved alignment, muscle tension, posture, and weight distribution can all change. Repeat scanning will allow us to monitor these changes and determine whether further orthotic adjustments are required.

The important lesson from this case is that a corn is rarely just a skin problem.

A corn is often a warning sign that excessive pressure is travelling through a specific part of the foot. Removing the corn may provide temporary relief, but identifying and correcting the underlying mechanical cause is what provides a long-term solution.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

Dubai Podiatry Centre

24/Oct/2026

Before and after treatment of adult flat feet using custom corrective orthotics, showing improved heel alignment and foot posture from the rear view at Dubai Podiatry Centre.

Flat feet are commonly associated with inward rolling of the ankles, a condition known as overpronation. When the ankles tilt inward, the body’s weight is distributed unevenly across the feet, which can lead to foot pain, poor posture, and increased strain on the knees, hips, and lower back.

Custom corrective orthotics are designed to address the root cause of the problem by improving foot and ankle alignment. Rather than simply raising the arch, the primary objective is to reposition the heel and ankle into a more neutral and balanced position. Once proper alignment is restored, the arch often begins to improve naturally as the foot functions more efficiently.

Many people assume that treating flat feet means forcing the arch upward. However, excessively elevating the arch without correcting the underlying ankle alignment can make orthotics uncomfortable and difficult to wear. Effective orthotic therapy focuses on stabilising the heel, controlling overpronation, and supporting the foot in its optimal position.

A properly prescribed custom orthotic provides both arch support and heel correction, creating a stable foundation for standing, walking, and everyday activities. Improved alignment can enhance comfort, reduce strain on the lower limbs, and promote healthier movement patterns.

The photographs above demonstrate the effect of corrective orthotics on foot posture. By restoring proper heel and ankle alignment, the feet become more balanced, allowing for improved arch function and overall biomechanical efficiency.

For more information or to book an appointment please call our clinic +971 4 3435390 or WhatsApp +971 50 3553024

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Plantar Fasciitis: Understanding Heel Pain and How to Treat It at Home

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Common Symptoms of Flat Feet and Overpronation

Comprehensive Biomechanical Assessment

How Custom Orthotics Help Flat Feet

Watch the Video

Why Home Remedies Often Fail to Cure Nail Fungus

Is It Too Late to Treat Flat Feet?

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Looking Beyond the Heel Pain

Why the Best Young Athletes Often Have the Best Alignment | Corrective Orthotics and Biomechanics

The Painful Corn Wasn’t the Problem – It Was the Warning Sign

How Corrective Orthotics Help Treat Flat Feet and Overpronation