The Top 3 Mistakes People Make With Foot Pain

Foot pain isn’t just a minor annoyance—it can affect your entire day, from how you walk to how you sleep. Yet many people either ignore the problem or unknowingly make it worse. At Prime Foot Clinic, we see it all the time: foot issues that could have been solved more easily if the right steps were taken early on.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the top 3 mistakes people make with foot pain and what you can do instead.

1. Ignoring the Pain and Hoping It Will Go Away

This is probably the most common mistake. It’s easy to tell yourself that the pain is just from “a long day” or “new shoes” and that it will settle down soon. But ongoing foot pain is often a sign of something deeper—like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, or joint problems.

Why this matters:
Leaving the issue untreated can lead to compensation elsewhere in the body. That means knee, hip, or even lower back pain as your body tries to adjust for how you’re walking.

What to do instead:
If foot pain lasts more than a week, gets worse, or starts affecting your daily life, it’s time to seek professional advice. Early treatment can often mean faster recovery and fewer complications.

2. Wearing the Wrong Footwear

Footwear plays a massive role in both causing and preventing pain. Unfortunately, many people choose shoes based on looks or price rather than support and fit.

Common shoe problems include:

• Lack of arch support

• Tight toe boxes

• Thin soles with no cushioning

• Flat, unsupportive slip-ons or flip-flops

Why this matters:
Poor footwear can contribute to problems like heel pain, bunions, corns, and even nerve compression.

What to do instead:
Choose shoes that:

• Match your foot type (flat feet, high arches, etc.)

• Have cushioning and arch support

• Fit properly—too tight or too loose can both cause issues
  If you’re not sure what type of footwear is right for you, a podiatrist can assess your feet and advise you on the best options.

3. Trying Quick Fixes Instead of Getting a Proper Diagnosis

There are plenty of products in shops and online that promise to relieve foot pain—gel inserts, foot sprays, online exercises. While some can help, they often just mask the symptoms without treating the root cause.

Why this matters:
Using the wrong treatment for the wrong condition can delay healing and sometimes make things worse. For example, stretching a foot that’s already inflamed might increase your pain.

What to do instead:
Get a proper diagnosis from a qualified foot health professional. At Prime Foot Clinic, we take the time to understand what’s causing your pain and tailor a treatment plan that actually works—whether that’s custom orthotics, manual therapy, footwear advice, or a referral for further care.

Final Thoughts

Foot pain is common, but it’s not something you should have to “just live with.” By avoiding these three common mistakes, you can take better care of your feet and stay active, mobile, and comfortable for longer.

If your feet are bothering you, let’s sort it out together. Our team at Prime Foot Clinic is here to help you move with confidence again.