“Sorry About My Feet…”

 Why Embarrassment Shouldn’t Stop You Seeing a Podiatrist

“I’m so embarrassed about my feet.” “Excuse the state of my feet” “You need to be paid more for dealing with these” “It took me ages to book this appointment because I hate my feet being touched” “I delayed booking to see if it would get better on it’s own to save you a job”

We hear these sentences from our patients, across East Lothian & Midlothian, DAILY! And it’s odd really, our Podiatrists have literally spent several years dedicating their time to study and training TO TREAT FEET! This isn’t a hardship for us. 

But maybe you’ve been putting off booking because of thick nails, hard skin, a stubborn verruca, a bit of odour after a long day, or a toenail that’s decided to grow in the wrong direction. And you are absolutely not alone in this. Feet are personal, and plenty of people feel awkward about showing them to a clinician.

Here’s the good news: embarrassment is common, but it’s just a hurdle that you need to get over. Your worry is probably more dramatic than the problem itself.

We Really Have Seen It All

Truly! Our East Lothian Podiatry Clinic has seen it all! From marathoner calluses to diabetic ulcers; from weeping blisters to cracked heels; from fungal nails to post-surgery scars. We treat feet all day. Every day. Throughout the year. The chances are, nothing you show us will be “the worst we’ve seen.” And if it is the worst we’ve seen, it’s a learning opportunity for us - not a stick for us to beat you with! It’s our job to look closely at skin and nails, assess biomechanics, and find practical ways to help. We’re not judging your grooming routine, shoe collection, or how long it took you to book in. We’re interested in you comfort, function, and health.

Adam Smith Podiatry & Sports Clinic is a no-shame zone. We wear gloves, follow strict hygiene protocols, and focus on solutions. If your feet are sore, itchy, swollen, cracked, curved, crumbly, sweaty, smelly, or just look “not right” to you - we are literally trained to sort this out, professionally & with gentle understanding & care! 

Why People Feel Embarrassed (And Why You Don’t Need To)

Common worries we hear:

• “My feet smell.” Odour is usually bacterial sweat breakdown or a fungal issue. It’s very treatable. We work with this all the time. We will not recoil in horror, trust us!
  
  
  
• “My nails are thick/ugly.” This is often fungal or trauma-related. Targeted treatments can improve both health and appearance. We’re not going to laugh.
  
  
  
• “I’ve left it too long.” Life happens. Starting now is what matters. We’re not going to shout at you, or deny treatment, or make your life even harder.
  
  
  
• “I’m worried it’ll hurt.” Most routine care is comfortable. If a treatment could be uncomfortable (e.g., for an ingrown nail), we discuss options, including local anaesthetic. Most patients comment that the treatment wasn’t nearly as bad as what they were building up in their head.
  
  
  

What Can Happen If You Leave a Foot Problem Too Long

Many foot issues are far easier (and cheaper) to fix early. When problems are left to simmer, they can escalate:

• Ingrown toenails can progress from tenderness to infection, with swelling and pus. What might have needed a simple trim can turn into a minor procedure.
  
  
  
• Fungal nails/skin can spread to other nails, other areas of skin, and other people in your household. Nails may become very thick, discoloured, and brittle, making them hard to cut and more prone to trauma.
  
  
  
• Corns and calluses start as friction protection but can become painful, crack, or ulcerate. This is ESPECIALLY crucial to be on top of if you have diabetes or circulation issues.
  
  
  
• Heel cracks can deepen and bleed, increasing the risk of infection and making every step sore.
  
  
  
• Verrucas often spread or burrow deeper, becoming more stubborn and painful.
  
  
  
• Biomechanical issues can alter your entire gait. Your body will start to compensate for pain in one area & this can trigger a whole host of domino effect problems in knees, hips, or back.
  
  
  
• Diabetic feet deserve special mention: small, neglected issues can become serious quickly. Early podiatry care reduces risk of ulcers and complications.
  
  
  

We’re really not trying to scare you - we’re just trying to save you discomfort. Early attention means simpler care and faster results.

Quick Myth-Busters

• “It’s just a cosmetic problem really” Painful corns, cracked heels, and thick nails affect how you walk and whether you stay active. What starts as just a visual issue will quickly prove otherwise
  
• “I just need a pedicure” Beauty treatments are great for pampering, but medical foot problems need clinical care, especially if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or persistent pain.
  
  
  
• “I’m just old - it’s normal” Soreness isn’t a life sentence. We treat all ages and adjust care appropriately.
  
  
  
• “I’ll be told off.” We feel like this is a generational issue, of people who have been told off by their Dentists. But this isn’t our style at all! You’ll get practical, non-judgemental advice based on your life, not a lecture.
  
  
  

Practical Advice

• Book the appointment you’d book for a friend: If your best friend described your symptoms, you’d tell them to get help. Offer yourself the same kindness.
  
  
  
• Tell us you’re nervous: We’ll go gently, explain more, and check in as we go.
  
  
  
• Wear what’s comfortable: Loose-fitting trousers you can roll up, or even better - shorts! Wear the shoes you’d wear most days.
  
  
  
• Don’t over-prep: Again. Classic Dentist trauma - brushing vigorously before your appointment to hope you don’t get told off. A quick wash is fine - no need to hide the problem. Seeing things as they are helps us help you.
  
  
  

When To Book

Consider booking if you notice any of the following:

• Recurring pain, swelling, or redness
  
  
  
• A nail growing into the skin or repeatedly getting infected
  
  
  
• Hard skin, corns, or cracks that keep returning
  
  
  
• Itching between toes, peeling skin, or discoloured/thick nails
  
  
  
• Stubborn verrucae
  
  
  
• Heel pain first thing in the morning or after rest
  
  
  
• Changes in foot shape or how you walk
  
  
  
• Any new foot issue if you have diabetes or circulation problems
  
  
  

Embarrassment is human, but burying your head in the sand is really not a sustainable treatment plan. If something on your feet is bothering you, we have a calm, clinical, judgement-free space waiting for you. We’ll listen, explain, treat, and help you prevent it coming back. Your first step doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be through the door.