top of page
CLICK IMAGE TO LISTEN TO DAVID
Read Foot Health Articles on ConsultingFootPain
ConsultingFootPain
ConsultingFootPain features a library of foot health articles covering conditions like heel pain, toe swelling, Morton’s neuroma, and nail surgery. These are based on my clinical career and personal experience—offering both professional insight and patient support. This blog is an extension of my mission: to inform and empower readers on foot pain, injuries, and treatment options. From fasciitis and heel pain to toe fractures, swelling, pain after injections, and post-surgery recovery, the articles are short, relatable, and evidence-informed. Explore real stories, clinical reflections, and trusted foot health tips. Whether you're looking to understand bunions, nail surgery, or what that lump on your foot could be—it’s all here.
ConsultingFootPain
Arthritis and the Big Toe
Clinically, we need to determine why a toe is stiff and whether there is an inflammatory problem, as both conditions often coexist. The discussion about arthritis being the cause may be true, but what exactly is arthritis? In modern medicine, we typically refer to arthrosis, a condition that affects the joints. There is more than one cause.
David Tollafield
Nov 198 min read
Adolescent Heel Pain
The first important fact is that this is not a disease. It is short lived, treatable and for any parent, learning how to support your child or adolescent is the most important learning part of the article. In this short article I discuss a heel pain condition that affects adolescents – calcananeal apophysitis also known as Sever's disease. How to manage the problem, with some tips on psychology for the younger generation.
David Tollafield
Nov 117 min read
The Heel Bump (Haglund's)
My interest in the condition extends to the fact that I have a Haglund's deformity on one foot, which only became obvious later in life. It is also referred to as retrocalcaneal exostosis. That simply means, behind the heel bone. While I have treated many heel conditions, some by surgery, I thought a personal take and self-help awareness would be useful.
David Tollafield
Nov 56 min read
Morton's Neuroma
The current book, which reflects his personal experience of Morton’s Neuroma as both a sufferer and foot surgeon is highly valuable on many levels.
David Tollafield
Sep 303 min read
Stump Neuroma
Ideally, during the preoperative assessment period, all patients should be informed of the risk of developing a stump neuroma. Pain around the surgical site can occur in approximately 4-5% of cases, according to the Royal College of Podiatry database—PASCOM-1O. The recording of a stump neuroma is not mentioned between 2020 and the present. (Accessed 1/10/25). While this does not imply a stump has arisen, it could imply a stump contributes to the pain + six weeks after surgery
David Tollafield
Oct 14 min read
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
The condition creates a feeling of fullness, a sort of exploding sensation when exercising, worsening with standing, walking or running. Sometimes, this type of pain is referred to as referred pain. This means that the source of pain and location may not match. The pain may be in front of the foot, but it is related to the structures in the hind part of the foot.
David Tollafield
Sep 186 min read
Boost Your Foot Health With Practical Tips
Enjoy this brief list of how to help your feet. Step up your foot care today.
David Tollafield
Sep 155 min read
Podiatry as a Career
Few podiatrists write about their profession. Sadly, it carries limited attraction to the vast population. It's hard to sex up feet, but then we are focusing on those with an interest in health, people and being part of a speciality that enhances lives.
David Tollafield
Sep 155 min read
How does Bunion Surgery Affect Our Lives?
In many cases, my heart goes out to people on a patient self-help & support group on Facebook. Some have contacted me directly for advice, and what is apparent to me is the breakdown in patient-clinician relationships. Now, for the most part, the site shown above is a private site in the USA, and I am delighted to be able to make a few comments, which I hope are helpful.
David Tollafield
Aug 278 min read
Looking for Information After Bunion Surgery?
Dr Tim Kilmartin and I have incorporated patient questions into our guide, which we have developed over the last ten years. I must make it clear that this is not complete, but it should raise questions, and I hope you find the content valuable. You will find a new series on bunion (hallux valgus) on my site.
David Tollafield
Aug 276 min read
What to Expect After Bunion Surgery
If patient A says I was back on my feet within 10 days, she is one lucky lady. If patient B says, 'It's taken me four weeks before I could walk,' that is still pretty good. However, if someone says they are not mobile or cannot wear any shoes at three months, then something may not be right. The timeline ideally represents improvement over time, but varies for each person.
David Tollafield
Aug 274 min read
Factsheets for Patients
Factsheets provide information about a recommended treatment. This article focuses on musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, particularly those related to foot surgery. You will find some useful links in this article and comments about the factsheets.
The internet these days offers much of the information we need, but many articles are sponsored or promote a product.
David Tollafield
Aug 255 min read
Foot Health Information?
Does it matter who produces information? No, not really. The most important matter is that the information is current, appropriate and recognised by a group of peers within the same speciality. Of course, each clinician may have a slightly different approach, and it is helpful to embrace those personal aspects of care. Here are a few thoughts on where to find some national-based information.
David Tollafield
Aug 253 min read
Fat Atrophy in the Foot and Foot Injectable Supplements
Just because a foot doctor claims he has performed 200 procedures without risk, it does not mean that the method is endorsed by the professional body to which that doctor or clinician is registered. If the person offering treatment is not qualified, registered and has no officially recognised professional body, be aware that there may be no accountability
David Tollafield
Aug 175 min read
Metatarsalgia Foot Pain
Metatarsalgia contributes to a number of conditions, and the reader should appreciate the complexity behind making a diagnosis. If you have been to see someone and the pain has not cleared up, you might wonder if they have failed. The chances are that you have one of several conditions.
David Tollafield
Aug 167 min read
Understanding Morton's Neuroma: A Comprehensive Guide
I first wrote about my own experience and surgical journey in 2017, and lectured nationally at various meetings. I first wrote about my own experience and surgical journey in 2017, and lectured nationally at various meetings.
David Tollafield
Aug 164 min read
Steroid Injections in the Foot
Steroid injections play a valuable role in the treatment of some musculoskeletal issues; however, not all problems respond to this treatment. What are the risks, common questions asked, and why do they fail?
David Tollafield
Aug 167 min read
Footcare for Sportspeople
Having a go at footcare sounds like a good idea, so I've come up with some tips to help with your sports events, whether you play tennis or run, are professional or amateur, your focus should be on preventing skin and nail problems interfering with your performance and enjoyment.. After all, who doesn’t want to optimise their performance? Here’s a bit about the toe – a common area on the foot to receive injury.
David Tollafield
Aug 76 min read
Tennis player loses her toenails
What is foot pistoning? This is where the shoe is slightly too large, causing the foot to move backwards and forwards within the toe box, where damage can arise from impact forces.
David Tollafield
Aug 64 min read
Shingles Controversy, Vaccination & Case History
A personal report on being caught out by a biased system by a Government policy to limit vaccinations.
David Tollafield
Aug 55 min read
bottom of page