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Understand your feet, ankles and legs
Plain-language guides for patients, reviewed by health professionals: what's going on, what helps, and when to get care.
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Guide· Ankle and AchillesChronic ankle instabilityChronic ankle instability is when an ankle keeps giving way after a sprain, often with a wobbly feeling and repeat sprains. Exercises for balance and strength are the best-supported place to start, with a brace or tape for sport. Surgery is considered if a full exercise programme hasn't worked.Guide· Heel and arch painMidfoot painMidfoot pain is pain in the arch area of the foot, between the heel and the toes. Common causes include arthritis and injuries to ligaments or bones. Stiff, supportive shoes, insoles and easing off activity are the usual first steps, and a podiatrist can help find the cause.Guide· Skin and nailsCellulitisCellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin that makes it red, hot, swollen and painful, most often on a lower leg. Suspected cellulitis needs urgent medical assessment, usually the same day, and often antibiotics. It can come back, so looking after leg swelling and skin matters.Guide· Skin and nailsBlack toenailA black toenail is usually blood trapped under the nail after a knock, a crush or repeated pressure. Small, painless ones often need only ice, elevation and pain relief, and a clinician can drain a painful one. A dark nail with no clear injury should be checked.
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All new and updated pages- 27 October 2026Chronic ankle instabilityNew
- 27 October 2026Midfoot painNew
- 27 October 2026CellulitisNew
- 27 October 2026Black toenailNew
- 27 October 2026Paronychia (infected nail fold)New
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