Most foot niggles are just that. A sore spot after a long day, a blister from new shoes, an ache that's gone by Monday. You don't need to panic every time something twinges.

But a few symptoms are different. They can mean something more is going on, and the people who get into trouble are often the ones who waited, because it didn't seem that bad. Here are five worth taking seriously.

1. A sore or wound that isn't healing

A cut, blister or sore spot on your foot should start looking better within days. If it's still there after a week or two, or it's getting bigger, deeper or more painful, get it looked at.

This one matters even more if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Reduced sensation means you might not feel how bad it's getting, and slower healing gives infection more time to take hold. A small sore that gets ignored can turn into something that needs hospital care. Please don't wait to see if it sorts itself out.

2. Numbness, tingling or burning

Pins and needles after sitting on your foot is normal. Numbness, tingling or a burning feeling that keeps coming back, or never really leaves, isn't something to put up with.

It can be a sign that the nerves in your feet aren't working as they should, which has a few possible causes, including diabetes. The worry with reduced feeling is that you stop noticing small injuries, like a blister or a pebble in your shoe, until they've turned into something bigger. Your GP will look at the cause. A podiatrist can check your feet and help protect them in the meantime.

3. Swelling, redness and warmth

A foot that's swollen, red and hot to the touch, especially if it came on quickly, needs attention. It can point to an infection, a flare-up of gout, or an injury you didn't realise you'd done. It's hard to tell which from the outside, and the treatment is different for each.

If it comes with a fever, red streaks spreading up from the area, or you feel unwell, don't wait for a routine appointment. Get seen urgently. And if one leg is suddenly swollen and painful, particularly with chest pain or trouble breathing, call 000.

4. Pain that won't settle, or changes how you walk

Pain that lingers more than a couple of weeks, keeps returning, or hurts at night while you're resting deserves a proper look. So does pain after an injury, especially if you can't put your weight on the foot.

The other giveaway is that you start walking differently without meaning to. Maybe you're favouring one side or rolling your foot to avoid a sore spot. That's the body protecting something, and over time it can put extra load on your knees, hips and back. Heel pain, bunions, stress injuries and a lot of other problems are much easier to sort out before the habit sets in.

5. Changes in colour, temperature or skin

A foot that's turned pale, blue or very cold, or that feels different in temperature to the other one, can be a sign of poor circulation. It's worth getting checked, especially if you also get cramping pain in your legs when you walk that eases when you stop.

Skin and nail changes count too. A new dark patch or spot on your foot, or a dark streak under a toenail that you can't explain, should be looked at. Most turn out to be harmless, but a few aren't, and it's a quick thing to rule out. Show it to your GP or podiatrist rather than keeping an eye on it.

So when do you actually book in?

A rough guide: if it's lasted more than a couple of weeks, it's getting worse, or it's one of the five above, get it checked. If you've got diabetes, check your feet daily and don't wait on anything that looks or feels off. A podiatrist would much rather see you early for something small than late for something serious. Nobody's going to think you're making a fuss.

Foot Focus Podiatry in Wilson has been looking after feet in Perth since 2000. The team includes general podiatrists and a surgical podiatrist, and covers diabetes-related foot care, orthotics and manual therapies, among other things. A first visit usually starts with your history, your shoes and how you walk, so the plan fits what's really going on.

If one of these sounds familiar, a podiatrist in Perth can assess what's happening and tell you what to do next. And if it's more serious than a podiatrist can handle, we'll tell you that too and point you to the right person.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for personal medical advice. If you're worried about a symptom, see a health professional, or call 000 in an emergency.

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