Beauty expert explains bunions, corns and cracked heels and how often you really need a pedicure.
Foot concerns such as bunions, corns and cracked heels are often treated as cosmetic problems, but professionals say they are usually signs of pressure, friction or long-term neglect rather than bad luck.
According to Danielle Louise, beauty expert on the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform, Fresha, recurring foot issues are one of the most overlooked indicators of lifestyle habits.
“Feet absorb everything we do day to day. Walking patterns, footwear choices and how often we moisturise all show up there first. Filing or covering the issue rarely fixes the cause.”
Common Foot Problems, What They Mean and Why People Are Searching
By Danielle Louise, beauty expert on the Fresha app
| Foot issue | Searches past month | Search growth | What it usually means | How to reduce or avoid it |
| Bunions | 339,000 | Up 7% year on year | Long-term pressure from narrow shoes. Foot alignment issues. Can worsen over time | Wear wider toe-box shoes. Rotate footwear. Address early discomfort |
| Corns | 21,000 | Up 8% year on year | Repeated rubbing from poorly fitting shoes. Localised pressure | Improve shoe fit. Avoid pinching styles. Do not cut or remove at home |
| Cracked heels | 242,000 | Up 18% year on year | Chronic dryness. Over-filing. Pressure combined with dehydration | Daily urea-based foot cream. Apply at night with socks. Avoid aggressive filing |
| Foot calluses | 46,000 | Up 13% year on year | High-pressure areas from walking or standing. Often worsened by barefoot walking | Gentle exfoliation only. Consistent moisturising. Supportive footwear |
| Foot blisters | 92,000 | Up 25% year on year | Friction from new or poorly fitted shoes. Excess moisture | Break shoes in gradually. Keep feet dry. Use protective padding |
“Calluses and corns are protective responses. Removing them aggressively often makes the problem worse,” Danielle adds.
How often should you get a pedicure
| Lifestyle | Recommended frequency |
| Low activity, good home care | Every 5 to 6 weeks |
| Regular walking or standing | Every 4 weeks |
| High-impact lifestyle or frequent travel | Every 3 to 4 weeks |
Pedicures are best used for maintenance, early problem spotting and comfort. They do not correct structural foot issues or poor footwear choices.
When to seek professional advice
- Ongoing pain
- Bleeding cracks
- Rapidly returning corns or calluses
- Noticeable changes in foot shape
“These are signs something deeper needs addressing. A pedicure can support healthy feet, but it should never be the only solution.”
