Core Services
The Role of Podiatrists in Cancer Care
Podiatrists play an important role in supporting cancer patients before, during, and after treatment. Throughout a cancer journey, podiatric care helps prevent complications and supports better overall outcomes.
Looking after your feet during and after treatment is not just about comfort—it helps keep you safe, active, and independent.
If you need support at any stage of the journey we are here to help you.
Identification
They may be among the first to notice signs of serious illness, such as unusual foot pain, swelling, or skin changes/skin lesions, prompting early referral and diagnosis.
Early detection through routine foot checks can stop problems from developing further.
During cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy and radio, patients often experience foot-related side effects like neuropathy, nail damage, or skin breakdown. Podiatrists help manage these issues through nail and skin care, wound care, footwear advice, orthotics, and fall prevention strategies—crucial for maintaining mobility and quality of life.
You don’t just need to put up with the side effects.
After treatment, podiatrists assist with long-term recovery by managing chronic conditions like neuropathy or lymphedema and helping restore function.
Nail care during cancer treatment
Nail care is an important but often overlooked aspect of self-care during cancer treatment. Chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and radiotherapy can affect the health of nails. Nail changes are common and can be a source of discomfort as well as emotional distress.
One common side effect is Hand–Foot Syndrome (HFS). This usually appears as redness, swelling, or soreness across the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The skin may feel tender, peel, or even blister, which can make everyday activities more difficult.
A related condition is Hand–Foot Skin Reaction (HFSR), seen more often with targeted therapies. Unlike HFS, which spreads across the whole palm or sole, HFSR tends to be more localised. It often shows up as painful, callus-like patches, blisters, or cracks on areas that bear weight or experience friction, such as the heels, balls of the feet, or pressure points on the hands. These spots can be very sore and may interfere with walking or gripping objects.
In addition, some treatments may cause nail toxicity. This can lead to brittle, ridged, or discoloured nails, tenderness around the nail edges, or even lifting of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis). These changes may look worrying, but they are well-recognised treatment effects.
Awareness of these potential effects is important, as early recognition allows patients and care teams to discuss supportive strategies. Although nail changes may feel secondary compared to other symptoms, they have a real impact on daily living, body image, and emotional well-being, and deserve compassionate attention during treatment.
Skin care during cancer treatment
During cancer treatment, the feet often need special attention, as they can be affected by several treatment-related changes. Neuropathy may alter the way nerves control sweating in the feet. Some people experience excessive sweating, which softens the skin and makes it prone to breakdown, while others have very dry feet that crack easily. Both situations increase the risk of infection. Regular podiatry input can help manage these changes, using tailored advice and protective skin care.
Lymphoedema in the lower limbs can cause swelling that stretches the skin on the feet and ankles. This makes the skin more fragile, itchy, and slow to heal. Even small cuts or scratches may lead to wounds or infection. Podiatrists play a key role in monitoring skin integrity, offering safe nail and skin care, and providing footwear advice to reduce pressure and friction.
If wounds do occur on the feet, specialist wound care is essential. A podiatrist can apply dressings, offload pressure areas, and help reduce infection risk. Supportive therapies such as warm wax treatments may also be used in podiatry to soften hard skin, ease dryness, and improve comfort in neuropathic or swollen feet. Protecting foot health helps maintain mobility, independence, and quality of life during treatment.
Neuropathy
Cancer treatments, especially certain chemotherapy drugs, can sometimes affect the nerves in the feet, causing a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This can make the feet feel numb, tingly, or unusually sensitive. Because nerves also help control muscles, neuropathy can change the way weight is distributed when walking or standing, putting extra pressure on certain areas of the feet. Over time, this can lead to calluses, skin breakdown, or even ulcers. Nail changes such as brittleness, discoloration, or lifting can also occur, increasing the risk of infection.
Regular foot care is essential. Podiatrists can assess how your feet move and bear weight through a biomechanical assessment and may provide custom orthotics to help redistribute pressure and protect vulnerable areas. Keeping the skin and nails clean and well-moisturised reduces the risk of wounds.
For pain or discomfort, treatments like low-level laser therapy may help reduce nerve pain and support healing. Early attention to foot changes, routine monitoring, and using supportive devices can prevent complications, maintain mobility, and improve comfort.
What type of appointment should I book?
If you’re currently going through cancer treatment, about to start treatment, or recently completed treatment, and you have any foot health concerns, then please book a New Patient appointment. Our New Patient form will be sent to you, and you can add a note for us if you’re having any particular problems. If you’re still unsure about which appointment type is right for your needs, then please do give us a call, or drop us an email.