Painful feet – When your feet speak,
make sure to listen
17 December 2025
Johannesburg - For many people, the first signs of fatigue show up in a particular place: the feet. As the year winds down and the festive season approaches, many of us find ourselves constantly on the move – rushing between work deadlines, school concerts, family commitments, shopping trips, and holiday travel. It's a busy, joyful time, but also one where our bodies begin to feel the strain.
It's easy to brush off aching feet as nothing more than a long day's consequence, but persistent discomfort can be your body's early warning system. Foot pain may point to underlying issues ranging from structural concerns to chronic conditions such as arthritis, circulation problems or diabetes. Paying attention to these signals, especially during a demanding season, can make a meaningful difference to your long-term mobility and comfort.
Why foot health matters
Healthy feet are essential to how we move through the world. They support your posture, balance and overall physical comfort. When pain sets in, even simple tasks like standing in queues, walking through shopping centres or preparing for holiday gatherings can become unexpectedly difficult.
Foot discomfort can arise for many reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Plantar fasciitis, often felt as sharp heel pain
- Flat feet or high arches can affect alignment and cause strain
- Arthritis, particularly in older adults
- Tendonitis, especially around the Achilles tendon
- Nerve concerns, such as peripheral neuropathy
- Stress fractures are common among active individuals
- Diabetes-related complications, which may affect circulation and sensation
While some of these issues are temporary, others may indicate a more serious issue, and early intervention is key. Your feet have a way of telling you when something isn't right. It's a good idea to book a consultation if you notice:
- Persistent pain lasting more than a week
- Swelling, warmth, redness or unusual bruising
- Tingling, numbness or burning sensations
- Difficulty bearing weight or walking
- Sores or ulcers that do not heal (especially for individuals with diabetes)
- Gradual changes in foot shape or structure
These symptoms may require further investigation, such as imaging, specialised treatment or chronic care support.
How medical aid cover supports foot health
Understanding what your medical aid covers can empower you to seek timely care and avoid unnecessary discomfort. Medshield's 2026 benefit options include a broad range of services to diagnose, manage, and treat foot-related problems across all life stages, depending on your chosen plan.
- Consultations and assessments
Early diagnosis starts with a professional consultation. Medshield covers GP and specialist visits across options. It enables members to address foot concerns before they escalate.
2. Physiotherapy and conservative treatment
Many foot conditions respond well to physiotherapy, stretching and guided rehabilitation. These benefits support recovery from issues such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and soft-tissue strain.
3. Orthotics and medical appliances
Supportive devices such as foot braces, orthotics, splints or specialised inserts often play an essential role in correcting foot alignment and reducing pain. Medshield's limits cover the hiring or purchasing of clinically indicated orthotics, helping members maintain proper foot mechanics and comfort.
4. Diagnostic tests and imaging
To diagnose structural issues, fractures or inflammation, imaging may be required. Medshield covers X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, and pathology tests as part of authorised hospital events. At the same time, many options allow out-of-hospital diagnostic work to be funded from day-to-day or savings funds.
5. Foot surgery
Some conditions require surgical intervention, from bunion correction to tendon repair. Once authorised, most Medshield options provide unlimited cover for surgical procedures when clinically appropriate.
This ensures members have access to specialist care when conservative treatment is no longer sufficient.
6. Diabetes-related foot concerns
Foot complications are among the earliest and most serious risks of unmanaged diabetes. Medshield supports diabetic members by providing cover for diabetes as per Chronic Disease List (CDL), and the Care Plans once diagnosed, to help members stabilise and manage their condition. Preventative and routine care through Wellness benefits and the SmartCare Benefits, along with the measures above, help reduce the risk of ulcers, infections, nerve damage, and other severe complications.
Protecting your feet this festive season
A few small habits can go a long way, especially during the holidays, when your feet work harder than ever. You can support your overall foot health by:
- Choosing comfortable, supportive footwear
- Taking breaks from long periods of standing
- Stretching your calves and arches regularly
- Managing chronic conditions proactively
- Examine your feet daily if you live with diabetes
- Seeking early treatment when discomfort begins
At Medshield Medical Scheme, we recognise that good foot health is essential to your mobility, independence and quality of life. Our benefits are designed to provide you with access to the proper care at the right time – whether that's a consultation, conservative treatment, long-term chronic support or, when necessary, surgical intervention.
If you're unsure about the specifics of your option, visit www.medshield.co.za or contact the Medshield call centre for personalised guidance. With Medshield, every step you take toward better health is supported.
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