cause of the problem. To treat blisters when they occur, you can apply petroleum jelly, cover them with Compeed (or other blister plasters) or fleece/moleskin. These will soothe the problem, though they won’t eliminate the cause. —Simon Costain

leaning against a wall. Also try standing on the edge of the stairs and raising and lowering your heels slowly to enhance the stretch. You may also find that hamstring stretches help ease the problem.—Simon Costain, podiatric consultant

, and you will find that the toes gradually straighten, which should avert the need for surgical intervention.—Simon Costain, podiatric consultant