Editorial Standards & Research Methodology
This page explains exactly how FootWell researches, writes, sources and updates its foot-health content. We publish it so readers can judge our work, and so it is clear what we do — and do not — claim.
Who writes and edits FootWell
FootWell is created and edited by Mustafa Bilgic, the operator and publisher of the site (see our About page and contact details). We are an independent publisher, not a medical practice, and we do not claim that our editorial team holds clinical credentials. Because of that, we do not present opinions as professional diagnosis — instead, every health claim is anchored to a recognised medical authority that you can check yourself.
How we source health claims
For any statement about a condition, treatment or risk, we work from primary, reputable medical and podiatric sources rather than other content sites. The authorities we rely on and cite most often are:
| Source | What we use it for |
|---|---|
| American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) | Podiatric guidance and patient resources |
| Mayo Clinic | Symptoms, causes and treatment overviews |
| NHS | Plain-language condition and self-care guidance |
| OrthoInfo (AAOS) | Orthopaedic and sports-injury detail |
Where a page makes a clinical claim, the relevant source is linked in the body and listed again in a “Sources & further reading” section at the foot of the article.
Our research and review process
Each health article follows the same steps:
- Scope. We define the reader’s question and the decisions they are trying to make.
- Research. We gather current guidance from the authorities above and reconcile any differences.
- Draft. We write in plain language, separating what is well-established from what is uncertain.
- Source check. We confirm every clinical claim maps to a cited source and add a medical disclaimer.
- Editorial review. The piece is reviewed for accuracy, clarity and safety before publishing.
No fabricated experts or reviews
We never invent expert personas, fake author credentials, fictional patient testimonials, or star ratings. If a person is named on this site, that person is real and accountable for the content. When we want clinical authority, we cite a named institution rather than dressing up our own opinion as expert advice. This is a firm rule, not a preference.
Education, not medical advice
FootWell content is general education. It does not replace a diagnosis or treatment plan from a licensed podiatrist or physician. Every health page carries a medical disclaimer, and we tell readers plainly when a symptom warrants professional care — see when to see a podiatrist.
How we update content
Foot-health guidance evolves, and so do our pages. We review content as authoritative guidance changes, and each article shows a “Updated” date. When we make a substantive change to a claim, we revise the cited sources to match.
Corrections policy
If you spot an error, we want to fix it. Email us via the contact page with the page and the issue, and we will review it promptly. Substantive corrections are reflected in the article’s update date.
Advertising and affiliate disclosure
FootWell is funded by advertising and, on some shopping-related pages, affiliate links (including the Amazon Associates programme). When you buy through an affiliate link we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. These relationships never influence our editorial recommendations, and affiliate links are clearly labelled. Full detail is on our About page and Privacy Policy.