June 2024

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the body's inability to produce or properly use insulin. This condition can lead to various complications, particularly affecting foot health. High blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage, known as neuropathy, resulting in reduced foot sensation. This makes it difficult to notice injuries, which can worsen without proper care. Diabetes also impairs circulation, slowing the healing process and increasing the risk of infections. Additionally, poor circulation can lead to skin changes and ulcers, which, if left untreated, can result in severe complications, possibly including the need for amputation. Regular foot care, wearing proper footwear, and vigilant monitoring are vital for individuals with diabetes to prevent and manage these foot problems. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can help you manage this condition.

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic feet, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including: 

• Poor circulation

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers

• Infection 

• Corns and calluses

• Dry, cracked skin

• Nail disorders 

• Hammertoes 

• Bunions

• Charcot foot

If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any: 

• Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds

• Bruising or discoloration 

• Swelling

• Rash

• Foul odor

• Nail changes 

• Hair loss 

• Warmth and inflammation

• Deformities 

• Lower limb pain

• Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)

If you detect anything unusual, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot cramps can strike suddenly, causing intense pain and discomfort. Understanding the common triggers behind these cramps can help individuals better manage and prevent them. Dehydration often plays a significant role, as inadequate fluid intake can lead to electrolyte imbalances, triggering muscle spasms. Overuse or strain of the foot muscles, particularly during activities like exercise or prolonged standing, can also result in cramping. Furthermore, poor footwear choices, such as shoes that are too tight or lack proper support, can contribute to muscle tension and cramping. Electrolyte deficiencies, particularly in minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, may also predispose individuals to foot cramps. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease, can increase the likelihood of experiencing cramps due to nerve or circulation issues. Foot cramps can be uncomfortable, and if you are experiencing this type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can determine what the reason is, and offer you treatment solutions.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis

• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes

• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet

• Arthritis

• Flat feet

• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain

• Arch pain

• Toe pain

• Ball of foot pain

• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality

• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete's foot, a common fungal infection, thrives in warm, moist environments. It is often contracted in communal areas such as locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools, where the fungus easily spreads from person to person. Wearing damp socks and tight shoes creates an ideal breeding ground for the fungus, increasing the risk of infection. To prevent athlete's foot, keeping the feet clean and dry is vital. Changing socks regularly and choosing breathable footwear can significantly reduce moisture buildup. Using antifungal powders and sprays can provide an additional layer of protection. In communal areas, wearing shower shoes helps to avoid direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Maintaining good foot hygiene and adopting these preventative measures can reduce the likelihood of developing an athlete's foot. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist who can effectively treat athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include: 

• Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet

• Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet

• Scaly, red rash on the foot

• Blisters 

• Foul odor

Treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both. 

Prevention

Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices. 

You can prevent athlete’s foot by:

• Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day

• Wearing shoes when walking in public areas

• Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others

• Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe cramps, though often dismissed as a minor nuisance, can sometimes serve as important indicators of underlying health conditions. Among them is dystonia, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that result in repetitive or twisting movements and abnormal postures. While dystonia can affect various parts of the body, including the hands, neck, and face, it may also manifest in the toes, leading to cramping or spasms. These toe cramps may occur spontaneously or be triggered by specific activities like walking or standing for prolonged periods. Individuals experiencing toe cramps in addition to other symptoms, such as muscle stiffness, tremors, or abnormal gait, should seek medical evaluation from a chiropodist, as these could be signs of dystonia. If you are experiencing frequent toe cramps, it is suggested that you contact a chiropodist for an evaluation and treatment options.

Toe pain is common and can have a variety of causes. Causes can range from a broken toe to an ingrown toenail. Many types of toe pain can be corrected, but any toe pain that inhibits your activities for an extended period should be discussed with a chiropodist. If you suffer from toe pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your feet.

Common Causes of Toe Pain 

• Trauma or fracture
• Cuts, sores, or bruises
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Turf Toe
• Morton’s neuroma
• Blisters
• Corns
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s Foot

Symptoms of Toe Pain

• Toe deformity
• Burning
• Numbness
• Toenail deformity
• Wart or ulcer
• Swelling
• Redness

When to See a Chiropodist

• Bleeding or severe swelling
• Trauma, such as a broken bone
• Discoloration or extreme swelling
• Inability to bear weight
• Persistent pain
• Wounds that won’t heal

Diagnosis of Toe Pain

A chiropodist can conduct a thorough examination of the painful toe or toes in order to determine the best course of treatment. The exam may include assessing the tenderness of the area, taking an X-ray or other diagnostic test, or assessing your gait and range of motion. A discussion of what led to the advanced pain issue may follow. Included will likely be a health history, as well as a list of medications you are taking and other previous injuries you may have sustained.

Treatment for Toe Pain

With such a wide range of possible causes for toe pain, treatment can be varied in scope and length. Sometimes, the chiropodist will recommend lifestyle and activity changes. In cases of trauma or other injuries, X-rays or imaging tests will likely be used to determine the severity of the problem, particularly if any bones have been broken. Treatment may also include injections of pain-relief medication or anti-inflammatory drugs. Certain injuries will require the splinting, bracing, or wrapping of injured toes. Orthotics or special shoes may be prescribed in cases of bone deformities and gait issues. Removal of warts, calluses, and corns may be needed. In other cases, such as with patients who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, ongoing treatment may be required to avoid more serious problems.