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Foot pain is nothing to take lightly–when our feet hurt, our activities can be limited, and our lower limbs can feel quite uncomfortable. One common source of foot pain to be aware of is blood clots. In some cases, when a blood clot develops in a deep vein in the body, ankle and foot pain can occur. There are some risk factors that can make this more likely. Namely, if you are a smoker or are older than 60 years old, it is possible that you might develop this condition. Sometimes, when someone is experiencing foot pain that does not seem to have an immediate or obvious cause, blood clots could be the culprit. This condition can become more severe when there is discoloration in the affected area. If you suspect that you could have a blood clot and are experiencing foot pain, contact a chiropodist.

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.

The feet are made up of small, delicate structures that aid in mobility and assist in balance. Typically, a foot fracture occurs from a direct blow to the foot or due to an overuse injury. Depending on the type of injury sustained with a foot fracture and the medical attention obtained for it, complications can arise. Those who have broken a foot may develop early arthritis which can cause pain and a feeling of unsteadiness. This is particularly common if the break involves one or more of the joints involved with a range of motion. A significant complication of a broken foot is if there is a break in the skin and bacteria enters the body causing infection. In severe cases, If the infection is not treated promptly, amputation may be necessary. To aid in the proper healing of a fractured foot, especially because of the possibilities of complications, it is imperative to schedule an appointment with a chiropodist as soon as possible. 

A foot fracture is a crack or break in a foot bone, often caused by repetitive stress on the foot or a high-impact foot injury. If you’re suffering from foot pain, 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. 

Symptoms

• Pain

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Swelling

• Difficulty walking

• Deformity

Causes

• Repetitive overloading of the foot

• Having a previous fracture

• Abnormal foot biomechanics

• Changing training surfaces suddenly 

• Poor footwear

• Osteoporosis 

• High-impact injury 

Treatments

• Rest

• Ice

• Elevation

• Pain medication

• Braces or other orthotics

• Casts

• Crutches

• Surgery in more severe cases 

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.

The feet are often the most neglected part of the body. This is unfortunate because they carry the weight of the entire body and can negatively affect your overall health if there is foot pain or complications with the feet. It is important to maintain daily foot care, and this is especially true in elderly patients. One of the ways to properly take care of elderly feet is to ensure that your shoes fit well. This is essential in possibly preventing bunions, hammertoes, cracked heels, and corns from gradually forming. The proper shoes should have the right amount of flexibility, lower heels, and not be too heavy for the wearer. To exhibit good foot care, wash and dry the feet thoroughly each day followed by using a good moisturizer. Additionally, it is wise to have the shoes accommodate thicker socks if the patient chooses to wear them. If you would like to know more information about how to care for elderly feet, please schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

Foot problems can become increasingly common as we age, making everyday foot care especially important. To learn more about maintaining proper foot health, 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. 

Common Foot Problems

Certain foot problems may be more likely to affect older adults. 

Some examples of foot conditions that can be common in older adults include: 

• Dry, cracked skin

• Calluses and corns

• Blisters

• Ingrown toenails

• Deformities such as bunions or hammertoes

• Fungal infections

• Plantar warts

Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, are also more likely to affect older people and manifest symptoms in the feet and ankles. 

Daily Foot Care Tips

Having a daily foot care routine can help detect problems early on and prevent future issues. 

Things that you can do at home to care for your feet include: 

• Washing the feet daily with warm water, drying them thoroughly, and then applying a moisturizer 

• Trimming the toenails straight across and not too short to prevent ingrown toenails

• Performing daily foot exercises to improve foot strength and mobility

• Wearing shoes when walking to avoid injury

• Inspecting the feet daily for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities and seeking prompt treatment if any problems are discovered 

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.

People over age 60 are more prone to falling than those who are younger. After sustaining a fall, some older adults end up in long-term care facilities as their mobility and independence have been compromised. Most risk factors that lead to falling can be minimized or eliminated. Some common risk factors include trip hazards at home or work, poorly fitting footwear, and insufficient lower body strength. Lighting, clutter on the floor, and loose rugs or mats are some of the hazards that can be remedied at home or work. Wearing shoes that are supportive and fit properly can go a long way in preventing unnecessary falls. Participating in exercises that maintain lower body strength and flexibility can also ensure greater safety and fewer falls. If you are older or taking care of a senior, consult with a chiropodist who can offer more information on fall risks and prevention measures.

Falls are a major cause of injury among the elderly. To learn more about preventing falls or to get treatment following a foot or ankle injury caused by a fall, 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. 

Falling is one of the leading causes of injury among the elderly. It is said that about 50% of falls that result in hospitalization occur in the home. Fortunately, there are steps that you can implement to reduce your risk of falling in the home. 

Tips to Prevent Falls at Home:

• In the bathroom - Place non-slip mats in the shower or tub, install grab bars near the toilet and bath, and wipe up any moisture or spills as soon as possible. 

• In the living rooms and bedroom - Remove loose wires, cords, or other objects that may be an obstacle to moving around safely. Make sure that you have good lighting throughout the home so that you can always see where you are going. Get rid of any rugs or mats that are not firmly anchored or that may cause you to trip. When walking around the home, move slowly. 

• In the kitchen - Store food and supplies in easily accessible areas, store heavy items in lower cupboards, and wipe up any spills immediately to prevent slipping. 

• On the stairs - Make sure that the stairs are well-lit and have secure handrails. Walk slowly when ascending or descending the stairs.  

• Outside - Keep walkways well-lit and clear of snow, ice, leaves, and man-made tripping hazards.

Maintaining your overall health, including the health of your feet, can also help to prevent falls. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and wear well-fitted, comfortable, and supportive shoes. If you have a mobility device, such as a cane, use it while walking.  

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.

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can be common among people who are afflicted with diabetes, and this can cause an inability to feel sensations in the feet. It is important to check the soles of the feet daily as this can provide an opportunity to notice existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes on the feet. Undetected sores on the feet may lead to an infection and can ultimately cause a diabetic foot ulcer. Foot ulcers are generally treated by taking antibiotics. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary if the foot ulcers are not treated. There are simple measures that can be implemented by diabetic patients to care for their feet. These include washing and drying the feet daily as well as trimming the toenails. Additionally, it can be beneficial to wear moisture-wicking socks and shoes that fit correctly. Other methods can be implemented to care for diabetic feet and it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist if you would like more information.

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.

To care for one’s physical and emotional well-being, an individual will often develop a routine that is repeated on a regular basis. For instance, to calm down at the end of a busy work day, an individual might perform a ritualistic night routine that includes drinking tea, washing one’s face, and perhaps reading a book. Taking care of one’s feet does not have to be any different. To ensure that you are maintaining the health of your feet, you might try to adopt a kind of morning or nighttime foot care routine. What you include in this routine can be highly personalized and specific to your own foot care needs. You might consider including a brief visual examination of your feet to check for any visible cuts or abnormalities. You might also include a foot wash of some sort, utilizing an appropriate soap or scrub. Following a foot bath, be sure to completely dry your feet with a towel to keep them from becoming soggy or damp. You might also apply a moisturizer to the feet following this foot bath. To wrap up your routine, you might briefly stretch the feet to keep them agile and flexible. This can also sometimes improve balance and agility. For more tips and tricks to incorporate into your regular foot care routine, contact a chiropodist.

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, 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. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

• Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly

• Washing the feet daily with soap and water

• Drying the feet thoroughly

• Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet

• Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly 

• Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. 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.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for different types of viral infections. When HPV enters the skin on the feet through a cut or other type of abrasion, it can lead to the development of an individual, or a cluster of plantar warts. Plantar warts form on the bottom of the foot and present as rough, sometimes ridged patches of lighter skin that may have a black dot in the center. This black dot is a tiny blood vessel that feeds the wart. Because they typically develop on the sole of the feet in high-pressure areas like the ball of the foot or heel, plantar warts can be quite painful. They are also very contagious and can spread from direct contact with a wart or through indirect contact with an object that is infected with HPV. Plantar warts are also quite resilient and can take over a year to go away, if at all, on their own. If they are not treated properly, they tend to grow back as well. That is why it makes sense to have your plantar wart treated promptly and professionally by a chiropodist who can get rid of them quickly, safely, and completely. 

Plantar warts can be uncomfortable or even painful. If you’re suffering from warts on your 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. 

What Does a Plantar Wart Look Like? 

Plantar warts are fleshy growths that generally have a rough, grainy texture. They may look and feel like a callus and are usually small and can grow individually or in clusters. Plantar warts may have small, black dots at their center that are actually tiny blood vessels. Warts interrupt the natural lines of your skin. 

Treatment Options

• Salicylic acid - A chemical solution applied directly to the wart

• Cryotherapy - Freezing the wart off with liquid nitrogen

• Minor surgery - Removing the wart through excision

• Laser treatment - A concentrated beam of light is used to remove the wart

• Wearing comfortable shoes and socks to avoid irritating the wart

• Over-the-counter medications for pain relief

• Patches to keep pressure off the warts

Plantar warts can go away on their own, but this may take several months to years. If your plantar warts are bothering you, seeking medical treatment is suggested. 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.

If the first joint of your toe bends up instead of lying flat, you probably have developed a hammertoe. The main cause of this deformity is believed to be wearing shoes that do not fit properly. If they are too small in either length or width, the toe is forced into a shortened position for too long a period. The muscles then tighten, and the toe joint can become frozen in a bent position. Another likely cause of hammertoe is when one of the two long muscles in the leg (the extensor and flexor digitorum longus) become compromised. They work in tandem to help raise and lower the toes. A hammertoe can also be congenital, or caused by arthritis in the foot or diabetes. If the hammertoe is caught early enough, it may be possible to straighten it. This process includes wearing shoes that are larger and have a wider toe box. Certain stretching exercises can help to stretch out the toes. If these measures are not successful, surgery may be necessary. For congenital hammertoes, a splinting and manipulation technique can be used. Besides looking unsightly, hammertoes can become painful, because the raised joint rubs against the inside of the toe box and corns or calluses may result. For more information on how to deal with hammertoes, please consult a chiropodist. 

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity in which one or more of the small toes bends downwards at the middle joint. Though it may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, this is not the case. Hammertoes can be uncomfortable, painful, and even debilitating in severe cases. If you suffer from hammertoe, 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.

Symptoms

• One or more small toes bending downward at the middle joint

• Pain or irritation on the affected toes

• Corns and calluses

• Inflammation

• Redness

• Stiff toe joints

• Sores on the tops of the toes

Diagnosis

A chiropodist can typically diagnose hammertoes through physical examination. X-rays may need to be taken to see the extent of the damage.

Treatment

Hammertoes tend to progressively worsen with time, so getting prompt treatment is very important. In its early stages, the progression of hammertoe can be slowed down or stopped. Your chiropodist may suggest changes in your footwear. Wearing wide, comfortable shoes with a larger toe area and a low heel can help you avoid putting pressure on your toes. You may also be prescribed orthotics. Over-the-counter medications or corticosteroid injections may be used to relieve pain. If you have any corns or calluses, your chiropodist may suggest padding them to avoid further irritation. In advanced cases, surgery may be suggested. 

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.