Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Blog
Plantar fasciitis can make some physical exercises difficult. This is because the condition can cause patients sensations of pain and discomfort. The heel, in particular, is likely to be painful when an individual has plantar fasciitis. However, many individuals living with plantar fasciitis will still want to be able to burn their daily calories. These people might opt for low-impact aerobic exercises. For example, working out on the elliptical machine is a great way for those living with plantar fasciitis to burn calories. This is because this activity does not severely strain the plantar fascia. If you are someone living with plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you reach out to a chiropodist who can offer you medical advice and treatment.
Stretching and strengthening your feet is very important for maintaining your foot health. If you would like to learn more about exercises for 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.
There are a variety of relatively easy-to-do exercises that can boost the strength, flexibility, and mobility of your feet, as well as relieve foot pain.
Strength exercises:
Toe splay - Spread the toes apart and hold for several seconds; improves control over toe muscles
Toe curls - Scrunch up a towel with your toes; strengthens the flexor muscles
Marble pickup - Pick up marbles with your toes; strengthens the muscles on the undersides of the feet and toes
Walking on sand - Stretches and strengthens feet and calves
Flexibility exercises:
Heel raises - Raise the heels while keeping toes on the ground
Toe point - Raise the heels while pointing the toes, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
Toe curl - Raise the heels while curling the toes inwards, keeping just the tips of toes on the ground
Big toe stretch - Use your hands to gently stretch your big toes up, down, and to the side
Exercises for foot pain:
Toe extension - Gently pull the toes up towards the ankle and hold for several seconds
Ball roll - gently roll a golf or tennis ball underneath the arches of the feet
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.
Summer brings the need for many people to wear lighter shoes. This season can provide the need to temporarily stop wearing socks, and many people opt to wear flip-flops and sandals. Practicing a good foot care routine before and during the summer months may help to eliminate conditions such as athlete’s foot from developing. It is helpful to avoid walking barefoot, in addition to wearing appropriate shoes, while in public pool swimming areas. It is also beneficial to start the day by washing and drying the feet, followed by applying a good moisturizer on them. Many people choose to buy new shoes during these months, and it is helpful to purchase them at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. A chiropodist can help you to prevent certain foot conditions that can be easy to develop during the summer months. It is suggested that you speak with this type of medical professional who can guide you toward effective prevention methods.
Summer is the season for many foot and ankle issues. If you’re suffering from a foot or ankle problem, 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.
Common Summer Foot Problems
Athlete’s foot
Toenail fungus
Plantar warts
Foot and ankle injuries
Bunions
Hammertoes
Heel pain
Cracked heels
Sunburns
Blisters
Prevention
Wear supportive shoes and avoid flip-flops
Maintain good foot hygiene
Exfoliate and moisturize the heels
Apply sunscreen to the feet and ankles
Wear shoes in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers
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.
Winter brings cold weather, and the feet are often affected if not cared for properly. Many people are under the assumption that wearing thick socks is good for the feet during the cold months, but this may not be true. When these types of socks are frequently worn, excess pressure may be put on the feet, which may possibly lead to poor circulation. When choosing socks, it is beneficial if they are made of breathable materials. It is important to choose correct shoes to wear while outdoors, as they provide the outer layer of protection for the body. The type of shoes can govern how the feet are able to maintain the correct body temperature, and in a cold atmosphere, it may help to wear woolen inner soles. Circulation can be improved when the activity level is increased, with the added bonus of possibly feeling more energized. If you live in a cold climate, and spend the majority of your time outside, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can guide you toward additional measures to protect your feet.
The winter months can bring about new or worsening foot and ankle problems. If you’re suffering from foot or ankle 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.
Winter Foot Problems
Cracked heels - Dry, cracked skin on the heels of the feet that is associated with cold, dry weather
Athlete’s foot - A fungal infection on the skin of the feet
Blisters - Fluid-filled bubbles of skin that usually form in response to friction
Fractures - Broken bones in the feet or ankles
Metatarsalgia - General foot pain
Chilblains - Spasming of the small blood vessels in the toes in response to exposure to cold weather
Raynaud’s disease - Numbness, pain, and color changes in the toes due to cold weather
Prevention
Wear warm socks and shoes
Avoid prolonged exposure to the cold
Moisturize the heels regularly
Keep your feet clean and dry
Walk carefully in areas that may be icy
Wear non-slip shoes
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.
Our feet are important for the key reason that they provide mobility. Given their complex nature, it should not be surprising that foot problems are going to arise from time to time. Foot health is integral to our overall health. If we cannot move easily due to foot pain, it can negatively affect our overall health and quality of life. Researchers have reported that 25% of adults suffer from foot pain and 50% of these people have disabling foot problems. Foot pain can result from overuse, injury, or another foot or health condition. Arthritis, bunions, and plantar fasciitis are just a few common causes of foot pain. Because foot pain can arise from a large variety of conditions, it is suggested that if you suffer from such pain, you make an appointment with a chiropodist, who can accurately diagnose and treat your condition.
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.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Flat feet are also known as pes planus, or fallen arches. Having flat feet can pose a number of health issues and should be taken seriously. A normal foot has an arch between the toes and heels that can be noticed while standing on the floor. A flat foot has no space between the bottom of the foot and the floor. Fallen arches may be caused by increased elastin during pregnancy, arthritis, or from putting excessive stress on the foot. A rigid flat foot appears flat even when it is at rest. This type of flat foot can cause pain in the foot, as well as in the legs, knees, and back. Many people with flat feet are able to live pain-free lives with the help of orthotics and certain exercises. If you have noticed that your feet hurt and are not sure of the cause, you may have developed fallen arches. It is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can examine your foot’s arch structure and offer appropriate treatment solutions.
Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, 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 Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not.
Causes
Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy.
Symptoms
Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet.
Symptoms associated with flat feet include:
Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot
Overpronation of the foot
Shin splints
Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs
Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back
Treatment
In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.
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.
Most people associate gout with pain that centers in the big toe, and this is certainly a common location for a flare up. However, there are many joints where gout can occur, including the ankle. Because ankle sprains, tendonitis, and osteoarthritis share similar symptoms with gout, it can easily be misdiagnosed. Gout is an inflammatory condition, a type of arthritis, resulting from a buildup of uric acid that forms into crystals in the joints. Symptoms of gout, though similar to those of other conditions, are usually far more acute and happen for no discernable reason. A typical flare up causes immediate extreme pain and produces swelling, redness, and tenderness to the touch. The bouts often occur in the middle of the night and completely without warning. The swelling can, in turn, cause stiffness in the ankle that may last for a week or longer, though it may start out as a dull ache. A decreased range of motion in the ankle is another sign of gout. This can affect a patient’s ability to move the ankle, bear weight, or walk. There is no known cure for gout, but there are a number of treatment solutions that reduce pain and prevent future flare ups. For more information on gout, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist.
Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. 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 Gout?
Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gout include:
Sudden and severe pain
Swelling
Redness
Warmth
Joint stiffness
Joint deformity
Diagnosis
A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid.
Treatment
Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.
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.
Research has shown the average person takes thousands of steps per day. Many people have achy feet at the end of the day, and everyday foot care ideas can be implemented. The feet are the foundation of the body. Implementing foot care routines can help the feet to look and feel better. It takes minimal time and generally begins with washing and drying the feet, followed by using a scrub that can help to exfoliate dead skin. A moisturizer can help the feet to feel soft, and may also prevent cracked heels. Using foot powder is beneficial in absorbing any sweat that can collect between the toes, and many people enjoy using a foot mask that can revitalize the feet. If you would like more information about effective everyday foot care tips, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with 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.
One of the most common causes of heel pain is Achilles tendonitis. This condition is thought to be an overuse injury that affects the Achilles tendon, which connects the muscles of the calf with the heel. The Achilles tendon is made up of thousands of collagen fibers that are tightly packed, to make up the longest and strongest tendon in the body. In most cases, injury to the Achilles tendon occurs gradually, often from not resting long enough between bouts of exercise. Achilles tendonitis can also be the result of what is called overload, which can occur if you increase the length or intensity of a run. Such an injury can also be caused by suddenly switching from shoes with a heel to flats for walking or running. Treatment options include rest, strength and stretching exercises, and certain medications. An injured Achilles tendon can take a long time to heal, but rushing back into activity can cause a chronic condition to develop. A chiropodist can examine your Achilles tendon to determine both the cause and severity of the injury, along with a suggested treatment program.
Achilles tendonitis is a common injury of the Achilles tendon, a band of fibrous tissue that runs along the back of the lower leg. The Achilles tendon can also rupture, making it impossible to lift the foot. If you are suffering from heel or calf 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.
Causes of Achilles tendon injuries include:
Repetitive stress or overuse
Sudden increase in activity levels
High impact injury
Calf muscle tightness or weakness
Altered foot biomechanics
Heel bone spurs
Underlying medical conditions that weaken the tendon
Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury include:
Heel and calf pain that worsens following exercise
Chronic heel and calf pain
Sudden pain in the back of the ankle or calf
A popping or snapping sensation
Thickened lump in the Achilles tendon
Ankle and calf stiffness
Decreased range of motion in the affected foot
Swelling
Difficulty walking
Treatment
Resting the affected leg
Applying ice
Compressing the foot and ankle
Elevating the injured leg
Wearing orthotics
Low impact exercises
Stretches
Strengthening exercises
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
Cortisone injections
Surgery, if the tendon is ruptured
Achilles tendon injuries can be very painful and lead to reduced mobility if left untreated. 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.
Blog Archives
- 2024
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021