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Ankle pain, a common ailment that can disrupt daily activities, stems from a variety of underlying factors. One prevalent cause is injury, often resulting from sprains, strains, or fractures. Ligaments that connect bones in the ankle may stretch or tear, triggering pain and swelling. Overuse or repetitive strain, particularly in activities like running or high-impact sports, can lead to inflammation and discomfort. Conditions such as arthritis, affecting the joints, may contribute to persistent ankle pain. Tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendons surrounding the ankle joint, is another culprit, often aggravated by overexertion. Additionally, underlying health issues such as nerve compression or circulatory problems can manifest as ankle pain. Footwear choices, improper gait, and muscle imbalances can also play a role. Recognizing the diverse causes of ankle pain is essential for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. If you have ankle pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can accurately determine what the cause is, and offer correct treatment options.

Ankle pain is a common symptom of many lower limb problems. If you are experiencing ankle 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. 

The ankle is composed of a number of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. There are many conditions which may cause ankle pain. 

Causes

• Ankle strains or sprains
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Fractures
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms

If you have ankle pain, you may also experience a variety of other symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Some of these symptoms may include ankle swelling, bruising, redness, numbness or tingling, instability, and difficulty walking.

Diagnosis

The underlying cause of ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. Diagnoses are typically made based on your medical history, a physical examination of the affected ankle, and imaging studies such as X-rays. 

Treatment

Treatment for your ankle pain will depend on its underlying cause. Often, the chiropodist will recommend that you rest the affected ankle. You might also need to ice, compress, and elevate the ankle, wear an orthotic device, or take medications to reduce pain and inflammation. 

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.

Cholesterol can become a silent menace when levels soar. Beyond the commonly known risks to heart health, high levels of cholesterol can have a profound effect on your feet. A key consequence of elevated cholesterol is atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque accumulates in the arteries. This buildup can affect the extremities, including the legs and feet, resulting in peripheral artery disease, or PAD. A common symptom of the reduced blood flow to the lower extremities is unusually cool or cold feet. Swelling or edema may also occur, particularly after periods of immobility. Leg pain, another common indicator of PAD, may be experienced with or without physical activity. A sensation described as having pins and needles often occurs in the feet. PAD may also increase the risk of developing arterial ulcers, which are slow-healing wounds that typically appear on the legs, feet, ankles, or toes. These ulcers are a consequence of damaged cells, tissues, and nerves. For those individuals with PAD and leg ulcers, careful observation is needed. If you are experiencing the symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist who can determine what the best treatment is for you.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor circulation in the lower limbs. If you have PAD, 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 is peripheral artery disease? 

Peripheral artery disease is characterized by reduced blood flow to the lower limbs. This occurs due to a buildup of a fatty substance called plaque in the arteries. The plaque causes the arteries to become narrow and harden, which makes it difficult for blood to get to the lower limbs. Without adequate blood flow, the tissues of the legs, ankles, and feet do not get enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly, which can lead to various symptoms as the condition progresses. Having poor circulation also increases your risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. 

Symptoms

In its initial stages, PAD is often asymptomatic. If symptoms do arise, they often include: 

• Muscle cramps
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Pain that gets worse with physical activity
• Balance problems
• Difficulty walking

Diagnosis

PAD can be diagnosed through a thorough physical examination, medical history, and vascular testing. There are many simple, non-invasive tests that your chiropodist can use to determine your risk of having PAD. These include the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test and Doppler ultrasounds. 

Treatment

Treatments for PAD focus on lifestyle changes and medication management to lessen symptoms and prevent heart attacks and strokes. Your chiropodist may suggest various foot and ankle exercises to increase the strength and flexibility of your feet and ankles, boost circulation, and improve mobility. They may also suggest routine visits to monitor and maintain the health of your feet since poor circulation can lead to a variety of foot and ankle complications. 

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.

Caring for your feet is important to your overall health, but is often underestimated in self-care routines. Establishing a routine for good foot hygiene is essential for keeping your feet healthy and happy as you get older. Daily washing, with extra attention to the spaces between your toes, significantly lowers the risk of infections. As the skin on your feet tends to become thinner and drier with age, follow up with moisturizing lotion, excluding the areas between the toes to avoid creating a damp environment conducive to fungal growth. Proper toenail maintenance is needed to prevent ingrown toenails. If you cannot trim them yourself, a care worker or a chiropodist can perform that task safely. Addressing calluses is equally important. Deep calluses can crack and bleed, posing a risk of infection. Regular self-examination of your feet is essential. Check the tops, soles, and under the toenails, in addition to the spaces between your toes for any changes, growths, or discolorations. Swelling or changes in color may indicate poor circulation or other problems that require prompt attention. For individuals with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, communicate with your chiropodist about any unusual or concerning developments. For guidance in the proper care for your feet, it is suggested that you 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.

Throbbing ankles, aching shins, purple toes, arch pain, calf pain, and overall foot soreness after skiing may be signs that you need to examine your boots. The most common causes of foot pain from ski boots include bad fit, wrong flex, pressure points, packed out soles, bad buckle habits, and, yes, socks. Experts say your ski boots should be snug but not painfully tight, and they should provide good support to your feet and ankles. Make sure you choose boots with the right flex rating for your skiing style and experience level. Modern ski boots often offer customization options, including the ability to mold and modify specific areas to alleviate pressure points. If you experience throbbing or discomfort in the instep or arch of your feet, it could be due to soles that are flattened, compressed. Buckling your boots from the top down and leaning your shins into the tongue while sliding your feet to the back of the boot can ensure a snug fit without causing pain. Opt for lightweight, thin ski socks that provide warmth without overcrowding your boots. Socks with shin padding can help alleviate shin pain. If you experience persistent foot pain after skiing, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for guidance and solutions tailored to your needs.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, 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 Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries
• Ankle strains or sprains
• Plantar fasciitis
• Fractures
• Turf toe
• Joint dislocations
• Sever’s disease
• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

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.