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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.