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Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the outer edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This typically occurs on the big toe and can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area. Ingrown toenails can be caused by wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes, shoes with pointed toes, and shoes with high heels, which can compress the toes and force the toenails to curve into the skin. Trimming the toenails improperly can also cause them to grow into the skin. Toenails should be trimmed straight across, without rounding the edges of the nail. Injury to the toenail, fungal infections, taking certain medications, and having an irregular nail shape can also lead to ingrown toenails. If you suffer from painful ingrown toenails or are prone to them, it is recommended that you seek the care of a chiropodist.

Ingrown toenails may require medical attention. If you have significant pain or notice signs of infection from an ingrown toenail, 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 an Ingrown Toenail? 

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edges of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The toenails of the big toe are usually affected, however, an ingrown toenail can happen on any toe. Sometimes, the area can become infected leading to potentially serious complications. The ingrown toenail may be caused by improper trimming of the toenail, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or injury to the nail.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ingrown toenail include: 

• Pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Warmth

• Pus or drainage from the affected nail or a fever may indicate an infection of the area. 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. In less severe cases, home treatment may be adequate. Soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail from the skin with a piece of clean cotton can help. In more severe cases, you may need to use topical or oral antibiotics to treat an infection. Surgical removal of the ingrown toenail may be required if more conservative treatments fail. 

Ingrown toenails may be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and properly trimming the toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short when using nail clippers. 

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.

Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. The uric acid can crystallize and build up in the joints of the foot, especially in the big toe, leading to gout. Sudden and intense pain, known as gout attacks, can make it feel as if the foot is on fire. Other symptoms may include swelling, stiffness, and warmth in the affected joint. It is said that gout is more likely to occur in older men and women, people who consume alcohol, and people who take certain medications, like diuretics and cyclosporine. Gout is also hereditary and may arise in people with conditions like kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, or sleep apnea. If you ignore the symptoms of gout and don't seek treatment, it can lead to arthritis. This condition could leave the joint permanently damaged or swollen. For more information about gout and to discuss potential treatment options, consult with a chiropodist today. 

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.

Happy feet start with shoes that are comfortable and fit well. When purchasing shoes, do your shopping in the afternoon when your feet are usually their largest. Have your feet measured every time to make sure your size has not changed, as can happen over time. If you are like most people, one foot will be slightly larger than the other; choose the size that accommodates the larger foot. Ensure that the ball of your foot fits the widest part of the shoe comfortably. Check the length of the shoe to make sure there is ample room for your toes, and choose shoes that are shaped similarly to your feet. Remember that shoe sizes can fluctuate based on brand and other factors, so always try them on. While standing, check to make sure the width of your finger fits comfortably between the top of your toes and the tip of the shoe. Walk around the store to make sure they feel good and do not slip or rub you uncomfortably. If the shoes do not feel great in the store, don’t rely on them stretching out with wear. A podiatrist can make other specific recommendations based on your foot structure and needs, and also provide custom orthotics for additional support, or to correct any gait issues you may have.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Many patients with flat feet have found that frequently performing specific exercises may help their feet feel better. The pain from this condition is normally felt in the bottom of the foot, and it can make accomplishing daily activities difficult to complete. Flat feet, or fallen arches, can be a result of overstretched tissues which may lead to additional foot conditions. Stretching the heel can help the entire foot. This can be done by standing with your hands resting against a wall. As one leg is extended behind you, a gentle stretch can be felt in the Achilles tendon when the body is pushed toward the wall. Research has indicated that rolling the heel on a tennis ball can also help to strengthen the arch. If you have flat feet, please speak with a podiatrist to learn about what exercises and stretches may help your condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

By wearing shoes that fit well, you can prevent the development of many foot conditions such as bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, blisters, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma and more. Start by knowing your true size. You may think your feet are the same size as they were a few years ago, however, age, changes in weight, and other factors may cause your feet to grow and expand. Have your feet measured every time you buy shoes—both in length and width. Make sure you try shoes on at the end of the day, after your feet have expanded. Check for ⅜” to ½” of space between the tip of the shoe and your big toe, and that the ball of your feet don’t feel squeezed. Don’t buy shoes that feel uncomfortable thinking they will expand, or that you will wear them in later. Walk around the store for a while to get a real sense of their fit. Make sure you don’t slip around in them or that they cause friction by rubbing against your feet, toes, back of your heel, etc. If you are struggling to find the shoes with the right fit for you, a podiatrist can offer additional tips for buying shoes that are appropriate for your particular feet.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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