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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.

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.

Many people choose to wear flip-flops when the summer months arrive, despite knowing they are not the best type of shoes to wear. They are available in a variety of styles and colors, and are easy to slip on, but frequent use may damage the feet. Most flip-flops are not supportive and are held together by a thin strip of rubber or material that lies between the big toe and the second toe. There are a few styles that can be considered which may contradict this reasoning. These can include flip-flops that have a flexible sole that can help to enhance foot strength, and have a wide toe area where the toes can move freely. A well-designed flip-flop may be able to keep the shoe on the foot, without having the toes ache. If you would like more information about the benefits of wearing flip-flops, please consult with a chiropodist who can answer any questions you may have.

Flip-flops, though they may seem harmless, are bad for your foot health. If you would like to learn more about the many problems that can be caused by frequent flip-flop wear, 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. 

Flip-flops are the quintessential summer shoe, seemingly perfect for the beach or pool. Unfortunately, these flimsy shoes are not a good choice when it comes to keeping your feet healthy. 

Frequently wearing flip-flops is associated with: 

• Hammertoes

• Bunions

• Plantar fasciitis

• Heel spurs 

• Cracked heels

• Plantar warts

• Athlete’s foot

• Foot pain

• Foot and ankle injuries

• Gait changes

• Leg, hip, and back pain

The best way to avoid these issues is to swap your flip-flops for more protective and supportive shoes. If you must wear flip-flops, wear them only for short periods of time. 

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.

Pain on the outside of the foot is known as lateral foot pain. This type of pain can be stabbing, burning, or aching. It can also be bothersome or debilitating. Severe pain can limit standing, walking, exercise, and other activities. This type of pain is not as common as other kinds of foot pain and identifying its source can be challenging. Causes of pain on the outside of the foot can include, but not be limited to, ankle sprains, arthritis, and bunionettes. Ankle sprains causing lateral foot pain are more apt to occur in those people who have high arches. Activities that cause the foot to twist, roll inward, or suddenly change directions, are common causes of ankle sprains. Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in joints. A bunionette which is also called a tailor’s bunion is a bone malformation that causes the base of the pinky toe to jut outward. If you experience pain on the outside of the foot that does not improve with rest or begins to feel worse, it is important to seek the counsel of a chiropodist who can provide you with a diagnosis and advise you of the best course of treatment.

Foot pain is a common problem treated by chiropodists. If you have 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. 

When you are experiencing foot pain, it’s important to note the type of pain and its location, as this can help determine a diagnosis. 

Pain in the top of the foot may be caused by:

• Stress fractures

• Sinus tarsi syndrome

• Extensor tendonitis

• Tibialis anterior tendonitis

• Gout

• Athlete’s foot

• Ganglion cysts

Pain in the bottom of the foot may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Foot cramps

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

• Plantar fibromatosis

• Posterior tibial tendonitis

• Stress fractures

• Flat feet

Pain on the side of the foot may be caused by:

• Ankle sprain

• Cuboid syndrome

• Peroneal tendonitis

• Stress fractures

• Bunions

• Corns or calluses

• Posterior tibial tendonitis

Heel pain may be caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendonitis

• Bone spurs

• Heel fractures

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis

• Sever’s disease 

Pain in the toes may be caused by:

• Gout

• Hammertoe

• Turf toe 

• Bunions

• Ingrown toenails

• Blisters 

• Arthritis

These and many more conditions can be treated by a chiropodist. 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.

A wound is a break in body tissue that happens either internally or externally. A minor wound can be treated at home by cleaning it, followed by covering it with a dressing. Severe wounds can consist of an abrasion that can happen when the skin rubs against a hard surface. Road rash is an example of this type of wound, and infection may be prevented when it is cleaned. A needle or pointy object can cause a puncture wound, and may be well below the skin’s surface. Patients who are involved in serious accidents may experience an avulsion wound which can bleed heavy and fast. Wounds that occur on the feet are treated by a chiropodist, and it is suggested that you seek the counsel of this type of medical professional who can effectively treat foot wounds.

Wound care is the process of treating and preventing wounds on the feet. This is especially important if you have diabetes, as diabetic foot wounds are common and can lead to serious complications when left untreated. To learn more about proper wound care, 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. 

Why Is Wound Care Important for Diabetics?

While wound care is important for maintaining the health of your feet, it is especially important for people with diabetes. This is because diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation, causing foot wounds to heal very slowly or not to heal at all. Diabetics also frequently suffer from neuropathy or nerve loss. This means no matter how big or little the wound, they might not feel it on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. This is why it is imperative that diabetics complete daily foot checks.

Wound Care Basics

The best way to care for wounds is to prevent them in the first place. It is recommended that people with diabetes perform a daily examination of their feet to locate cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds. Early detection allows for ample time to treat the wounds and prevent further complications. If you notice a wound at home, you can clean it using water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a clean bandage. Seeing a chiropodist, who can examine your feet thoroughly and treat any existing wounds, can also help you maintain proper foot health. 

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.