Running With Flat Feet

Running with flat feet can present challenges, but with the right approach, it can be safe and enjoyable. Flat feet may cause overpronation, leading to discomfort or injury without proper support. Choosing running shoes with firm arch support and stability features can help maintain alignment and reduce strain. Gradual training with attention to form and strength exercises can also improve performance and prevent injury. A chiropodist can assess foot mechanics, recommend custom orthotics, and guide proper footwear choices to support your running goals. If you experience discomfort while running or suspect flat feet are affecting your stride, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for an expert evaluation and a personalized plan to keep you active and pain free.

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.

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Flat Feet

A flat foot is a foot that has no visible arch in the middle of the sole of the foot while standing. There are two types of flat feet. A flexible flat foot has a visible arch when the foot is not bearing weight, but the arch disappears when the person stands or puts any weight on the foot. A rigid flat foot has no visible arch regardless of whether or not the foot is bearing any weight. Flat feet can also be present from birth or can develop over time, as the ligaments that hold up the arch of the foot weaken. When flat feet are acquired, they are referred to as fallen arches. 

In many cases, flat feet do not cause any pain or other symptoms. This is especially true for those who were born with flat feet. In the instances where flat feet are not asymptomatic, they may cause pain in the heel, arch, ankle, or along the outside of the foot, as well as shin pain, foot aches or fatigue, and lower back, hip, or knee pain. People who have flat feet are also more likely to have an abnormal gait or walking pattern that may affect their daily activities. 

Flat feet can be diagnosed through a physical examination. An imaging study, such as an X-ray, may be used to determine the severity of the condition. Treatments for flat feet include footwear and activity modifications, wearing orthotics, taking medications to relieve pain, and physical therapy. If you have flat feet that are causing you pain or discomfort, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Causes of Foot Pain in Seniors

Foot pain is a common issue among seniors due to several factors that develop with age. One major cause of foot pain in seniors is wearing poorly fitting shoes, which may be too tight, too narrow, or lack proper support. Shoes that do not fit well can lead to discomfort, injury, or increased risk of falls. Over time, the natural structure of the foot also changes. The padding under the heel and ball of the foot thins out, arches lose flexibility, and joints may become stiff. Feet often grow wider and longer, and dry skin becomes more common, making the skin more prone to irritation or infection. Health conditions that can increase the risk of foot pain include diabetes, arthritis, nerve damage, and poor circulation. Extra strain from excess weight, jobs that require long hours of standing, or walking on hard surfaces can also lead to discomfort. A chiropodist can help identify the source of the foot pain and provide personalized care. If you are experiencing foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment solutions.

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.

Read more about Elderly Foot Care

Elderly Foot Care

Like any other part of the body, the feet are vulnerable to wear and tear throughout our lives. As we age, our feet may require more care and attention. Elderly people are especially prone to developing a variety of foot problems, including dry skin, corns, calluses, blisters, ingrown toenails, deformities, arthritis, fungal infections, and plantar warts. Additionally, systemic conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation can have noticeable effects on foot health. 

The first step to preventing foot health problems at any age is to establish a good daily foot care routine. Washing the feet with soap and warm water daily, then drying them thoroughly is very important. Applying a moisturizer to the soles of the feet can help prevent dry skin. When trimming the toenails, use nail clippers to trim them straight across. This can prevent painful ingrown toenails. Doing daily foot exercises and stretches can help maintain the strength and flexibility of the feet. 

A critical step of the daily foot care routine, especially for those who have systemic conditions like diabetes, is the daily foot inspection. Check your feet each day for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities. By catching and treating any foot problems early, you can prevent infection and other serious complications. A hand mirror can be used to help you see any hard-to-reach areas. 

Another important aspect of caring for your feet is wearing the right shoes and socks. Footwear should be comfortable, supportive, flexible, and made of breathable materials. For some people, orthotic inserts can help make shoes more comfortable. 

If you have any foot problems, or questions about maintaining the health of your feet, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Morton's Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition in which the nerve tissue between the third and fourth toes thickens. This thickening is typically the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. The nerve becomes larger and causes pain. Left untreated, this could lead to permanent nerve damage. 

The symptoms of a Morton’s neuroma include pain and tingling, burning, or numbness in the affected foot. A Morton’s neuroma can produce a unique sensation similar to something being stuck in the ball of the foot or in your shoe. Morton’s neuroma symptoms often have a gradual onset. Initially, they may occur only while doing specific activities or while wearing shoes with a narrow toe area. However, over time the symptoms worsen and can last for several days or weeks. Without treatment, the symptoms can become increasingly severe and the nerve can become permanently damaged. 

People who often wear high-heeled shoes or shoes with narrow toe boxes and those with certain foot deformities, such as bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet are at an increased risk of developing Morton’s neuroma. Involvement in activities that put repetitive stress on the ball of the foot, such as running or tennis, can also irritate the nerve and lead to Morton’s neuroma. 

This condition is diagnosed through a physical examination. An imaging study, such as an ultrasound, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out any other potential causes for your symptoms. Treatment for Morton’s neuroma varies depending on the severity of the neuroma. Padding the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or choosing wider and more comfortable shoes may be suggested to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. Icing the area and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve pain. In very severe cases, surgery may also be an option. To learn more about Morton’s neuroma, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Morton's Neuroma Facts

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition involving the thickening of tissue around a nerve in the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. This pressure on the nerve causes irritation and inflammation. It can develop from wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, repetitive stress from sports, or foot deformities such as bunions or flat feet. Symptoms often include a sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling, numbness, or the feeling of standing on a small object. Risk factors include improper footwear, high-impact activities, and abnormal foot structure. A chiropodist can help by performing a physical examination, recommending footwear changes, providing custom orthotics, and offering conservative treatments to relieve pressure, reduce pain, and improve foot function. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Morton's neuroma can be highly uncomfortable. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton's neuroma, 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 a Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a condition in which a nerve located in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes thickens due to compression or irritation. Common causes of Morton’s neuroma include wearing shoes with high heels or narrow toe boxes, participating in running or court sports, an injury or trauma to the area, or pressure being placed on the nerve from foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Left untreated, Morton's neuroma may result in permanent nerve damage.  

Symptoms

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma often start gradually and worsen over time. Typical symptoms  include: 

  • Foot pain

  • Tingling, burning, or numbness in the affected foot

  • The unique sensation that something is inside the ball of the foot or that there is something stuck in your shoe while walking

Treatment

Non-surgical treatments for this condition may include padding or icing the affected foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying activities or shoes to reduce pressure on the foot, and taking medications or getting injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery may be needed if non-surgical treatments are ineffective. 

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.

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Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot lives and thrives in warm, moist environments such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. This fungus can infect the feet through a cut or crack in the skin. Athlete’s foot is also highly contagious, and the fungus can spread from person to person through sharing personal items such as shoes, socks, or towels.

The symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, stinging, or burning between your toes or on the soles of your feet, itchy foot blisters, and dry, cracked, or peeling skin on the feet. The infection can also spread to your toenails, leading to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling. 

Through a physical examination, athlete’s foot can be diagnosed by your chiropodist based on its symptoms. Sometimes, a skin test may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Athlete’s foot can be treated with both oral and topical over-the-counter or prescription medications. You can prevent a fungal infection by maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing shoes when walking in public areas, avoiding sharing personal items with others, and keeping your feet clean and dry. 

 

Facts About Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms, communal showers, and damp footwear. Symptoms often include itching, redness, peeling skin, and a burning sensation. In more severe cases, the skin may crack or blister. Risk factors include wearing tight or damp shoes, walking barefoot in public places, and having a weakened immune system. A chiropodist can diagnose the condition, recommend antifungal treatments, and provide guidance on preventing recurrence. Proper foot hygiene, drying the feet thoroughly, and wearing breathable footwear are essential steps. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you promptly contact a chiropodist who can provide appropriate treatment solutions.

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, 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 Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include: 

  • Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet

  • Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet

  • Scaly, red rash on the foot

  • Blisters 

  • Foul odor

Treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both. 

Prevention

Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices. 

You can prevent athlete’s foot by:

  • Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day

  • Wearing shoes when walking in public areas

  • Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others

  • Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials

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.

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Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a thick ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, typically due to overuse, it can cause a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by a sharp, stabbing heel pain, arch pain, and pain that is at its worst when taking your first steps after a long resting period, such as when you first wake up in the morning. You may also notice swelling on the bottom of the heel. 

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot ailments, and one of the most common causes of heel pain. Besides overuse from activities such as running or jumping, wearing shoes that do not have adequate cushioning and support, standing for prolonged periods of time, being obese, or having flat feet can all increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis. 

Fortunately, there are many treatments for this condition. Your chiropodist may recommend stretching exercises, activity and footwear changes, and icing the affected foot to help relieve pain. If pain persists after several weeks, your chiropodist may prescribe custom orthotics, pad, tape, strap, or immobilize the affected foot, or inject a corticosteroid into the area to reduce pain. 

For more information about plantar fasciitis, please consult with a chiropodist. 

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