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An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort, redness, and swelling. It is often caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, injury, or having naturally curved nails. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, genetic predisposition, and conditions like diabetes or circulation issues. Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, swelling, and sometimes infection. A chiropodist can provide expert care by safely trimming the nail, relieving pain, and preventing infection. They can also offer guidance on proper footwear, nail care, and long-term prevention strategies. If you are experiencing discomfort from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for professional treatment.

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.

Arthritis in the foot and ankle can lead to stiffness, swelling, and pain that make even short walks challenging. Over time, the protective cartilage within the joints wears down, causing bones to rub together and limiting smooth movement. Osteoarthritis often develops with age or after an injury, while rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions may also target these joints. Symptoms can progress gradually, beginning with mild soreness and advancing to persistent pain that restricts daily activity. Supportive footwear, orthotic inserts, and activity modification may help reduce stress on the joints. Targeted exercises can improve flexibility and strength. In advanced cases, injections may be considered or surgery referred out. Early attention to joint changes is important to slow progression. If you are struggling with ongoing foot or ankle pain that may be linked to arthritis, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for thorough evaluation and appropriate care.

Osteoarthritis in the feet or ankles can be a painful and disabling condition that may interfere with your daily activities. If you have arthritis, 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 Osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective layer of cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. This loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together during movement, leading to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging, and often affects the small joints of the feet and ankles. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include: 

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Swelling in or around the joint
• Restricted range of motion
• Difficulty walking

Diagnosis

Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through physical examination. You may also need to have an X-ray taken to assess the extent of the damage caused by arthritis. 

Treatment

Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on reducing symptoms and improving the function of the affected joints. Conservative treatments include oral pain medications, orthotic devices, bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle, steroid injections into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. 

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

Pickleball has quickly become a popular sport for all ages, but its quick movements and sudden changes in direction place extra stress on the feet and ankles. Common injuries include ankle sprains from twisting motions, plantar fasciitis from repetitive stress on the heel, and Achilles tendon strains caused by quick starts and stops. Stress fractures may also develop when players increase activity too quickly without proper conditioning. Wearing supportive court shoes designed for lateral movement can help reduce the risk of injury, as can stretching before and after play. Gradually building endurance and strength in the legs and feet is also important for injury prevention. Playing on a suitable surface rather than on overly hard flooring can make a difference as well. If you develop ongoing foot or ankle pain while playing pickleball, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for a proper evaluation and appropriate care.

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.

Falls are a common concern, particularly among older adults, and can result from muscle weakness, poor balance, and wearing improper footwear that does not provide adequate support. Falling not only increases the risk of fractures and injuries but can also lead to bruising, sprains, and other foot problems that affect mobility and independence. A chiropodist can assess your foot and lower limb health, recommend supportive footwear, suggest exercises to strengthen muscles, and provide strategies to improve stability and prevent future falls. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can treat various foot and ankle injuries, and guide you on fall prevention tips.

Falls are a common but preventable problem for older adults. If you would like to learn more about preventing falls, 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. 

Did you know that most falls occur in the home? Fortunately, there are many simple changes that you can make to the living environment to reduce the risk of falling. 

In the Bathroom:

• Install grab bars near toilets, bathtubs, and showers
• Put non-skid mats on all surfaces that may get wet

In the Bedroom:

• Keep a light near the bed so that you can easily turn it on if you have to get up at night
• Keep the path from your bedroom to the bathroom clutter-free and well-lit
• Consider installing a bed rail for added support

In the Kitchen:

• Use non-skid mats
• Wipe up any spills immediately
• Move commonly used items to areas that are easily within your reach

In the Hallways:

• Place handrails on both sides of the stairs
• Install good lighting in the hallways and around the entire home
• Keep hallways free of clutter
• Don’t use throw rugs or small area rugs

In Other Living Areas: 

• Keep loose cables, cords, and wires near the wall and away from walking surfaces
• Make sure that all carpets and rugs are secure firmly to the floor
• Arrange your furniture so that it is not in your way when you walk
• Use chairs and couches that you can easily get up from

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.