Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Foot pain is a common symptom of a large variety of injuries and medical conditions. A diagnosis can be narrowed down by describing the locations and type of pain that you are experiencing.
Pain in the heel is often caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis usually causes stabbing heel pains and the pain is at its worst upon arising in the morning or when taking your first steps after a long period of rest. Heel pain can also be caused by heel spurs, bruises on the fat pad of the heel, or heel fractures.
Pain in the ball of the foot can be caused by Morton’s neuroma, in which the tissue of the nerves between the bases of the toes become thickened, causing tingling and numbness. Other causes of pain in the ball of the foot include metatarsalgia or sesamoiditis.
Pain in the arch of the foot can be caused by plantar fasciitis or having flat feet or fallen arches. Pain in the toes can be caused by many conditions, including gout, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, toe sprains or fractures, arthritis, and corns.
To find out what is causing your foot pain, it is recommended that you consult with a chiropodist, who can diagnose your condition and offer the appropriate treatments.
Pain on the top of your feet can be uncomfortable and debilitating, affecting your daily activities and quality of life. This type of foot pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress fractures, ganglion cysts, osteoarthritis, tarsal fusion, and trauma. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones that are often the result of overuse, especially when there is a sudden increase in physical activity. A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled capsule near joints or tendons that can cause pain when it presses against nerves. Osteoarthritis can cause an arch collapse that leads to top-of-foot pain, particularly if linked to toe joints. Tarsal coalition is a fusion of foot bones in young individuals, resulting in stiffness, flat feet, and pain on top of the foot. Tendonitis is the Inflammation of tendons, often affecting the tibialis anterior tendon, which can cause localized pain on the top of the foot that is worsened by activity. Trauma includes any foot injury, such as fractures, sprains, or impact, that can lead to top-of-foot pain. If you are experiencing persistent pain on the top of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist who can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.
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.
When getting ready for a trip to the pool, the beach, or the boardwalk during the summer months, you may slip on a pair of flip-flops. While wearing these shoes for short periods of time is typically not a problem, wearing flip-flops all day, every day, all summer long is not great for your feet. Frequent flip-flop wear is associated with a host of foot and ankle problems.
Flip-flops are usually flimsy, providing no arch support to the feet. This can make foot pain more likely, particularly in the arches and heels. Your ankles, legs, hips, and even back can also be affected. Flip-flops also provide no protection from the elements or from injury. Cracked heels, direct impacts to the feet, and viral, fungal, and bacterial infections may be more likely to occur if you wear flip-flops often.
Perhaps one of the biggest problems with flip-flops is how difficult they are to keep on your feet. As you walk with flip-flops on, several changes are taking place. Your gait, or walking pattern, shifts to shorter strides, and your toes grip the edges of the flip-flops to keep them on your feet. Over time, these changes can cause toe and foot deformities, such as hammertoes and bunions. You’re also more likely to slip and fall as your shoes flop on your feet and catch on things on the ground below.
To learn more about the dangers of flip-flops, and for help finding alternative summer shoe options, please consult with a chiropodist.
Summertime calls for laid-back footwear, and flip-flops have long been a popular choice for their simple and stylish appeal. However, beneath the relaxed vibes, frequently wearing flip-flops can take a toll on our feet. Wearing these types of shoes may lead to a range of foot problems. These flat, open-toed sandals offer minimal arch support and cushioning, leading to issues like arch pain, plantar fasciitis, and possibly stress fractures. The lack of straps can cause the toes to grip the sole tightly, potentially leading to conditions such as hammertoes and calluses. While flip-flops are convenient and attractive, it is vital to acknowledge the potential harm they may pose to our foot health. If you choose to wear flip flops during the majority of the summer months, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can guide you toward additional stylish shoes to wear which can help to protect your foot health.
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.
Systemic diseases affect the entire body, rather than a single organ or body part. When a patient presents with a systemic disease, they may also exhibit foot and ankle symptoms. Some of the most common systemic diseases that affect the feet and ankles include peripheral artery disease (PAD), peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, arthritis, and gout.
Peripheral artery disease is a condition caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply the lower limbs. This causes the arteries to narrow and harden, thereby reducing blood flow to the feet and ankles. Though often asymptomatic in its early stages, people with PAD can develop symptoms as the disease worsens. These may include pain in the lower limbs, cramping, numbness, tingling, difficulty walking, discoloration, hair loss, and wounds.
Peripheral neuropathy refers to nerve damage in the lower limbs. This condition is often accompanied by diabetes. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness, a pins and needles sensation, sharp, throbbing, or burning pain, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking.
Diabetes affects blood sugar. When blood sugar levels in the body are too high, multiple organ systems and biological processes are damaged. Diabetics often develop poor circulation, peripheral neuropathy, and a weakened immune system. Together, these problems can lead to wounds forming on the lower limbs. Because of neuropathy, the wounds may go undetected until they have become serious. Poor circulation means that the wounded tissues do not receive enough nutrients to heal properly, leading to slow and poor healing. Meanwhile, a weakened immune system could make the wound more likely to become infected. Proper wound care is a must for people with diabetes.
Arthritis is a condition characterized by damage to the lining of the joints. There are various different types of arthritis, but the symptoms are similar. Arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and inflammation that makes it difficult to retain your mobility.
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by urea crystals lodging themselves in your joints. These crystals aggravate the joint, leading to sudden and intense pain, swelling, and inflammation.
If you are living with a systemic disease that affects your lower limbs, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist.
Scleroderma is a rare, chronic autoimmune disease affecting skin and internal organs. It stems from immune system-induced inflammation and tissue changes, often resulting in skin tightening and thickening. It can also affect joints, muscles, and various organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, or intestines. While predominantly affecting women aged 30 to 50, children can develop a juvenile form of scleroderma. There is no cure for this disease, however symptom management and improved quality of life are achievable through treatment. Signs and symptoms of scleroderma vary, from minor to life-threatening. One early indicator is Raynaud's phenomenon, characterized by color changes in toes due to cold exposure. Patients may experience red, white, or blue toes, along with swelling, numbness, pain, or ulcers. Other symptoms arise depending on organ involvement, requiring diagnostic assessments like blood tests, autoantibody detection, and imaging. Treatment options include medications for improving circulation in Raynaud's disease and addressing skin thickening and organ complications. Lifestyle adjustments, such as staying warm and protecting extremities, can enhance comfort. If you have scleroderma and it is causing you pain or affecting your mobility, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist for treatment that can help you live more comfortably.
Systemic diseases are medical problems that affect the entire body. Many systemic diseases can bring about foot and ankle problems. If you have a systemic disease that affects your lower limbs, 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.
Which systemic diseases can affect the feet?
Peripheral artery disease - Causes inadequate blood flow to the lower limbs
Peripheral neuropathy - Nerve damage in the nerves that supply the feet and ankles
Diabetes - Can cause nerve damage, poor circulation, and a weakened immune system that can lead to the formation of poorly healing wounds on the feet
Arthritis - A disease of the joints that damages joint lining, it often affects the small joints of the feet and the ankle joints
Gout - A build up of uric acid in the bloodstream that forms crystals that can lodge in the joints
How can a chiropodist help?
Chiropodists help people who have systemic disease manage and maintain their foot health in a variety of ways. They can diagnose a multitude of foot and ankle problems, screen for certain systemic conditions, teach patients about proper foot care, and provide information about preventive strategies that patients could employ to avoid complications from their systemic diseases. Chiropodists can also treat foot and ankle problems through medications, foot and ankle exercises, orthotics, and lifestyle recommendations, among many other potential treatments
If you are living with a systemic illness that impacts your foot health, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A fungal toenail infection, also known as onychomycosis, can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Infected nails often become thickened, brittle, crumbly, and discolored with white, yellow, or brown patches. The affected nails may also lift from the nail bed and emit a foul odor.
Fungal toenail infections are contagious and are caused by a fungus getting in, on, or under the toenails. Fungi thrive in moist, warm environments like public swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, and many people contract fungal nail infections from walking barefoot in these environments. The fungus can also spread from person to person. For this reason, it is best to avoid sharing personal items like shoes, socks, and towels with an infected individual.
Certain factors can make one more likely to contract toenail fungus. People who have diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immune system, are over the age of 65, wear artificial nails, have a toenail injury or damaged skin around their toenails, wear closed-toe shoes, and expose their feet to moisture for extended periods of time are at an increased risk of onychomycosis.
Treatment options for toenail fungus include oral medications and topical solutions such as medicated nail polishes and creams. Treatment can take several months to be effective, so it is recommended that you see a chiropodist as soon as you notice the symptoms of toenail fungus. For more information about this condition, please consult with a podiatrist.
Toenail fungus, known as onychomycosis, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when a living fungus infiltrates the nail and feeds on its keratin. This leads to noticeable changes in the nail's appearance. The primary culprits behind fungal toenail infections are dermatophytes, although yeasts and molds can also be responsible. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making communal showers, public changing rooms, and shared footwear common sources of infection. Superficial infections may appear as slight streaks or spots and are relatively simple to treat. But as the infection progresses, burrowing deeper into the nail, traditional creams and lacquers struggle to reach all the affected areas. Deep-acting treatments, such as antifungal laser therapy, are often necessary to clear these stubborn infections. Risk factors for developing toenail fungus include trauma to the nail, poor hygiene, excessive sweating, and working in wet environments. An accurate diagnosis is important, as several nail disorders can mimic fungal infections. A chiropodist can diagnose fungal infections through a physical examination and, if necessary, by sending a nail sample to a lab for confirmation. If you believe you may have a fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist.
Toenail fungus can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have diabetes or a compromised immune system, it may also be dangerous. To learn more about treatment options, 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 Does Toenail Fungus Look Like?
A fungal infection of the toenail may cause the affected nail to become thickened, brittle, crumbly, and yellowish or brown in color. Sometimes the toenail may separate from the nail bed, become deformed, emit a foul odor, or cause pain or discomfort.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is caused by a fungus that infects the nail bed. The fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments and is also contagious. Athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection of the skin, may spread to the nails and cause toenail fungus.
What Treatments Are Available?
Potential treatments for toenail fungus may include oral antifungal medications, topical antifungal medications, such as medicated nail polishes that are applied directly to the affected nail, and laser therapy. Sometimes, a combination of treatments is prescribed.
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.
You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
