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Arthritis is an inflammation of joints that become stiff, painful, and swollen. There are three types of arthritis, among many, which are likely to affect the feet and ankles. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and it can gradually erode the cartilage of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, possibly causing foot problems and pain. Post-traumatic arthritis, like osteoarthritis, can occur after a fracture or other injury has happened to the feet. All types of arthritis affecting the feet can cause mobility issues and interfere with comfortable functioning. When arthritis is present, it can help to engage in regular physical activity which may reduce pain and promote strength, flexibility, and endurance. Exercise can also help to maintain a healthy body weight, which will lessen pressure on the feet. Other helpful tips for coping with foot arthritis include inspecting the feet daily which can help the patient to notice any problems that may be developing. It is beneficial to wear properly fitted shoes, with ample room for the toes to wiggle in, in addition to having good arch support. If you have arthritis and it is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for relief options.  

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

The skin on the heels of the feet can become dry and cracked, which can turn into deep, painful fissures. Cracked heels are unattractive and can be uncomfortable. Cold weather and lower humidity can cause this kind of cracking, in addition to hot showers, harsh soaps, and dehydration. Diabetic patients are prone to having foot problems, including cracked heels. With nerve damage common among people who are diabetic, it is difficult for them to retain natural skin oils and moisture in their feet. Without medical attention, cracked heels in diabetics can result in infection and other complications. Proper foot care can help alleviate cracked heels. This includes regularly examining the feet, and washing, drying, and moisturizing the feet each day. If you have diabetes and have cracked heels or other foot problems, it is strongly suggested that you visit a chiropodist for an examination and treatment plan.

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic feet, 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. 

Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including: 

• Poor circulation
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers
• Infection
• Corns and calluses
• Dry, cracked skin
• Nail disorders
• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Charcot foot

If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any: 

• Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds
• Bruising or discoloration
• Swelling
• Rash
• Foul odor
• Nail changes
• Hair loss
• Warmth and inflammation
• Deformities
• Lower limb pain
• Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)

If you detect anything unusual, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. 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.

If you experience heel pain after running, this could indicate that you have developed plantar fasciitis. Known as runner’s heel, this condition can cause sharp pain in the heel and arch the morning after a run. Symptoms include increased pain after sleeping, difficulty lifting the toes off the ground, and reduced pain when running again. Other conditions that cause heel pain may include a pulled muscle in the arch, wearing running shoes that fit improperly and pronounced overpronation. Common causes of heel pain in runners is increasing the time, length, and running distance too quickly. Finding running shoes with the proper cushioning and support can help to alleviate pain or injury from running. In some cases custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, may be helpful in addressing specific foot conditions that contribute to heel pain. For details about how to deal with heel pain after running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist who can evaluate your gait and discuss treatment options.

Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel 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 it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include: 

• Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs
• Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness
• Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time
• Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf 

Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. 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. 

The foot condition that is known as plantar hyperhidrosis can be uncomfortable. This ailment is characterized by excessive sweating of the feet and affects approximately five percent of the population. This condition falls into two categories. The hands, feet, and underarms are affected by primary hyperhidrosis. This usually occurs during the day and does not occur while sleeping. Sweating that affects larger areas of the body can fall into the category of secondary hyperhidrosis, which may be caused by taking a specific medication. Having feet that sweat profusely may lead to developing other foot conditions. These may include fungal infections, dermatitis, or blisters. If you have plantar hyperhidrosis, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can offer you treatment options that are best for you.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessive sweating of the feet. This problem is not only embarrassing but can also cause a variety of foot health problems if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments available for plantar hyperhidrosis. If you have very sweaty feet, 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. 

Signs & Symptoms

• Excessive foot sweat
• Sweating from both feet
• Slipping out of shoes due to sweat
• Damp footprints
• Ruined shoes
• Frequent foot infections
• Friction blisters
• Whitish foot color
• Wrinkly, pruney feet
• Cold feet
• Strong odor

Treatment Options

• Topical antiperspirants - Powders, creams, or gels that are applied directly to the feet to prevent sweating; can be over the counter or prescription strength
• Oral medications - Pills taken by mouth to reduce sweating temporarily
• Iontophoresis - A procedure that uses a mild electrical current conducted through water to reduce activity in hyperactive sweat glands
• Botox - Injected into the feet to prevent activation of sweat glands

In addition to these treatment options, footwear modifications, such as wearing shoes and socks made of breathable or moisture-wicking materials, are also suggested. 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.