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.

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.

Experiencing sudden ankle pain without an apparent injury can be perplexing and concerning. Several non-traumatic factors can trigger this discomfort. Overuse and strain due to prolonged standing, excessive walking, or sudden increase in physical activity can strain the ankle ligaments and muscles, resulting in pain. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause sudden and sharp pain due to inflammation and deterioration of the ankle joint. Wearing improper footwear or high heels for an extended period can strain the ankle and lead to acute pain. Flat feet or overpronation can also cause unexpected pain as it alters the alignment and functioning of the foot, impacting the ankles. Circulatory issues such as blood clots or vascular diseases can manifest as sharp, sudden ankle pain, warranting immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can provide you with treatment options.

Ankle pain is a common symptom of many lower limb problems. If you are experiencing ankle 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. 

The ankle is composed of a number of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. There are many conditions which may cause ankle pain. 

Causes

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Fractures

• Bursitis

• Arthritis

• Gout

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms

If you have ankle pain, you may also experience a variety of other symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Some of these symptoms may include ankle swelling, bruising, redness, numbness or tingling, instability, and difficulty walking.

Diagnosis

The underlying cause of ankle pain can be diagnosed by a chiropodist. Diagnoses are typically made based on your medical history, a physical examination of the affected ankle, and imaging studies such as X-rays. 

Treatment

Treatment for your ankle pain will depend on its underlying cause. Often, the chiropodist will recommend that you rest the affected ankle. You might also need to ice, compress, and elevate the ankle, wear an orthotic device, or take medications to reduce pain and inflammation. 

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.

Our feet are remarkable structures composed of various muscles that work in perfect harmony to support our bodies and facilitate movement. The two primary types of muscles found in the feet are known as extrinsic and intrinsic. Intrinsic muscles are those within the foot itself. They are responsible for fine tuning movements and controlling the arches, toes, and alignment. These muscles help maintain balance and provide stability during activities such as walking or standing. They play an important role in distributing body weight evenly across the foot. Conversely, extrinsic muscles originate in the lower leg and extend into the foot. They are responsible for more powerful movements, such as flexing, pointing, and rotating the foot. These muscles help us generate force for activities like running, jumping, or dancing. The intricate interplay between these muscle groups is what enables our feet to carry out a wide range of activities efficiently. Whether you are walking, running, or simply balancing, it is the coordinated effort of these muscles that keeps you steady and on the move. Understanding their roles and maintaining foot health is vital for an active and pain-free lifestyle. If you would like to learn more about the muscles in the feet, it is suggested that you speak with a chiropodist who can provide you with useful information.

The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, 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. 

Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your feet. 

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis, abbreviated RA, is an autoimmune disorder that can have debilitating effects on various joints, including the feet. This chronic condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes surrounding the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and joint damage. When it comes to the feet, RA can manifest in several ways. One common symptom is joint stiffness, particularly in the morning, making it challenging to move the toes and ankles comfortably. Painful and swollen joints, often in the toes and forefoot, are another sign. As RA progresses, it can lead to the development of bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities in the foot's structure. It can also damage the ligaments and tendons that support the feet, leading to instability and difficulty walking. While there is no cure for RA, early diagnosis and comprehensive management can help mitigate its effect on the feet and improve the overall quality of life. A combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and orthotic devices can help to offer relief and support to keep individuals with RA on their feet and moving comfortably. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it is suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can help you to manage this condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own otherwise healthy joint lining or synovium. While RA can affect any joint in the body, it often affects the small joints of the feet and the ankle joint. If you’re dealing with RA in 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. 

Symptoms of RA primarily affect the joints of the feet and may include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Stiffness 

• Redness

• Warmth

• Difficulty walking

• Gait changes

• Bunions

• Hammertoes 

Treatment

While there is no cure for RA, your chiropodist can help you manage the health of your feet and maintain your mobility while living with this condition. Possible treatments include wearing orthotics, doing foot and ankle exercises, resting the feet, taking anti-inflammatory medications, getting steroid injections, and wearing braces for foot and ankle pain. In advanced cases of RA, joint replacement surgery may be helpful for mobility. Bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities can be corrected with surgery as well. 

If you have RA, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.